Now that you have read information on nonhormonal contraceptive
methods, compare your answers to the table below. (Please
note that this is only an illustrative list of advantages
and disadvantages.)
Did you have any misinformation about nonhormonal methods
before completing the activity? Rewrite the information,
if necessary, to reflect the correct answers. Use this
activity as a reference on nonhormonal methods as applied
to contraception after pregnancy.
Non-
hormonal
Methods |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
|
LAM
|
1. Universally available.
2. Safe and highly
effective when used
correctly.
3. Begins immediately
postpartum.
4. Health benefits for
both mother and
infant.
|
1. Breastfeeding may be
difficult to maintain.
2. Offers no STD/HIV
protection.
3. Duration of method
limited.
4. Only useful for
breastfeeding women.
|
|
Barrier
Methods
|
1. Condoms highly
effective against
pregnancy and
STDs/HIV when used
consistently and
correctly.
2. Male/female condoms
and spermicides can
be used immediately
postpartum.
3. Diaphragm and
cervical cap are
reusable.
4. Male condoms widely
available.
|
1. Condoms require
partner cooperation.
2. Male condoms can be
damaged by exposure
to oil-based lubricants,
heat, humidity or light.
3. Diaphragm and
cervical cap must be
delayed six weeks
postpartum.
4. When used without
spermicides,
diaphragm and
cervical cap do not
protect against
STDs/HIV.
5. Spermicides provide
only moderate
protection
against
some bacterial STDs,
and are much less
effective
than most
other modern methods
in preventing
pregnancy.
|
|
IUDs
|
1. Very safe and highly
effective.
2. Long-lasting, reversible
and provide rapid
return to fertility.
3. No action required at
time of intercourse.
4. Can be used by
breastfeeding women.
5. No systemic side
effect; complications
are rare.
|
1. Offer no STD/HIV
protection.
2. Side effects include
pain, cramping and
heavy bleeding.
3. Trained health care
provider needed to
insert and remove
device.
4. Not suitable for women
at risk of STDs.
|
|
Periodic
Abstinence
|
1. User-controlled.
2. Readily available.
3. No cost.
4. Safe and free from
side effects.
|
1. Offers no STD/HIV
protection.
2. Requires skill and
motivation.
3. Signs of fertility may
not be reliable.
4. Requires partner's
cooperation to
abstain.
|
|
Withdrawal
|
1. Always available.
2. No cost.
3. Effectiveness
comparable to other
barrier methods.
|
1. Offers no STD/HIV
protection.
2. Requires discipline
and self-control.
3. Even when used
correctly, pregnancy
is still possible since
pre-ejaculatory fluid
may contain sperm.
|
|
Sterilization
|
1. Very safe and highly
effective.
2. Permanent.
3. No action required at
time of intercourse.
4. Virtually no side
effects.
|
1. Offers no STD/HIV
protection.
2. Initial cost can be
high.
3. Reversal is limited.
4. Surgery is required.
|
