Nonbarrier Methods of Birth Control

Nonbarrier methods of birth control include methods that don't present a physical barrier when having sex. Male and female condoms, diaphragms and the cervical cap are all examples of barrier birth control, as they present a physical barrier. Nonbarrier methods of birth control include intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUDs) and oral contraceptives.

Oral Contraceptives

• Take birth control pills daily to keep the ovaries from releasing an egg. The pill contains estrogen and progestin and can make periods lighter and more regular, ease cramps and lower the risk of ovarian cancers. Watch out for risks associated with contraceptive use such as heart disease, high blood pressure (particularly when combined with smoking), irregular bleeding, nausea and weight gain. Expect side effects to diminish after taking the pill for a few months.

  Take the mini-pill if you are breastfeeding or cannot take extra estrogen, as it only contains progestin. The mini-pill thickens cervical mucus and stops the ovaries from releasing an egg. Have a backup birth control option in place if you take this pill more than three hours late.

  As effective as the pill, Ortho-Evra, also known as the skin patch, is taken to stop the ovaries from releasing eggs. The patch releases the hormones progestin and estrogen into the bloodstream and will thicken cervical music so that sperm cannot fertilize the egg. Wear the patch on the buttocks, upper body, outer arm and lower abdomen and replace each week for three weeks, stopping on the fourth week to let your body menstruate.

  Depo, also known as the birth control shot, is taken in your arm or buttocks every three months. This non-barrier method to prevent pregnancy stops ovaries from releasing an egg and changes the cervix so that the egg cannot be fertilized. Do not use this shot for more than two years in a row because temporary bone density loss has been reported.

Implantable Rod

• For a more long-term option, consider the implantable rod. Matchstick-sized, flexible rods are inserted under the skin of the upper arm and release progestin into the body to cause the lining of the uterus and the cervical mucus to change and prevent fertilization of the egg. This is effective for up to five years.

Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)

• Consider intrauterine devices, which are inserted in the uterus for more long-term methods of birth control. The small T-shaped device, called ParaGard, releases a small amount of copper into the uterus, preventing fertilization from occurring. It can stay in the uterus for five to 10 years. If fertilization does occur, the IUD prevents it from implanting. The hormonal IUD, called Mirena, releases progestin into the uterus and prevents fertilization from taking place. This can stay in the uterus for up to five years.