Don’t want to become pregnant right now?Birth control is any method used to prevent your pregnancy. Contraception is another word used for birth control.
Having sex without considering any birth control option can give a chance to get pregnant. Every year, 85 out of 100 women who don’t use birth control have an unplanned pregnancy.
The only definite way to not become pregnant is to avoid sex. But, finding a good birth control choice can every time help you to avoid the unplanned pregnancy.
Here are various birth control choices:
You will find various birth control choices with each have its own pros and cons. So, learning about these methods can help you to find the right choice.
1. Hormonal methods
You can find hormonal methods in various forms such as pills, shots, rings, or implants. Hormonal medications contain hormones such as estrogen and/or progesterone.
Hormonal methods work in one of these three ways, one is they prevents your ovaries from releasing the egg, second is they thicken your cervical mucus making it harder for the sperm to reach the egg and third is they make your uterus lining to become thin and create an environment in which the fertilized egg can not nourish.
But hormonal contraception won’t protect you against sexually transmitted diseases.
Birth control pills: The pills can be taken on a daily basis as suggested by your care provider.
Lunelle: It is an injection given by your care provider that prevents pregnancy for one month.
Depo-provera: This is an injection given by your healthcare provider that prevents pregnancy for three months.
Vaginal ring: It is a plastic ring that can be inserted into your vagina for three weeks, removed for a week and then replaced with a new one.
Birth control patch: It is directly placed on your skin. For first three weeks, you can place the patch on your hip, upper arm or buttocks. For the last week, you can remove the patch to allow menstrual period.
2. Intrauterine devices (IUDs)
These devices are inserted in your uterus. IUDs are safe and they work well for 5-10 years at a time. For example, Mirena IUD contains a hormone that can help with heavy periods and cramping.
IUDs won’t prevent the sperm from entering into your uterus; rather it thickens the cervical mucus making it difficult for fertilization and also prevents implantation.
3. Barrier birth control methods
These methods can be physical or chemical contraception that are designed to prevent the sperm from entering into your uterus.
Female condom: It is a seven-inch long pouch of polyurethane that has two flexible rings. You need to insert it into your vagina before the intercourse. It covers your cervix, vaginal canal and the area around the vagina.
Diaphragm: It is soft and looks like a rubber dome that can be stretched over a flexible ring. The dome consists of a spermicidal jelly or cream and is inserted in your vagina before intercourse. But diaphragm can not be placed for more than 3 hours.
Contraceptive sponge: It is soft and appears in a saucer shape and is made with polyurethane foam.
Spermicides: These are the chemicals that help to kill the sperm. You can find spermicides in various forms such as foam, jelly, vaginal suppositories and foaming tablets.
Cervical cap: It looks like a small cup and is made with latex rubber or plastic. It can be inserted into your vagina and over your cervix.
4. Emergency contraception
This is a backup method that helps to prevent the pregnancy if you forget to take birth control pill or if the condom breaks.
5. Sterilization
This is a permanent birth control that gives lasting protection against the pregnancy. Tubal ligation is a method in which the fallopian tubes are tied and prevent the egg from reaching sperm.
6. Natural family planning
This method works well if you and your partner are very careful. Keep a record to know what are the fertile days and during this period, you can avoid the sex or use one of the barrier methods.
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