Barrier methods
Barrier methods place a physical impediment to the movement of sperm into the female reproductive tract.
The most popular barrier method is the male , a latex sheath placed over the penis. The condom is also available in a female version, which is made of polyurethane. The female condom has a flexible ring at each end - one secures behind the pubic bone to hold the condom in place, while the other ring stays outside the vagina.
Cervical barriers are devices that are contained completely within the vagina. The is the smallest cervical barrier. It stays in place by suction to the or to the vaginal walls. The is a larger cervical barrier, also held in place by suction. The fits into place behind the woman's and has a firm but flexible ring, which helps it press against the vaginal walls. The has a depression to hold it in place over the cervix.
Hormonal methods
Ortho Tri-cyclen, a brand of oral contraceptive, in a dial dispenser.
There are variety of delivery methods for .
Combinations of synthetic and (synthetic forms of ) are commonly used. These include the ("The Pill"), the , the , and (a monthly injection not currently available for sale).
Other methods contain only progesterone or a progestin. These include the (POP, minipill), (an injection every three months), and such as or . Progesterone only pill must be taken at more precisely remembered times each day than combined pills. The various progesterone-only methods may cause irregular bleeding for several months.
Fertility medication
Fertility medication may in a larger sense include any medication that enhances , but in a specific sense consists of agents that stimulate development of the .
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Classification
Agents that enhance ovarian activity can be classified as follows.
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- GnRH
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(i.e.Lupron ®)
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(actually a )
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- Urinary gonadotropins (menotropins)
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®
- Prurified menotropins (Bravelle ®, Menopur ®)
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gonadotropins
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(Follistim ®, Gonal F ®)
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(Luveris ®)
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(hCG)
- Urinary hCG (Profasi ®, Novadrel ®)
- Recombinant hCG (Ovidrel ®)
Estrogen antagonists and gonadotropins may stimulate multiple follicles and other ovarian hormones leading to and possible .
