Lea's shield
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
|
Lea's shield
|
|
| Background | |
| B.C. type | Barrier |
| First use | ? |
| Failure rates (per year) | |
| Perfect use | ? |
| Typical use | with spermicide 4.4 1 / 15.0 2% |
| Usage | |
| User reminders | Should not be used if there is an infection or lacerations in the vagina, cervix, or pelvic areas. |
| Advantages | |
| Benefits | ? |
| Disadvantages | |
| STD protection | No |
| Weight gain | No |
| Risks | Genital pain or discomfort 7% of users or partners; slightly increased risk UTI |
Lea's Shield (Canadian brand; in US: Lea Contraceptive, in Europe: LEA contraceptivum) is a female barrier method of contraception.
It is a reusable barrier made of medical-grade silicone, inserted in the vagina over the cervix with the intention to block sperm. It is used in conjunction with spermicide.
Like the cervical cap, the Lea's Shield stays in place by suction. It differs from other female barrier methods, such as the cervical cap and diaphragm in that:
- it comes in one size (does not need to be specifically fitted to each woman)
- it has a one-way valve to aid in creation of suction. This valve also allows passage of cervical mucus.
The shield has a loop to assist in removal.
According to the one study avalaible1, failure methods are reported at 2.2% (when used with spermicide) to 2.9% (when used without spermicide) for 6 months use, once statistical corrections are applied due to the low number of nulliparous women (17%) that took part in the study. Without these corrections, the typical failure rates using spermicide are of 15%, with a sample of 59 women.2 Due to the small size of the sample, the FDA rejected in a first instance its approval.
It is FDA-approved and available by prescription in the United States, though obtainable over the counter in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Canada.
Note 1: Lea's Shield on Contraceptive Online
Note 2: Summary of Safety and Effectiveness by the FDA
[edit] External links
- [1] Lea Shield Official Website
- Lea's Shield on Contraceptive Online
- Summary of Safety and Effectiveness by the FDA
| Birth control edit | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sterilization: | Tubal ligation, Vasectomy, Essure | |
| Post-intercourse: | Abortion: Surgical, Medical Emergency contraception |
|
| Intra-uterine: | IUD, IUS (progestogen) | |
| Anti-estrogen: | Ormeloxifene (a.k.a. Centchroman) | |
| Hormonal: | Combined: COCP ('the Pill'), Patch, Nuvaring Progestogen only: POP mini-pill, Depo Provera, Norplant, Implanon |
|
| Barrier: | Male condom,Female condom, Diaphragm, Shield, Cap, Sponge, Spermicide | |
| Behavioral: | Coitus interruptus, Rhythm Method, Lactational, Fertility awareness Avoiding vaginal intercourse: Anal sex, Oral sex, Outercourse, Masturbation, Abstinence |
|
