Birth Control Options

A number of options for birth control are available today. You can select any of the options, depending on your requirement. Here is useful information about various birth control options.

The Patch Birth Control offers the following thoughts on birth control options.  The patch can be a very effective and convenient birth control method.  Discuss all of your options with your doctor to fit your birth control needs with your lifestyle. 

An unwanted pregnancy can create a number of problems. Sometimes, the couple is not prepared for the childbirth; may be due to some financial or other problems. A woman may suffer a lot, physically as well as mentally, due to unwanted pregnancy. So, it’s very important to take proper precautions to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Well, what can be done to avoid pregnancy? Birth control is the right answer for this.

Birth control, also called as contraception, is a method of pregnancy prevention as well as family planning. Birth control methods have been practiced for thousands of years. Today, a number of effective and safe birth control options are available that work in different ways. Diaphragms, condoms and intrauterine devices work by preventing the sperm from getting fused with the egg. Birth control pills prevent the ovaries from releasing the egg. Sterilization methods can permanently prevent pregnancy. You can choose any of the birth control options depending upon your overall health, age, number of sexual partners and frequency of sexual activity. If you wish to have a child in future, then you should not select the permanent methods for birth control. What are the different birth control options? Let’s know about them.

Birth Control Methods

There are different types of contraceptive methods such as hormonal methods, barrier methods, intrauterine devices (IUD), natural methods, sterilization and emergency contraception. Let’s understand each method in detail.

Hormonal Methods

Hormonal method includes skin patches, birth control pills and vaginal rings that contain progestin and estrogen. Hormonal implants, progestin-only birth control pills and hormone shots are also the types of hormonal method. Hormonal methods work by preventing the egg from getting released from the ovaries, thinning the uterine lining to prevent implantation and thickening the cervical mucus to stop the sperm from entering the uterus.

• Birth control pills or oral contraceptives are found to be quite effective to prevent pregnancy. These pills work by preventing the ovaries from releasing an egg. Most birth control pills consist of two hormones, namely progestin and estrogen. For its effectiveness, a woman has to take these pills daily. There may be certain side effects of birth control pills such as nausea, headache, breast tenderness, depression, weight gain, bloating, increased blood pressure and acne. However, these pills help reduce premenstrual syndrome.
• Vaginal contraceptive ring is a flexible, thin ring. It is inserted into vagina. This ring releases the hormones namely progestin and estrogen, which prevent pregnancy. It can be kept in the vagina for about 3 weeks. When the ring is removed, menstruation will start. After 7 days, you can insert a new ring.
• The hormonal skin patch can be applied on the abdomen, buttocks, outer arm or upper torso. It consists of the same hormones, estrogen and progestin to prevent pregnancy. A new patch should be used once a week for 3 weeks.
• The progestin-only pill is also called as a minipill. It consists of only one hormone, progestin. It is a type of oral contraceptive that should be taken daily. It is recommended especially for the breast-feeding mothers.
• Hormone shots work in a similar way like birth control pills. They have some side effects such as changes in menstrual cycle, headache, mood swings, etc.
• Implanon is a matchstick-sized contraceptive device. It is implanted under the skin of upper or inner arm. It can be left up to three years. It releases a steady dose of progestin in order to prevent pregnancy.

Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)

It is one of the safe and effective methods of contraception. IUDs are inserted into the uterus by a medical practitioner and can be left safely for 5-10 years. IUD is a T-shaped plastic device, which contains copper or levonorgestrel (LNg) hormone. There are plastic strings attached at the end of the IUD, which hang down through the cervix into the vagina. With these strings, you can check whether the IUD is in place. Copper IUDs are made from copper and plastic. They work by preventing the sperm from fertilizing the egg and stopping implantation. Copper is an effective spermicide that destroys sperms.The hormonal IUD is T-shaped plastic frame, with a thread attached to its end. This device can be kept in the uterus for up to 5 years. The IUD frame consists of levonorgestrel, which thins the uterine lining, inhibits the sperm mobility and thus, prevents fertilization. IUDs should be inserted and removed by the medical practitioner only. Use of IUDs is a very convenient method of contraception and it is quite effective for the breastfeeding mothers. There may be some side effects of IUDs such as abnormal bleeding, abdominal pain, pain during intercourse, fever, chills, etc.

Barrier Methods

It is one of the most popular and commonly practiced birth control methods with fewer side effects. It works by preventing the sperms from entering the uterus. Barrier method includes condoms, diaphragm, cervical cap, sponge, shield and spermicide.

• Male condom is a flexible, thin tube made from latex rubber, animal membrane or polyurethane. The condom is unrolled over the erect penis before intercourse. Its effectiveness increases when used with vaginal spermicide. It also reduces the risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV/AIDS.
• Female condom is a soft tube made from polyurethane. It consists of O-rings on both the ends. One end is inserted into the vagina and the open-end ring remains outside the vagina. Some women may experience slight irritation due to condom. Female condom also offers protection from STDs.
• A cervical cap is a cup-shaped device, made from rubber. It tightly fits over the cervix and used with a spermicide. It prevents the sperms from entering the uterus. Some women may feel vaginal irritation due to spermicide. In some rare cases, there is a possibility of vaginal infection, urinary tract infection and toxic shock syndrome after a prolonged use.
• Diaphragm is a dome-shaped, round device with a flexible rim. It is made up of rubber and can be reused. It is used with spermicide.
• A contraceptive sponge consists of a spermicide, namely nonoxynol-9. It is released over 24 hours. The sponge can be left for 24 hours in the vagina. It blocks the cervix so that sperms can’t enter the uterus.
• Lea’s shield is a diaphragm-like cup-shaped device, made up of silicone. It fits over the cervix and is held in place by suction. You can reuse this device.
• Spermicide is a substance that makes the sperms inactive before they enter the uterus. It is available in different forms such as foam, gel, cream, tablet, suppository and vaginal contraceptive film. All the spermicides sold in the United States consist of nonoxynol-9, which inactivates the sperms. Spermicides are more effective, when used with other barrier contraceptives.

Natural Methods of Contraception

Natural family planning is also referred to as fertility-awareness-based birth control method. It is a method of preventing the pregnancy by avoiding sexual intercourse during the fertile period of a woman. This method is based on physical signs of ovulation such as basal body temperature and certain changes in mucus consistency. Some of the fertility-awareness-based methods are abstinence, basal body temperature, standard days, calendar method, lactational amenorrhea, cervical mucus and symptothermal. Abstinence is one of the reliable methods of natural family planning. There is no sexual intercourse and hence, no chances of fertilization. Withdrawal or coitus interruptus is another method of natural contraception. In case of lactational infertility, a woman can’t become pregnant as long as she is breastfeeding her child. However, natural family planning methods are not much reliable as they are based on ovulation prediction of a woman.

Sterilization Method

Sterilization is a permanent birth control method that offers a lasting protection against pregnancy. It can be done with both men and women. It is a good option for the couples that don’t wish to have a child anymore. Sterilization for men is referred to as vasectomy and for women, it is known as tubal ligation. In vasectomy, vas deferens (the tubes leading from scrotum and joining with urethra) is cut, clamped, tied or cauterized. This surgical procedure is done under local anesthesia. In case of women, the fallopian tubes (the tubes leading from ovaries to the uterus) are cut, clamped and tied. The sterilization method is quite effective and reliable method of contraception.

Emergency Contraception

If in any case, a contraceptive method fails, or if there is an unprotected sex, then emergency contraception is a must to avoid unwanted pregnancy. It helps prevent pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation, fertilization or implantation. There are two types of emergency birth control such as emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) and intrauterine device (IUD). Emergency contraceptive pills include combined estrogen and progestin pills and progestin-only pills. These pills can be taken up to 120 hours after the unprotected sexual intercourse. Copper IUD is another effective form of emergency contraception. It should be inserted within five days of unprotected intercourse.

Currently, a number of promising contraception methods are under development. Some of the effective emerging birth control methods are chemical barriers, hormonal implants, fertility computers, immunocontraceptives, transcervical sterilization and male contraception.

Birth control is a very important part of sex education. With the right choice of birth control options, you can freely enjoy the life without caring for unwanted pregnancy. You will be able to make a proper family planning and have a child when you desire. In addition, some of the contraceptives can protect you from life-threatening sexually transmitted diseases and maintain good sexual health.