Some conventional birth control methods for women include the use of a diaphragm, use of spermicidal jellies and douches. These may prove effective but may produce irritation and infection over the area as side effect. Another choice is the rhythm method, or calendar method, which confines the sexual intercourse to a safe period only.
Another option is an intrauterine device which includes:
- Non-medicated intra uterine devices (IUD) e.g lippes loops
- Copper IUD – alter the composition of cervical mucus
- Hormone releasing IUD – filled with progesterone and acts by increasing the viscosity of cervical mucus
Contraceptive pills are another method. The classic, or combined pill, contains progesterone combined with small amounts of estrogen. The pill is taken for 21 days. The sequential pill involves administration of estrogen in high doses for 15 days followed by estrogen and progesterone tablets. The mini pill involves low doses of estrogen and finally the “Morning after pill,” which is taken within 72 hours of unprotected sexual intercourse.