If you’re looking for the best way to keep your contraception options open, look no further than this list of the 10 best female contraceptives.
Table of Contents
tampons
If you’re like most women, you’ve been using tampons for years and probably think you know everything there is to know about them. But have you ever stopped to read the fine print on the box? If not, now is the time. Tampons are a necessary part of most women’s lives, but they can also be dangerous if used improperly.
Most tampons are made of cotton and rayon, with a small amount of polyester or other absorbent material in some brands. The cotton and rayon absorb menstrual fluid, while the polyester provides structure and strength. The absorbency of a tampon is measured in terms of how much fluid it can hold before it leaks. The standard absorbencies are Regular (6-9 grams), Super (9-12 grams), and Ultra (12-15 grams).
Tampons are inserted into the vagina using an applicator or by inserting them with your fingers. Once inserted, they expand to fit snugly against the walls of the vagina and absorb menstrual fluid. When they become full, they should be removed and replaced with a new one.
Most women use tampons without incident, but there are some risks associated with their use. The most serious risk is Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), which is a rare but potentially fatal condition that is associated with the use of tampons. TSS occurs when bacteria that normally live on the skin invade the body through a cut or break in the skin. The bacteria release toxins that can cause fever, shock, and organ damage.
TSS is most often associated with the use of super-absorbent tampons, which were introduced in the late 1970s. These tampons can absorb more fluid than regular tampons, making them more likely to cause TSS. The risk of TSS decreases when super-absorbent tampons are used according to package directions.
Another risk associated with the use of tampons is vaginal irritation or infection. This can happen if a tampon is left in for too long or if it isn’t changed often enough. Bacteria can also grow on dirty tampons, so it’s important to keep them clean.
If you’re concerned about the risks associated with the use of tampons, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk. First, choose the lowest absorbency level that meets your needs. Second, change your tampon every four to eight hours to reduce the risk of TSS. Finally, don’t use super-absorbent tampons overnight or for more than eight hours at a time.
If you experience any symptoms of TSS, such as fever, rash, or vomiting, remove your tampon and seek medical help immediately.
pads
The AmazonBasics Maxi Pads are one of the most popular and well-reviewed products on Amazon.com. They are designed for maximum absorbency and comfort, and they come in a variety of sizes to fit your needs. The pads are made from a soft, comfortable cotton material that is gentle on the skin. They have a leak-proof backing to prevent leaks, and they are available in both regular and overnight sizes. The pads are also hypoallergenic and free of fragrances and dyes.
The AmazonBasics Maxi Pads have a 4.5-star rating on Amazon.com, with over 2,000 customer reviews. The vast majority of customers report that these pads are extremely comfortable and absorbent, even during heavy periods. Many women also appreciate the leak-proof backing and the fact that the pads are free of fragrances and dyes. The only complaint that is common among reviewers is that the pads sometimes bunch up or move around during wear. Overall, the AmazonBasics Maxi Pads are an excellent choice for women who are looking for a comfortable, absorbent, and affordable pad.
menstrual cups
If you’re like most women, your period is a monthly annoyance that you have to deal with. But what if there was a way to make your period less of a hassle? Enter the menstrual cup.
A menstrual cup is a small, flexible cup that you insert into your vagina to catch your period blood. They come in different sizes and shapes, but they all work the same way.
To use a menstrual cup, you simply fold it and insert it into your vagina like you would a tampon. Once it’s in place, it will open up and create a seal against your vaginal walls. The cup will then collect your period blood until you’re ready to empty it.
Most menstrual cups can be worn for up to 12 hours at a time, so you don’t have to worry about changing them as often as you would a tampon or pad. When you’re ready to empty the cup, simply remove it from your vagina and dump the contents into the toilet. Then rinse the cup with water and reinsert it.
If you’re looking for an alternative to tampons and pads, menstrual cups are definitely worth considering. They’re environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and can make your period much less of a hassle.
vaginal contraceptive ring
The vaginal contraceptive ring is a small, flexible ring that is placed inside the vagina. It releases a continuous stream of hormones that prevent pregnancy. The ring is made of soft, medical-grade silicone and is about 2 inches in diameter. It is inserted into the vagina and left in place for three weeks. The ring can be removed at any time and does not require a prescription.
The vaginal contraceptive ring is a highly effective method of birth control with a failure rate of less than 1%. It is more than 99% effective when used as directed. The ring does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
The vaginal contraceptive ring is a safe and convenient method of birth control. It is easy to use and does not require a prescription. The ring is available without a prescription at most pharmacies and online retailers.
diaphragm
The diaphragm is an important muscle in the human body. It separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity and is responsible for breathing. The diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle that contracts and relaxes to allow air to enter and exit the lungs.
The diaphragm is made up of three parts: the central tendon, the peripheral muscles, and the nerves. The central tendon is the strongest part of the diaphragm and attaches the muscle to the ribs and spine. The peripheral muscles are thinner and attach the central tendon to the ribs. The nerves supply the diaphragm with information about the position of the ribs and spine, as well as signals from the brain that control breathing.
The diaphragm is an important muscle for breathing because it controls the volume of air that enters and leaves the lungs. When the diaphragm contracts, it flattens and moves downward, increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity. This increase in volume decreases the pressure inside the thoracic cavity, which sucks air into the lungs. When the diaphragm relaxes, it moves upward and increases the pressure inside the thoracic cavity, which forces air out of the lungs.
The diaphragm is also an important muscle for other functions of the body, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, and vomiting. When these activities occur, the diaphragm contracts and helps push air out of the lungs so that these activities can occur more forcefully.
The diaphragm can be affected by many different things, such as smoking, obesity, pregnancy, and certain medical conditions. Smoking weakens the diaphragm and makes it less effective at moving air in and out of the lungs. Obesity can also weaken the diaphragm and make it less effective at breathing. Pregnancy can cause the diaphragm to move higher into the chest cavity, which decreases its effectiveness at breathing. Certain medical conditions, such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and emphysema, can also weaken or damage the diaphragm.
The Diaphragm is a key part of Amazon’s business model. By controlling how much inventory they have on hand at any given time, they are able to keep their costs low and their prices competitive. In addition, by holding onto inventory until it is needed, they are able to avoid having to pay storage fees.
cervical cap
Cervical Caps are small silicone cups that fit snugly over the cervix. The cervical cap is a prescription birth control method for women who have had a baby, been pregnant, or have had an abortion. The cervical cap is used with spermicide. The cervical cap does not protect against STDs.
The cervical cap is placed over the cervix with spermicide before sex and must be left in place for at least six hours after sex. If you have sex again during that time, you must use more spermicide. The cervical cap must be taken out within 48 hours of first having sex.
To remove the cervical cap, hook your finger under the edge of the cap and pull down gently. You may need to twist the cap as you pull it down to break the suction. Wash the cap with soap and water and dry it before putting it away.
The cervical cap is 62-80% effective in preventing pregnancy, depending on whether or not you have given birth before. If you have never given birth, your chances of getting pregnant with the cervical cap are about 70-80%. If you have given birth before, your chances of getting pregnant with the cervical cap are about 60-70%.
spermicide
Spermicide is a contraceptive method that is used to prevent pregnancy by destroying sperm cells. It can be used alone or with other methods of birth control, such as condoms. Spermicide is available without a prescription at most pharmacies and online retailers.
Spermicide is a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy when used as directed. Some common side effects of spermicide include irritation, itching, and burning. These side effects are usually mild and go away after a few minutes. If you experience more severe side effects, such as swelling or rash, stop using spermicide and call your doctor.
Spermicide is an affordable option for contraception. A single application of spermicide costs about $0.50. This price may vary depending on the brand and where you purchase it. You can use spermicide for multiple acts of intercourse, but you will need to reapply it after each act.
If you are looking for an effective way to prevent pregnancy, consider using spermicide. It is safe, affordable, and easy to use.
emergency contraception (the “morning after pill”)
If you’re like most people, you probably have some questions about emergency contraception. And that’s understandable! Emergency contraception can be a confusing and sensitive topic.
But don’t worry, we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll review the basics of emergency contraception and dispel some common myths. We’ll also provide some resources for further reading.
So what is emergency contraception? Emergency contraception is a method of birth control that can be used after unprotected sex or a contraceptive failure. There are two main types of emergency contraception: the “morning after pill” and the copper IUD.
The morning after pill is a type of emergency contraceptive that contains the hormone progestin. It works by delaying ovulation or by preventing fertilization of an egg. The morning after pill is most effective when taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex, but it can still be effective up to 120 hours after.
The copper IUD is a type of emergency contraceptive that works by preventing implantation of a fertilized egg. It can be inserted up to 5 days after unprotected sex and is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
Emergency contraception is not the same as abortion. Emergency contraception works by preventing pregnancy, while abortion terminates an existing pregnancy.
There are a few different brands of morning after pill available in the United States, including Plan B One-Step, Next Choice One Dose, Ella, and My Way. All of these pills are similar in how they work and are equally effective.
Plan B One-Step is the most popular brand of morning after pill in the United States. It’s a single-dose pill that contains 1.5 mg of levonorgestrel, a synthetic progestin hormone. Plan B One-Step is available over-the-counter for people 17 years and older, and requires a prescription for people 16 years and younger.
Next Choice One Dose is another popular brand of morning after pill in the United States. It’s a single-dose pill that contains 0.75 mg of levonorgestrel, a synthetic progestin hormone. Next Choice One Dose is available over-the-counter for people 17 years and older, and requires a prescription for people 16 years and younger.
Ella is a brand of morning after pill that contains ulipristal acetate, a progesterone receptor modulator. Ella is available by prescription only and can be taken up to 5 days after unprotected sex.
My Way is a brand of morning after pill that contains 0.75 mg of levonorgestrel, a synthetic progestin hormone. My Way is available over-the-counter for people 17 years and older, and requires a prescription for people 16 years and younger.
vaginal sponge
The vaginal sponge is a small, soft, spongy device that is inserted into the vagina before sex to help prevent pregnancy. It is made of polyurethane, a type of plastic, and contains a spermicide called nonoxynol-9. The sponge must be moistened with water before insertion.
The vaginal sponge is about two inches in diameter and has a loop on one end for removal. It is available without a prescription at most drugstores.
How well does the vaginal sponge work?
The vaginal sponge is about 80% effective when used correctly. That means that out of 100 women who use the sponge for one year, about 20 will get pregnant. But keep in mind that many couples have trouble using any kind of birth control perfectly, so the number of women who actually get pregnant while using the sponge may be even higher.
What are the benefits of the vaginal sponge?
The vaginal sponge may be a good choice for you if you:
• Do not want to take hormonal birth control pills, use a patch, or take shots (injections). These methods all contain hormones, which some women should not take.
• Do not want to use a diaphragm or cervical cap. These methods require fitting by a health care provider, and some women find them difficult to use.
• Want a method that you can use only when you need it. You do not have to think about the sponge ahead of time or every day, like you do with birth control pills. And you do not have to wait for it to start working, like you do with an IUD or implant.
• Are allergic to latex and cannot use a condom. The sponge contains no latex.
What are the disadvantages of the vaginal sponge?
The vaginal sponge has some disadvantages:
• You must remember to moisten it with water before insertion. This can be easy to forget.
hormonal contraceptives (birth control pills, patch, ring, injectables, implants, and intrauterine devices)
Hormonal contraceptives are one of the most popular methods of birth control. They come in many different forms, including pills, patches, rings, injectables, implants, and intrauterine devices (IUDs). Each type has its own set of pros and cons.
The birth control pill is the most common type of hormonal contraceptive. It is highly effective at preventing pregnancy and can be taken by mouth once a day. The pill also has some non-contraceptive benefits, such as reducing the risk of certain types of cancer and making periods lighter and more regular. However, it can cause side effects like nausea, weight gain, and mood swings.
The birth control patch is another popular hormonal contraceptive. It is worn on the skin and releases hormones into the body through the skin. The patch is less likely than the pill to cause side effects like nausea and weight gain, but it may cause skin irritation.
The birth control ring is a small, flexible ring that is inserted into the vagina. It releases hormones into the body and prevents pregnancy in a similar way to the pill. The ring may cause side effects like vaginal discharge and irritation.
Injectable contraceptives are injected into the muscles of the buttocks or upper arm. They prevent pregnancy for about three months. Injectable contraceptives are very effective at preventing pregnancy, but they may cause side effects like weight gain and irregular periods.
Implants are small rods that are inserted under the skin of the upper arm. They release hormones into the body and prevent pregnancy for up to five years. Implants are highly effective at preventing pregnancy, but they may cause side effects like irregular periods and weight gain.
Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are small devices that are inserted into the uterus. IUDs can be made of plastic or copper. Hormonal IUDs release hormones into the body and prevent pregnancy for up to five years. Copper IUDs do not release hormones and can prevent pregnancy for up to ten years. IUDs are highly effective at preventing pregnancy, but they may cause side effects like cramps, bleeding between periods, and pain during sex.