Contraception Services in Ottawa | CARE Fertility Clinic Ottawa

Contraception

Contraceptive Skin Patch
Emergency Contraception
Intrauterine Devices
Oral Contraception
Tubal Ligation
Vaginal Ring

Contraception is any method of birth control used to prevent pregnancy. Women have a variety of options to choose from, depending on their age, health, and lifestyle. Contraceptive methods can be permanent or temporary, and their effectiveness varies. It is important for each woman to select a method that best suits her needs.

During a woman‘s monthly cycle, the ovaries produce an egg that moves through the fallopian tubes into the uterus. When an active sperm reaches and fertilizes the egg, it attaches to the wall of the uterus and begins to develop. There are various methods of contraception that prevent pregnancy, some by changing the process of a woman‘s cycle, and some by ensuring that the sperm and egg do not meet.

Methods of Contraception

There are two basic types of contraception available. Some are available by prescription only, and others can be purchased over the counter at a pharmacy.

Barrier Methods

Barrier methods of contraception create a physical block between sperm and the egg, preventing pregnancy. Common barrier methods include:

Cervical Cap: A small, cup-shaped device that covers the cervix, blocking sperm from entering the uterus.
Diaphragm: A flexible, dome-shaped device that covers the cervix to prevent sperm from reaching the uterus.
Sponge: A soft, round device that is inserted into the vagina, covering the cervix and containing spermicide to kill sperm.
Condom: A sheath worn over the penis (male condom) or inside the vagina (female condom) that prevents sperm from entering the uterus.

Condoms and sponges are available over the counter, while diaphragms and cervical caps require a prescription and fitting by a healthcare provider. Spermicide, a substance that kills sperm, can be used with all barrier methods except the sponge, which already contains spermicide.

Hormonal Methods

Hormonal methods of birth control use hormones to prevent pregnancy, primarily by preventing ovulation (the release of an egg) and thickening cervical mucus to inhibit sperm movement. These methods generally involve estrogen, progestin, or a combination of both hormones. Common hormonal methods include:

Birth Control Pills: Oral tablets that must be taken daily or as directed by a physician. They work by preventing ovulation and thickening cervical mucus.
Injections: Hormonal shots administered every few months to prevent ovulation.
Vaginal Ring: A flexible ring inserted into the vagina that releases hormones over a period of three weeks.
Patch: A small, sticky patch worn on the skin that releases hormones to prevent ovulation.
Implant: A small rod inserted under the skin of the arm that releases hormones for several years.
Intrauterine Device (IUD): A T-shaped device inserted into the uterus, which releases hormones or uses copper to prevent pregnancy.

Hormonal methods require a prescription and are selected based on a thorough evaluation by a physician. Birth control pills require daily adherence, while other hormonal methods like the vaginal ring, implant, and IUD provide longer-term contraception with less frequent maintenance.

To be effective, both barrier and hormonal methods of contraception must be used consistently and correctly.

Risks of Contraception

In general, hormonal methods of birth control have more risks associated with them than barrier methods.

Barrier Methods

Although most barrier methods of birth control are safe, they can carry risks such as:

Vaginal or cervical irritation
Allergic reaction to spermicides or latex
Toxic shock syndrome
Urinary tract infection
Allergic reaction to latex

Note that condoms are the only method of contraception that provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases and HIV.

Hormonal Methods

Although most methods of hormonal birth control are safe, they are associated with the following risks:

Irregular bleeding
Heart attack
Skin or vaginal irritation
Blood clots
Headache
Weight gain
Stroke

Women over 35 or those who smoke face a much higher risk of heart attack or stroke with hormonal birth control. Note that hormonal methods protect against HIV or sexually transmitted diseases.

It is important to consider all risks inherent in a particular method of birth control before choosing it.