The V. PEN Methods of Contraception (Permanent, Emergency, Natural)

i. Fertility Awareness or Calendar Based 

Understanding your fertility pattern, the number of days each month that you are able to get pregnant, can help one plan to get pregnant or avoid getting pregnant. This method works better if you have regular cycles.  Failure rates can be as high as 20%. 

ii.  Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception should not be used as a regular method of birth control.  It should be used if birth control was not used during sex or if the method used failed such as the condom breaking or falling off.  Options for emergency contraception is to have a copper T IUD inserted within 5 days of unprotected intercourse or certain progestin only pills to be taken within 5 days after intercourse, but the sooner the better in terms of effectiveness.

iii. Tubal Ligation

A woman can have her fallopian tubes tied, sealed or removed so that the sperm and egg cannot join for fertilization. This is usually a same day surgical procedure.  The failure rate is less than 1%.

iv. Vasectomy

Male sterilization is an operation that prevents the sperm from going into the penis such that the ejaculate has no sperm.  This is an outpatient surgical procedure.  The failure rate is less than 1%.

v. Abstinence

Abstinence is the choice not to have sex. This method is 100% effective in preventing pregnancy.

Verbena does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and is not a medical provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.