Overview of commonly-practiced birth control methods
Collins, J.
Imprint 36(4): 63-67
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-3062 PMID: 2807349 Document Number: 376347
Noting that health care providers must be knowledgeable about the available contraceptive methods and be able to assist clients in making informed decisions, this article provides a brief overview of commonly practices birth control methods. The article reviews oral contraceptives, the IUD, the condom, the diaphragm, the sponge, the cervical cap, spermicides, and withdrawal (coitus interruptus). Additionally, the article also examines fertility swawareness methods -- abstinence, temperature, rhythm method, mucus examination, and illustration of calendar -- and voluntary sterilization -- including tubal ligation and vasectomy. For each contraceptive method, the author discusses how it works, its effectiveness, its benefits and risks, its drawbacks, and its cost. Excluding abstinence, the most effective method is voluntary sterilization (which is also the most popular method of birth control in the US) with an effectiveness rate of 99.6%. Other highly effective methods include copper-bearing IUDs (99%), oral contraceptives (97.5%), and hormonal-releasing IUDs (97%). The least effective methods include contraceptive foams, creams, jellies, and suppositories (80%); withdrawal (80%); and fertility awareness methods (76%). The article goes on to list contraceptive methods that could soon be available. Finally, the author discusses nurses' role and responsibility in providing effective contraceptive counseling and informed decision making.