Improving livelihoods through access to contraception.
Everyday millions of women, girls and gender-diverse people around the globe face many obstacles in being able to make decisions about their own lives and realizing their full economic and human potential. Access to modern contraception is crucial to women’s empowerment as it increases their decision-making power and autonomy leading to improved livelihoods.
As part of World Contraception Day, we share some of the most common contraceptive methods and how they work.
Hormonal Methods:
The Pill:
Pills usually contains the hormones estrogen and progestin. They must be taken daily around the same time. If taken as directed, they are highly effective in preventing unplanned pregnancies as it prevents the fertilization of an egg by a sperm.
99% Effective | Daily dose.
The Patch:
This skin patch releases hormones called estrogen and progestin, which are absorbed through the skin into the body, preventing ovulation — meaning, they stop your ovaries from releasing an egg. These hormones also thin the lining of the uterus, which makes it harder for a fertilized egg to implant into the uterus. Lastly, they thicken the cervical mucus, which makes it harder for sperm to reach the egg.
91% Effective | Replace weekly.
The Shot:
The injections release the progestogen hormons into the bloodstream to prevent pregnancy.
94% Effective | Every 3 months.
IUD:
Stands for “intrauterine device.” Shaped like a “T” and a bit bigger than a quarter, an IUD fits inside the uterus. It prevents pregnancy by stopping sperm from reaching and fertilizing eggs.
99% Effective | Lasts Up To 3 to 12 years.
Barrier Methods:
Condom:
A small, thin sleeve that covers the penis and collects semen during intercourse. It prevents pregnancy by preventing sperm from entering the vagina, so that it does not reach the egg. Some types of condoms also prevent STDs.
95% Effective | One time use.
Internal Condom:
Made of nitrile polymer, it is a tube with flexible rings at each end, one closed and the other open. It is inserted into the vagina up to 8 hours before intercourse and helps prevent pregnancy, and STDs, including HIV by preventing sperm from entering the vagina.
95% Effective | One time use.
Spermicide:
Works by stopping sperm from reaching an egg. It’s inserted into the vagina prior to intercourse and comes in many forms like gels, creams, foams and suppositories. Spermicides are more effective when they are combined with other forms of birth control.
86% Effective | Apply before intercourse
Fòs Feminista’s partners around the world are making sure that a variety of contraceptive methods are available for women, girls and gender-diverse people using technology and innovative ways to ensure improved access to low-cost contraception and its uptake through family planning programmes which have led to reduced high-risk pregnancies, maternal and child mortality, teen and unplanned pregnancies and improved child health and nutrition.
