When it comes to contraception also known as birth control, it is a vital decision for many women because so many options are available on the market, making it hard to decide which method is best for you.
We have put together a list of the top 5 birth control methods every woman should know about. We’ll discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each option, so you can make an informed decision about the best contraception method for you.
What do I need to know about birth control?
If you are sexually active and do not want to get pregnant, birth control can be a crucial tool in your arsenal. Not only can it prevent pregnancy, but it can also have other benefits such as preventing Sexual Transmitted Diseases.
Did you know that people who have vaginal sex without birth control have an 85% chance of getting pregnant within a year? That’s why it’s essential to explore birth control options with your healthcare provider so that they can explore the different options that work for you because some types of hormonal birth control can make periods lighter and more regular.
How does contraception work?
It’s important to note that some types of birth control work better than others and you might need a prescription in order to access them. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and discuss any concerns during your wellness appointment.
Before any birth control is prescribed by the doctor your medical history and blood pressure measurement are the most useful screening approaches to detect contraindications to hormonal contraception use because each type of contraception or birth control works a little differently.
- Some prevent sperms from getting closer to the ovaries.
- Others prevent your ovaries from releasing eggs.
- Others work by making sure the sperms are damaged immediately they realised.
- Some tighten your cervical mucus canal so that eggs don’t implant.
The Top 5 Birth Control Methods Every Woman Should Know
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Natural means of family planning
Natural Family Planning, also known as Fertility Awareness-Based Methods, is a method of birth control that doesn’t require any drugs, devices, or surgical procedures. Instead, it relies on tracking and interpreting certain fertility signals to determine when a woman is most likely to conceive and plan her sexual activity accordingly.
There are three main fertility signals that Natural Family Planning methods rely on:-
The calendar method involves tracking the length of the menstrual cycle and predicting the fertile days based on previous cycles.
The basal body temperature method involves measuring the body temperature every morning to detect the slight increase that happens after ovulation.
Finally, the cervical mucus method involves observing the changes in vaginal discharge throughout the menstrual cycle.
Hormonal contraceptives
Hormonal contraceptives contain estrogen and progesterone, or only progesterone. They prevent pregnancy by preventing the egg from coming out of the womb, making the opening of the uterus shrink, or making the cervix hard to prevent sperm from reaching the egg.
Hormonal birth control are available in forms of pills, patches, injections, and implants.
When used correctly, hormonal birth control is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. Other benefits, include regulating periods, reducing cramps and PMS symptoms. Some types of hormonal birth control, like the pill, can even lower your risk of ovarian and endometrial cancer.
However, it’s important to remember that hormonal birth control does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Barrier Contraception
Barrier contraception is a form of birth control that provides a physical barrier between sperm and egg, preventing fertilization from taking place. There are three broad groups of barrier contraception, including condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps.
Like any method of contraception, barrier methods have their pros and cons, and it’s important to weigh up these factors to determine which option is best for the individual. One advantage of barrier methods is that they have few side-effects or medical risks, making them a good option for women who are sensitive to hormones or who have health concerns that rule out other methods.
However, barrier methods are not as effective as some other forms of contraception, such as hormonal birth control or IUDs. Additionally, they require careful and consistent use to be effective, which may not be possible for all women.
On the other hand, some barrier methods can also provide protection against sexually transmitted infections, which is a significant benefit. Condoms, for example, are an effective way to reduce the risk of STIs and are often recommended by healthcare providers for this reason.
Some barrier methods may also protect against cancer of the neck of the womb (cervix). The cervical cap, in particular, has been shown to offer some protection against cervical cancer by blocking the entrance to the cervix and preventing the human papillomavirus (HPV) from infecting cells in this area.
Overall, barrier methods are a good option for many women and may offer benefits that other methods do not. However, it’s important to carefully consider the pros and cons of each option and talk to a healthcare provider to determine the best choice for your individual needs and circumstances.
For those who want a permanent solution for birth control, sterilization may be a good option. Sterilization is the process of surgically blocking or cutting the fallopian tubes in women or the vas deferens in men to prevent sperm from reaching the eggs.
This is a permanent procedure, so it should only be considered by those who are certain they do not want to have children in the future.
In women, sterilization is done through surgical tubal ligation or mini-laparotomy. This is a relatively simple procedure that can be performed under general anesthesia, regional anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. The procedure involves cutting or sealing off the fallopian tubes, which prevent eggs from traveling from the ovaries to the uterus. Sterilization is effective immediately after the procedure, regardless of whether it was done during post-partum, post-abortion, or outside of the post-partum period (6 weeks+ post-pregnancy).
In men, sterilization is done through vasectomy. This involves cutting or blocking the vas deferens, which carries sperm from the testicles to the penis. The procedure is done in a doctor’s office under local anesthesia and takes only a few minutes to complete. There are two types of vasectomy procedures – conventional vasectomy and no-scalpel vasectomy (NSV). Conventional vasectomy involves making two small incisions in the scrotum to cut or block the vas deferens. In NSV, a small puncture is made in the scrotum, and the vas deferens is blocked or cut using a special instrument.
Both procedures have a very low risk of complications, and failure rates are extremely low. For laparoscopy, pregnancy occurs in 5 in 1,000 women. For conventional vasectomy, there is a 1 in 1,000 chance of pregnancy. Regulations prohibit federal funds from being used for sterilization for women younger than 21 years of age. It is important to note that while sterilization is a highly effective method of birth control, it should only be considered by those who are certain they do not want to have children in the future.
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Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)
IUDs are a small, T-shaped device that is inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. These devices work by stopping sperm from reaching and fertilizing an egg.
The four hormonal IUDs release small amounts of the hormone progestin into the body, while the copper T IUD triggers the immune system to prevent pregnancy. IUDs are considered the most effective reversible method of preventing pregnancy, with a less than 1% chance of getting pregnant.
However, IUDs are not for everyone. They are suitable for people with one partner and who are at low risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease (STD), but they do not protect against STDs. People with an allergy to copper or Wilson’s disease cannot use the copper IUD, and those with liver disease, breast cancer, or a high risk for breast cancer should not use hormoIUDs are a small, T-shaped device that is inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. These devices work by stopping sperm from reaching and fertilizing an egg. nal IUDs.
Before choosing an IUD as your method of contraception, it’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider to determine if it’s the best option for you.
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What to consider before choosing a birth control method
It can be difficult to decide on the best birth control method because of the wide variety of options available. The best method is the one you will use regularly, the one you and your partner accept, and the one that doesn’t cause any unpleasant problems. Other factors to consider include:
● How effective is this system?
● Is it good? Should I remember to use it? If so, should I remember to use it? ●Should I use/take it daily?
● Can the process change? Can I get pregnant immediately after stopping it?
● Will this procedure cause my bleeding to increase or decrease? Will the bleeding I experience while using the system be predictable or irregular?
● Are there any side effects or potential problems? ● Is the process affordable?
● Does this method protect against sexually transmitted diseases? ● Will it be difficult to stop this process if I choose?
You should also consider how easy it is to get birth control pills. For some types, you need to see a doctor or visit a women’s clinic near you for a prescription. But there may be other options; for example, in some places you can get birth control pills online from services like Nurx (www.nurx.com), PRJKT RUBY (www.prjktruby.com), or Pill Club (www.thepillclub. com). There are also other resources online.
There is no perfect birth control system. You need to weigh the pros and cons of each method, and then decide which method you will use to proceed in the right direction.