Contraception

Methods of Contraception: Contraceptive Methods for Women

To this day, women have always been expected to take the main responsibility for contraception. Thus, over the years, a great variety of methods had been developed. In addition to total abstinence, there have been mechanical methods (female condom, diaphragm and cervical cap, intrauterine devices), hormonal methods (the “pill”, the patch, the ring, implants, injections, post-coital pills), spermicidal methods (jellies, creams, foams, foaming tablets, suppositories), abstinence during fertile days (rhythm method).

Which of these methods is used by which women depends on a great number of factors. First of all, not every method is suitable for every woman. Her personal habits and preferences play an important role, and so does her individual health status. Second, not all methods are available everywhere. In some countries, certain methods are promoted much more vigorously than others. As a result, for example, intrauterine devices are much more popular in China than in the USA. There are also great differences from country to country in the use of cervical caps, implants, and injections. Finally, it has to be kept in mind that the methods are being marketed under different brand names in different countries and also show some variation in their dosage and appearance. The following sections therefore offer only general descriptions and do not go into details about the brand names, different shapes, and availability of the various methods.