Permanent
What is birth control?
Birth control, also known as contraception, is the use of medicines, devices, or surgery to prevent pregnancy. There are many different types. Some are reversable, while others are permanent. Some types can also help prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
What are the different types of birth control?There are several different types of birth control, and they work in different ways:
Barrier methodsMale condomA thin sheath that covers the penis to collect sperm and prevent it from entering the woman's body. Condoms that are made of latex and polyurethane can help prevent STDs.Female condomA thin, flexible plastic pouch. Part of the condom is inserted into the vagina before intercourse to prevent sperm from entering the uterus. The uterus, or womb, is the place where the baby grows during pregnancy. Female condoms can also help prevent STDs.Contraceptive spongeA small sponge that you put into the vagina to cover the cervix (the opening of the uterus). The sponge also contains a spermicide to kill sperm.SpermicideA substance that can kill sperm cells. It comes in a foam, jelly, cream, suppository, or film. You put it into the vagina near the uterus. Spermicide can be used alone or with a diaphragm or cervical cap.Diaphragm and cervical capCups that are placed inside the vagina to cover the cervix. They may be used with spermicide. They come in different sizes, so it's important to see your health care provider to figure out which size works best for you.Hormonal methodsOral contraceptives ("the pill")Pills that a woman takes every day. They may contain only progestin or both progestin and estrogen.Contraceptive patchA patch that a woman puts on her skin each week. The patch releases hormones into the bloodstream.Vaginal ringA thin, flexible ring. The woman inserts the ring into the vagina, where it continually releases hormones for three weeks. She takes it out for the fourth week. After that week, she puts in a new ring.Injectable birth controlAn injection of a hormone that a woman gets once every three months. This is done in your provider's office.ImplantA single, thin rod that a provider inserts under the skin of a women's upper arm. It is done in your provider's office. The implant can last for four years.Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs)Intrauterine device (IUD)A small, T-shaped device that a provider inserts into the uterus. This is done in the provider's office. IUDs can last from 3 to 10 years. There are two types: hormonal IUDs and copper IUDs.SterilizationTubal ligationA surgery that prevents a woman from getting pregnant. It is permanent.VasectomyA surgery that prevents a man from getting someone pregnant. It is permanent.What are some other forms of pregnancy prevention?There are some types of pregnancy prevention that do not involve medicines, devices, or surgery:
Other forms of pregnancy preventionFertility awareness-based methodsThey are also called natural rhythm methods. They involve tracking the woman's fertility cycle and avoiding sex or using barrier methods on the days when she is most likely to get pregnant. This method may have higher pregnancy rates than other types.Lactational amenorrhea method (LAM)A form of natural birth control for breastfeeding mothers. It relies on the new mother feeding her baby only breastmilk for up to six months and having no periods or spotting during that time.WithdrawalDuring intercourse, the penis is pulled out of the vagina before ejaculation. The goal is to keep sperm from entering the vagina . But the sperm can leak out before the penis is pulled out, so this method has higher pregnancy rates than other types.What is emergency contraception?Emergency contraception is not a regular method of birth control. But it can be used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or if a condom breaks. There are two types:
- Copper IUD, which is a small, T-shaped device that a provider inserts into the within 120 hours of unprotected intercourse.
- Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs), which are hormonal pills which the woman takes as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse.
When deciding which birth control type is right for you, there are many different factors to consider:
- Do you want to have children someday? How soon?
- Do you have any health conditions?
- How often do you have sex?
- How many sex partners do you have?
- Do you also need protection from HIV and other STDs?
- How well does the birth control method work?
- Are there any side effects?
- Will you be able to use it correctly every time?
- How much does it cost?
Your provider can answer your questions about birth control to help you select the best type for you.
NIH: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
WARNING: All medicines, drugs, plants, chemicals or medicial precedures below are for historical reference only. Many of these treatments are now known to be harmful and possibly fatal. Do not consume any plant, chemical, drug or otherwise without first consulting a licensed physician that practices medine in the appropriate field.
Felter's Materia Medica on Permanent
ACONITUM NEPALLUS
...al Constituents.Aconitine (C34H47011N) one of the most poisonous of known alkaloids, occurring as permanent colorless or white crystals, without odor. A drop of solution of one part of aconitine in ......, the systemic effects of aconite seldom last over three hours, though the therapeutic esult may be permanent. When aconite kills it does so usually by paralyzing the heart, arresting that organ in di...1
...al Constituents.Aconitine (C34H47011N) one of the most poisonous of known alkaloids, occurring as permanent colorless or white crystals, without odor. A drop of solution of one part of aconitine in ......, the systemic effects of aconite seldom last over three hours, though the therapeutic esult may be permanent. When aconite kills it does so usually by paralyzing the heart, arresting that organ in di...1
ASPIDIUM
The rhizome of Dryopteris Filix-mas and of Dryopteris marginalis, Asa Gray (Nat. Ord. Filices). World-wide ferns of the Northern Hemispheres.... / ...ps, dyspnea, cold perspiration, cyanosis, collapse, and death. In some cases amblyopia results, and permanent visual and aural disturbances have resulted from its toxic action. Unless the doses are ex...1
The rhizome of Dryopteris Filix-mas and of Dryopteris marginalis, Asa Gray (Nat. Ord. Filices). World-wide ferns of the Northern Hemispheres.... / ...ps, dyspnea, cold perspiration, cyanosis, collapse, and death. In some cases amblyopia results, and permanent visual and aural disturbances have resulted from its toxic action. Unless the doses are ex...1
CACTUS (Selenicereus spp.)
The fresh, green stems and the flowers of Selenicereus grandiflorus (L.) Britt. & Rose (and other Selenicereus speciesMM) (Cereus grandiflorus,... / ... over the nervous system is somewhat like that of pulsatilla, and the effects of cactus are usually permanent. In medicinal doses, cactus diminishes the frequency of the pulse, and increases the renal... / ...organ were held with a strong band, it is often the most prompt of all cardiac remedies. It is a good remedy in the heart troubles produced by to1
The fresh, green stems and the flowers of Selenicereus grandiflorus (L.) Britt. & Rose (and other Selenicereus speciesMM) (Cereus grandiflorus,... / ... over the nervous system is somewhat like that of pulsatilla, and the effects of cactus are usually permanent. In medicinal doses, cactus diminishes the frequency of the pulse, and increases the renal... / ...organ were held with a strong band, it is often the most prompt of all cardiac remedies. It is a good remedy in the heart troubles produced by to1
CAPSICUM
...tive and causes sharp burning pain and may destroy the epidermis. Capsicum is a pure, energetic and permanent stimulant. In large doses it produces vomiting, purging, pains in the stomach and bowels, ......ble good. Not merely for temporary purposes is capsicum efficient, but its effects are more or less permanent. Naturally it should be selected for atonic conditions and avoided where irritation or act...1
...tive and causes sharp burning pain and may destroy the epidermis. Capsicum is a pure, energetic and permanent stimulant. In large doses it produces vomiting, purging, pains in the stomach and bowels, ......ble good. Not merely for temporary purposes is capsicum efficient, but its effects are more or less permanent. Naturally it should be selected for atonic conditions and avoided where irritation or act...1
ELATERIUM
The feculence of the juice of the fruit of Ecballium Elaterium (Linné), A. Richard. (Nat. Ord. Cucurbitaceae.) A trailing vine of southern... / ...ative.Elaterinum, Elaterin. (Odorless, very bitter, and slightly acrid, white scales or crystals; permanent in the air. Very soluble in chloroform; sparingly in alcohol, and almost insoluble in wate... / ...is preferred by some physicians, though elaterium, notwithstanding its impurities, seems to be more generally efficient than its derivative.1
The feculence of the juice of the fruit of Ecballium Elaterium (Linné), A. Richard. (Nat. Ord. Cucurbitaceae.) A trailing vine of southern... / ...ative.Elaterinum, Elaterin. (Odorless, very bitter, and slightly acrid, white scales or crystals; permanent in the air. Very soluble in chloroform; sparingly in alcohol, and almost insoluble in wate... / ...is preferred by some physicians, though elaterium, notwithstanding its impurities, seems to be more generally efficient than its derivative.1
HYDRASTISHYDRA2
The dried rhizome and roots of Hydrastis canadensis, Linné (Nat. Ord. Ranunculaceae) United States and Canada in rich, shady woods. (Chiefly... / ...substance now sold as hydrastin. 6. Hydrastina, Hydrastine. (Alkaloid, both natural and synthetic.) Permanent white or creamy crystals or powder, almost insoluble in water; soluble in chloroform; less... / ...The preparation preferred is the colorless, though other hydrastis preparations, particularly berberine and hydrastin salts are useful, b1
The dried rhizome and roots of Hydrastis canadensis, Linné (Nat. Ord. Ranunculaceae) United States and Canada in rich, shady woods. (Chiefly... / ...substance now sold as hydrastin. 6. Hydrastina, Hydrastine. (Alkaloid, both natural and synthetic.) Permanent white or creamy crystals or powder, almost insoluble in water; soluble in chloroform; less... / ...The preparation preferred is the colorless, though other hydrastis preparations, particularly berberine and hydrastin salts are useful, b1
JALAPA (Ipomea jalapa)
The dried tuberous root of Ipomoea jalapa, Nuttall; (Ipomoea purga, Hayne; Exogonium jalapa, Baillon; Exogonium purga, Bentham). Nat.... / ...jalap. Yellowish-brown or brown masses or fragments, or a yellowish-gray or yellowish-brown powder, permanent, of a faint but peculiar odor, and somewhat acrid to the taste. Soluble in alcohol. Dose, ... / ...that modification of the compound powder as advised by Locke are desirable forms in which to use jalap. Jalap alone purges in about 3 to 4 hours.1
The dried tuberous root of Ipomoea jalapa, Nuttall; (Ipomoea purga, Hayne; Exogonium jalapa, Baillon; Exogonium purga, Bentham). Nat.... / ...jalap. Yellowish-brown or brown masses or fragments, or a yellowish-gray or yellowish-brown powder, permanent, of a faint but peculiar odor, and somewhat acrid to the taste. Soluble in alcohol. Dose, ... / ...that modification of the compound powder as advised by Locke are desirable forms in which to use jalap. Jalap alone purges in about 3 to 4 hours.1
OPIUM
... minims; for adults, 1 to 4 fluidrachms. CHIEF OPIUM ALKALOIDS AND THEIR SALTS. Morphina, Morphine. Permanent colorless or white fine needles or crystalline powder, without odor and very sparingly sol....../4 grain (average, 1/8 grain). Morphine Hydrochloridum, Morphine Hydrochloride (Morphine Chloride). Permanent and odorless silky needles, or cubical masses or crystalline white powder, readily soluble......m or ether. Dose, 1/12 to 1/4 grain (average dose, 1/8 grain). Morphine Sulphas, Morphine Sulphate. Permanent and odorless, white, silky and feathery needle crystals, freely soluble in hot or cold wat...1
... minims; for adults, 1 to 4 fluidrachms. CHIEF OPIUM ALKALOIDS AND THEIR SALTS. Morphina, Morphine. Permanent colorless or white fine needles or crystalline powder, without odor and very sparingly sol....../4 grain (average, 1/8 grain). Morphine Hydrochloridum, Morphine Hydrochloride (Morphine Chloride). Permanent and odorless silky needles, or cubical masses or crystalline white powder, readily soluble......m or ether. Dose, 1/12 to 1/4 grain (average dose, 1/8 grain). Morphine Sulphas, Morphine Sulphate. Permanent and odorless, white, silky and feathery needle crystals, freely soluble in hot or cold wat...1
PILOCARPUSPILOC
The dried leaflets of (1) Pilocarpus Jaborandi, Holmes; or (2) Pilocarpus microphyllus, Stapf (Nat. Ord. Rutaceae). Brazil and Paraguay. Dose, 20... / ...1/6 grain by mouth; 1/24 to 1/8 grain (hypodermatically). Pilocarpinae Nitras, Pilocarpine Nitrate. Permanent, shining, odorless crystals, very soluble in water and less so in alcohol; insoluble in ... / ...bronchial and lachrimal flow. The saliva contains an abundance of ptyalin and salts and readily converts starch into sugar. At times the mucous 1
The dried leaflets of (1) Pilocarpus Jaborandi, Holmes; or (2) Pilocarpus microphyllus, Stapf (Nat. Ord. Rutaceae). Brazil and Paraguay. Dose, 20... / ...1/6 grain by mouth; 1/24 to 1/8 grain (hypodermatically). Pilocarpinae Nitras, Pilocarpine Nitrate. Permanent, shining, odorless crystals, very soluble in water and less so in alcohol; insoluble in ... / ...bronchial and lachrimal flow. The saliva contains an abundance of ptyalin and salts and readily converts starch into sugar. At times the mucous 1
PODOPHYLLUM
The dried rhizome and roots of Podophyllum peltatum, Linné (Nat. Ord. Berberidaceae). Rich woods and thickets of North America. Dose, 5 to 30... / ...ain but slow cathartic; it is also. alterative. Unlike most strong cathartics the effects are quite permanent and the tone of the intestines improved. It may be used in nearly all cases in which podop...1
The dried rhizome and roots of Podophyllum peltatum, Linné (Nat. Ord. Berberidaceae). Rich woods and thickets of North America. Dose, 5 to 30... / ...ain but slow cathartic; it is also. alterative. Unlike most strong cathartics the effects are quite permanent and the tone of the intestines improved. It may be used in nearly all cases in which podop...1
STRAMONIUM (Datura spp.)
The dried leaves of Datura Stramonium, Linné, or of Datura Tatula, Linné (Nat. Ord. Solanaceae). A common weed everywhere in the United States,... / ...um habit, when the drug may be pushed to the full limit of endurance. It remains to be seen whether permanent damage may be done to the intellectual faculties from such dosage, as is the case with atr... / ...when associated with nervous erethism and unsteadiness. Like hyoscyamus, stramonium meets two classes of nervous and mental disordersthe ment1
The dried leaves of Datura Stramonium, Linné, or of Datura Tatula, Linné (Nat. Ord. Solanaceae). A common weed everywhere in the United States,... / ...um habit, when the drug may be pushed to the full limit of endurance. It remains to be seen whether permanent damage may be done to the intellectual faculties from such dosage, as is the case with atr... / ...when associated with nervous erethism and unsteadiness. Like hyoscyamus, stramonium meets two classes of nervous and mental disordersthe ment1
STROPHANTHUSSTROP4
The dried ripe seeds of Strophanthus Kombé, Oliver, or of Strophanthus hispidus, DeCandolle, deprived of their long awns (Nat. Ord. Apocynaceae).... / ...hinum, Strophanthin. Commercial strophanthin is a glucoside or mixture of glucosides occurring as a permanent white or yellowish powder, readily soluble in water and diluted alcohol; less soluble in a... / ...It has been reported useful in cases of mitral regurgitation with dilatation; mitral stenosis with regurgitation; regurgitation wi1
The dried ripe seeds of Strophanthus Kombé, Oliver, or of Strophanthus hispidus, DeCandolle, deprived of their long awns (Nat. Ord. Apocynaceae).... / ...hinum, Strophanthin. Commercial strophanthin is a glucoside or mixture of glucosides occurring as a permanent white or yellowish powder, readily soluble in water and diluted alcohol; less soluble in a... / ...It has been reported useful in cases of mitral regurgitation with dilatation; mitral stenosis with regurgitation; regurgitation wi1
References
1) Felter, Harvey Wickes, 1922, The Eclectic Materia Medica, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Cincinnati, Ohio.