Non-Hormonal Contraception

Non-hormonal birth control can involve creating a barrier between sperm and the egg, changing the chemistry in the reproductive tract or a combination of both methods.

Male Condom
Female Condom
Sponge
Cervical Cap
Diaphragm
Spermicides
Vasectomy
Tubal Ligation & Tubal Occlusion
Intrauterine Contraception (IUC)

Male Condom

Male condoms are inexpensive, readily available without a prescription, and used only at the time of sexual activity. They are worn over the penis during sexual intercourse or oral sex and they come in a variety of sizes, thinness, textures, and colours/flavours. They are also available with a wide selection of lubricants on the condom to help enhance sensitivity and pleasure for both partners (i.e. warming/tingling sensations, premium silicone-base, climax-control).

Most condoms are made of latex, but non-latex condoms are also available in polyurethane and polyisoprene. Latex, polyurethane and polyisoprene condoms are also effective for preventing most sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

How does it work?

The condom is worn over the penis during sexual activity. It should be put on before any skin-to-skin genital contact occurs.
The condom acts as a physical barrier preventing direct contact between the penis and the vagina. It prevents the exchange of body fluids and also traps the sperm in the condom so it cannot fertilize the egg.
The condom is thrown away after intercourse. A new one must be used for each repeated act of intercourse.

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Female Condom

The female condom is a soft, loose-fitting, seamless nitrile polymer sheath containing two flexible rings, one at each end. It is inserted into the vagina before sex and works by holding in the sperm, preventing it from entering the vagina.

How does it work?

The female condom is a barrier contraception method, preventing contact between the sperm and the vagina.
The external ring at the open end of the condom sits outside the vagina, providing some protection. The internal ring at the closed end of the condom is inserted into the vagina and helps to keep it in place.
The sheath is coated on the inside with a silicone-based lubricant.
It can be placed in the vagina up to 8 hours before sexual intercourse.
A new female condom should be used for each repeated act of sexual intercourse.

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Sponge

The contraceptive sponge is a small, disposable, polyurethane foam device that is placed in the vagina. It fits over the cervix to provide a physical barrier to prevent sperm from entering. The sponge also contains a spermicide, which helps to absorb and trap sperm.

How does it work?

The contraceptive action of the sponge is primarily provided by the spermicide, which is slowly released over a period of 24 hours.
The spermicide absorbs and traps the sperm and destroys the sperm cell membrane.
The sponge itself also provides a physical barrier to prevent sperm from entering the cervix.
The sponge can be inserted into the vagina by the women using it up to 24 hours before intercourse. One side has a concave dimple that fits over the cervix. The other side has a loop to facilitate removal.
The sponge comes in one size only and is available in pharmacies without a prescription.
Protection begins immediately when inserted and lasts for 24 hours even with repeated acts of intercourse. It should be left in the vagina for at least 6 hours after the last act of intercourse but should not remain in the vagina for more than 30 hours total.

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Cervical Cap

The cervical cap is a deep silicone cap that fits against the cervix and prevents sperm and bacteria from entering.

How does it work?

The cervical cap serves as a physical barrier between sperm and the cervix.
It should always be used with a gel that immobilizes or kills sperm. The gel forms a physical cellulose barrier in front of the cervix and lowers the pH of the vaginal fluid, thereby inhibiting sperm motility.
The cap can be inserted into the vagina by the women using it up to 2 hours before having sex.
The gel should be reapplied, using and applicator, for each repeated act of intercourse or after 2 hours has passed.
It should be left in the vagina for at least 6 hours after intercourse but should not remain in the vagina for more than 48 hours total.
Cervical caps can be purchased online or from a pharmacy with a prescription. It should be replaced every year.

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Diaphragm

The diaphragm is a cap, made of latex or silicone and nylon, that covers the cervix and prevents sperm and from entering. The diaphragm should always be used with a gel, which is placed inside the diaphragm to immobilize or kill sperm.

How does it work?

The diaphragm serves as a physical barrier between sperm and the cervix.
It should always be used with a gel that immobilizes or kills sperm.
The gel forms a physical cellulose barrier in front of the cervix and lowers the pH of the vaginal fluid, thereby inhibiting sperm motility.
The diaphragm can be inserted into the vagina by the women using it up to 2 hours before having sex.
The diaphragm should be left in the vagina for at least 6 hours after intercourse but should not remain in the vagina for more than 24 hours total.
If there is repeated intercourse within the first 6 hours, more gel should be inserted with an application (the diaphragm should not be removed).

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Spermicides

A chemical called nonoxynol-9 comes in the form of cream (only for use with diaphragms), gel, foam, film, or suppository. By inserting spermicide in front of the cervix, in the vagina, it destroys sperm on contact. Spermicides should be used along with another method of contraception, such as a condom, because alone they are not highly effective.

How does it work?

Nonoxynol-9 is a surfactant that destroys the sperm cell membrane.
Spermicides are available at pharmacies without a prescription, in the form of cream, gel, foam, film, or suppository.
Spermicidal film must be inserted into the vagina at least 15 minutes before intercourse. It will melt and disperse. If more than 3 hours have passed before intercourse, another film must be inserted.
Spermicidal foam is inserted into the vagina using an applicator. It is effective immediately and for up to one hour after insertion. It must be applied again for each act of intercourse.

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Vasectomy

Male sterilization by vasectomy is a permanent surgical procedure to close or block the vas deferens (the tubes that carry sperm to the penis). Since it is permanent, this option is especially for those who have decided that their family is complete or that they don’t want to have children. Compared to tubal ligation, vasectomy is safer, more effective, less expensive, and less invasive.

How does it work?

In a vasectomy procedure, the vas deferens is partially removed or blocked, so that no sperm is released to fertilize the egg.
Using local anaesthesia, a health professional will reach the vas deferens either by making a small incision on the skin of the scrotum (conventional vasectomy) or by making a small puncture on the skin of the scrotum (no-scalpel vasectomy).
Another form of contraception is required until a semen analysis shows no sperm.

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Tubal Ligation & Tubal Occlusion

Female sterilization by tubal ligation is a permanent surgical procedure where the two fallopian tubes, which transport the eggs from the ovaries to the uterus, get disconnected. Tubal ligation is considered permanent, because reversal is costly, difficult, and not guaranteed.

Female sterilization by tubal occlusion is a permanent procedure where a micro-insert is placed into each of the fallopian tubes. The micro-inserts work with your body to form a natural barrier that keeps sperm from reaching the eggs, preventing pregnancy.

How does it work?

There are a few types of one-day surgeries/procedures for female sterilization, which is performed by a gynaecologist:

Tubal ligation:

Laparoscopy – using a general anesthesia, the doctor will make small incisions over the abdomen and either clip, burn or remove the fallopian tubes.
Abdominally – during a caesarean section, a gynaecologist can access the fallopian tubes to either clip or remove them.

Tubal occlusion:

Hysteroscopy – using only local anesthesia, a gynaecologist will put micro-inserts in your fallopian tubes through a vaginal approach. It takes 3 months for this method to be effective, at which time a confirmation test (e.g. x-ray, ultrasound) is done to make sure the tubes are fully blocked.

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Intrauterine Contraception (IUC)

Intrauterine contraceptives (IUCs) are long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods that are used by over 150 million women worldwide. They are the most effective forms of birth control available. IUCs are small T-shaped devices that are inserted in the uterus by a health care professional in a clinic. There are two types of intrauterine contraception: the Copper intrauterine device (Cu-IUD) and the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS), which contains a progestin.

How does it work?

Cu-IUD: The presence of the foreign body, the IUC itself, creates a hostile environment leading to prevention of a pregnancy.
The IUC is inserted by a health professional, in a clinic. The procedure is fairly simple, does not require anaesthesia, and only takes a few minutes.
Depending on the device, the IUC can remain inserted for 3-10 years, before needing to be replaced.

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SOS - Stay on Schedule

Taking hormonal contraception means trying to stay on schedule with your doses,
which isn’t always easy to do.

The Stay on Schedule tool is your guide for knowing what to do if you miss a dose
or forget to take your birth control on time.

Click Here

It’s a plan – Helping you make decisions about contraception

With so many options available, making the right decisions about contraception can be overwhelming.

It’s a Plan was created to help you and your health care provider determine the contraception method that is best for you.

CLICK HERE