Fair and gender equal contraception

The birth control implant is a tiny, thin rod which is inserted in the upper arm by a doctor and lasts for 3-5 years. It releases the hormone progestin, which thickens the mucus on the cervix and stops ovulation. Due to the hormones it affects the natural menstrual cycle. The expenses in Germany are about 300-350 euros.

The contraceptive pill is a estrogen- and progestin-containing pill that is taken once a day around the same time. Most pills come in 21-day packs, therefore it is taken for 21 days in a row and is followed by a 7-day break in which bleeding occurs. Furthermore, 28-day packs are available, which do not require a break of 7 days. The contraceptive is hormonal and and influences the natural menstrual cycle. In Germany, the expenses are about 4-15€ per month.

The birth control shot contains the hormone progestin and is injected by gynecologists. One shot provides three months of protection. After three months, the injection must be renewed. It is a hormonal contraceptive affects the natural menstrual cycle and prevents ovulation. It also makes the cervical mucus thicker. Therefore, it prevents sperm from reaching the uterus. The expense of one injection in Germany is about 30 euros.

The cervical cap is a little cup made from soft silicone, which is inserted into the vagina in order to cover the cervix. As the cervical cap covers the cervix, it stops sperm from entering the uterus and potential fertilization of the egg. In use, the cervical cap must be used with spermicides which reduces the motility of the sperm.

Die Kupferspirale, der Kupferball oder die Kupferkette werden in die Gebärmutter eingelegt oder im Falle der Spirale verankert. Durch die Freigabe von Kupferionen wird die Überlebensfähigkeit von Samenzellen gehindert und die Gebärmutterschleimhaut verdickt. Nach dem Einsetzen wirkt das Verhütungsmittel für bis zu drei Jahre. Es handelt sich um ein hormonfreies Verhütungsmittel. Die Kosten liegen bei ca. 120-400 Euro.

The diaphragm is placed in the vagina prior to sexual intercourse (about 30min before) and provides a physical barrier to sperm. It is a shallow, bendable cup made of soft silicone. You bend it in half and insert it inside your vagina to cover your cervix. In addition,it must be used with spermicide. The spermicide, s based on lactic acid and lowers the pH of the vagina. As a result, it reduces the mobility of the sperm. The diaphragm should not be removed for eight hours after intercourse. Before using the diaphragm for the first time,a consultation with the gynecologist is beneficial. It is a hormone-free contraceptive that does not affect the natural menstrual cycle. The expense in Germany ranges from about 30-70 euros.

The hormonal IUD is inserted into the uterus by a gynecologist and lasts for three to five years. Small amounts of hormones are continuously released, which thicken the mucus on the cervix and stop ovulation. The expense in Germany is around 250-400 euros.

Internal condoms — also called “female” condoms — are an alternative to regular condoms and can be inserted into the vagina up to 24 hours prior to sexual intercourse. In usage, it is important to let the outer ring hang about an inch outside the vagina. After sexual intercourse, the outer ring should be tied to a knot in order to prevent any sperm leakage. It is a hormone-free contraceptive that does not affect the natural menstrual cycle and prevents sexually transmitted diseases. The expense for 3 internal condoms in Germany is about 10 euros.

Natural family planning is based on the observation of signals from the female body. Body temperature and cervical mucus must be documented daily, as these indicate the time of ovulation. It is a natural hormone-free method of contraception, which does not affect the hormonal balance and the natural cycle.

Sterilization is a surgical procedure and leads to permanent infertility. The fallopian tubes are blocked or sealed to prevent the eggs reaching the sperm and becoming fertilised. The expenses for sterilization are about 600€.

The hormone patch is applied to the stomach, thighs, backside or the outside of the upper arm. It releases hormones estrogen and progestin through your skin, which thicken the mucus on the cervix and stop ovulation. The patch must be changed weekly on the same day in a 3-week cycle. On week 4, there is no patch required and bleeding occurs. The patch is a hormonal contraceptive that influences the natural menstrual cycle. The expense is about 13 euros per month.

The vaginal ring is inserted into the vagina like a tampon and remains there for up to 3 weeks. It is followed by a one-week break, in which bleeding occurs. After this period, a new vaginal ring must be used. It is a hormonal contraceptive that affects the whole body and influences the natural menstrual cycle. The expense is about 19€ per month.