Elephants and Tea - September 2019 - 19

Sexuality

INTIMATE ISSUES WITH MARLOE

BIRTH CONTROL METHODS COMPARISON CHART:
Method

Contains
hormones?

Available without a
prescription?

Special considerations for cancer survivors

Effectiveness

Provides
protection
against STIs?

Contraindications to hormonal birth control  may apply to the
LNg IUD, including a hormone-sensitive cancer diagnosis.

Highly effective for 3-10 years,
depending on the type of IUD.

No.

Highly effective for 3-5 years,
depending on implant.

No.

Effective if used consistently. 

No.

Effective if used correctly with
every sexual encounter.

Yes.

Less effective.

Yes.
No.

Long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods
Intrauterine devices
(IUDs)

Implantable rod

Both hormonal
(LNg) and
non-hormonal
(CopperT) options
are available.

No. Requires a visit to a clinic
for placement.

Yes.

No. Requires a visit to a clinic
for placement.

Talk with your provider if you are immunocompromised or
have low platelet counts.
Contraindications to hormonal birth control may apply,
including a hormone-sensitive cancer diagnosis.
Talk with your provider if you are immunocompromised or
have low platelet counts.

Short-acting hormonal methods
Pill, injection,
transdermal patch, or
intravaginal ring

Yes.

No. Requires a prescription.
The injection requires a visit
to a clinic every 3 months.

Contraindications to hormonal birth control may apply,
including a hormone-sensitive cancer diagnosis.
Pills: Oral mucositis, diarrhea or vomiting may alter absorption,
reducing effectiveness.  May also interact with certain
antibiotics or other medications (such as glucocorticoids).
Intramuscular injection: Risk for bleeding or infection at the
injection site for women with low blood counts.
Intravaginal ring: Vaginal mucositis related to chemotherapy
or pelvic radiation may lead to irritation with use or altered
absorption/effectiveness. 

Barrier methods
Male condom

No.

Yes.

Female condom

No.

Yes.

Diaphragm, cervical cap

No.

No, requires a visit to a clinic
for fitting.

Must be used with spermicide.

Less effective.

May not be a good option if you have cervical cancer or other
cervical issues. 

The cervical cap is less
effective for women who have
given vaginal birth. 

Yes.

Must be used with spermicide.

Less effective, especially
for women who have given
vaginal birth. 

No　

Not very effective when used
alone.

No.

Cervical sponge

No.

The only reversible contraceptive option for men.

May not be a good option if you have cervical cancer or other
cervical issues. 
May increase risk of urinary tract infections. 
Spermicide (nonoxynal-9,
or N-9)

No.

Yes.

May cause skin and vulvovaginal irritation.

Use of spermicide with other
barrier methods (condom,
diaphragm, cervical cap)
improves effectiveness.

Use has been
associated
with increased
risk of  HIV
transmission. 

Natural methods
Withdrawal (coitus
interruptus, or "pulling
out")

No.

Yes

Difficult to use consistently and correctly, which contributes
to high failure rates.

Less effective.

No.

Fertility awarenessbased methods (FAMs)

No.

Yes.

Women can have unreliable menstrual cycles during and after
treatment for cancer, making the accuracy of these options
especially difficult.

Less effective.

No.

IUD

See above.

See above.

See above.

Very effective.

No.

Oral

Both nonhormonal and
hormonal options.

PlanB OneStep is available
OTC without age restrictions. 
Other options may require
a prescription or have age
restrictions. You may be able
to order some options online.
Learn more here.  

Contraindications may include certain medical conditions or a
hormone-positive cancer diagnosis.

Effective if used within the
appropriate time-frame.

No.

Emergency contraception

Not meant to be used as a regular birth control option.

ELEPHANTSANDTEA.COM
SEPTEMBER 2019

19
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/emergency-contraception-morning-after-pill-beyond-the-basics?search=emergencycontraception&source=search_result&selectedTitle=2~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=2#H2201412 http://www.elephantsandtea.com
Elephants and Tea - September 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Elephants and Tea - September 2019
