This includes the male condom, female condom, diaphragm, and cervical cap. Spermicides - This may come in the form of a foam, jelly, cream, or suppository. This is a surgical procedure which prevents pregnancy by blocking the fallopian tubes. Factors Impacting Contraceptive Decisions Health Risks Black women should insist on full and accurate information from their health care provider about all contraceptive options, including side effects, health risks and benefits, costs to obtain and discontinue a method, and procedures that are involved. While all methods offer pregnancy prevention, additional health considerations must be acknowledged in deciding upon a method.
Oral contraceptives are highly effective for pregnancy prevention.
Individuals should be carefully screened before considering oral contraceptives as there may be some negative health indications for women with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and sickle cell anemia, all of which disproportionately affect Black women. In addition, some women may experience the side effects of nausea, weight gain, and depression. While Depo is viewed as a drug of convenience, we maintain that it exacerbates pre-existing disease conditions. Depo has been linked with long term irreversible effects such as breast cancer and cervical cancer, both of which disproportionately affect Black women. Depo is also associated with a thinning of the bones.