Definition
Contraception is the planned prevention of conception using different devices, medications, or surgical procedures. Methods of birth control range from temporary to permanent. In addition, certain varieties help in the avoidance of STDs.
Types of Contraceptive Methods
There are several choices available for anyone thinking about taking contraception to prevent pregnancy. Here are some types of contraceptive methods –
- Barrier Methods –
- Male Condom
- Female Condom
- Contraceptive Sponge
- Spermicide
- Diaphragm and cervical cap
Male Condom:
A thin sheath is placed over the penis to catch sperm and block its entry into the body. Using condoms, especially those made of latex or polyurethane, is an effective way to protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
Female Condom:
A thin and flexible pouch made of plastic. It is half inserted inside the vagina to stop sperm from entering the uterus. Women’s condoms are also effective in preventing sexually transmitted diseases.
Contraceptive Sponge:
A vaginal sponge is a tiny sponge used to cover the cervix. The spermicide in the sponge may be used to eliminate any remaining sperm.
Spermicide:
A chemical capable of destroying sperm cells. It is available in foam, jelly, cream, suppository, and film forms. You can insert it into the vagina next to the uterus. Also, you may use spermicide with or without a diaphragm or cervical cap.
Diaphragm and Cervical Cap:
Vaginal cups are devices that are inserted and put over the cervix. You may use them in combination with spermicide. They come in a variety of sizes, so it’s wise to consult with your doctor about selecting the right one for you.
- Hormonal Methods
- Oral Contraceptives
- Birth Control Patch
Vaginal Ring - Injectable Birth Control
- Birth Control Implant
Oral Contraceptives:
The contraceptive pill includes hormones that inhibit conception. Taking the pill at the same time every day maximises its effectiveness. They may include progestin, oestrogen, or both.
Birth Control Patch:
The birth control patch is a tiny, sticky patch that may be placed anywhere on the woman’s body to prevent pregnancy.
You won’t be able to conceive while using the patch since it releases progesterone and oestrogen directly into your skin. Hormones prevent eggs from being released by the ovaries, thicken cervical mucus to drown out swimming sperm, and make it more difficult for fertilised eggs to implant within the uterus.
Vaginal Ring:
A vaginal ring is a contraceptive option that requires a doctor’s prescription. It’s a tiny, malleable plastic ring that’s inserted in the vagina to stop pregnancy. Its diameter is almost 2 inches. Synthetic oestrogen and progestin are released constantly from the vaginal ring to prevent conception. These hormones enter the circulation system.
They stop your ovaries from producing eggs, which means you can’t become pregnant. Cervical mucus becomes thicker as a result of the hormones, further blocking the path of any sperm that could otherwise make it to the egg.
Injectable Birth Control:
This method of birth control relies on the hormone progestogen being injected directly into the bloodstream.
The injection of progestogen, a hormone that suppresses ovulation, is injected monthly to keep you from becoming pregnant (ovulation).
The cervical mucus becomes thicker, making it more difficult for sperm to pass through the cervix. Furthermore, the uterine lining becomes thinner, decreasing the likelihood that a fertilised egg will implant.
Birth Control Implant:
Birth control implants are devices that are implanted under a woman’s skin. They produce a hormone that inhibits pregnancy. The implant is a plastic chunk the size of a matchstick. It includes etonogestrel, a kind of progesterone hormone.
When the implant is inserted under your skin, it releases trace levels of etonogestrel. The hormone affects your pituitary gland, which instructs your ovaries not to produce eggs. Thickens the mucus of your cervix which makes it more difficult for sperm to reach any eggs that are released.
- Long Acting Reversible Contraceptives
- Intrauterine Device (IUD):
An IUD, which is shaped like a “T” and a little larger than a quarter, is placed into your uterus. It works by preventing sperm from entering and fertilising eggs. IUDs have a lifespan of 3 to 10 years. Hormonal IUDs and copper IUDs are the two types of IUDs.
- Sterilization
- Vasectomy
- Tubal Ligation
Vasectomy
A vasectomy is a minor procedure that prevents conception. It prevents sperm from reaching the sperm when you ejaculate. With no sperm exiting the body, it is impossible to conceive. However, you may have an orgasmic experience and ejaculate.
Tubal Ligation
Tubal ligation stops an egg from moving from the ovaries via the fallopian tubes and inhibits sperm from reaching the egg through the fallopian tubes. The procedure does not affect menstruation. It is a surgical procedure that stops a woman from becoming pregnant permanently.
- Other Forms of Contraceptive Methods
- Fertility Awareness-Based Methods
- Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM)
- Withdrawal
Fertility Awareness-Based Methods
You may also hear these strategies referred to as “natural rhythm” approaches. They include monitoring the woman’s reproductive cycle and avoiding sexual activity or using barrier techniques on days when she is most likely to get pregnant. The success rate of pregnancy with this procedure may be greater than using other methods.
Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM)
Lactation provides women with a natural method of contraception. It requires the breastfeeding mother to go without menstruation or spotting during the first six months of her baby’s life.
Withdrawal
During sexual activity, the penis is withdrawn from the vagina just before ejaculation. The objective is to block sperm before they reach the vagina. Pregnancy rates are greater than with other methods because sperm might slip out before the penis is taken out.
Is Contraception Reversible?
Your choice of contraception depends on your reproductive objectives. If you want to get pregnant in the near future, you may choose a technique that may be halted or reversed easily, such as short-acting hormone treatment or a barrier method. If you wish to avoid pregnancy for a longer period of time, you may want to consider a technique like an IUD. If you are positive that you never want to get pregnant again, you may opt for a permanent technique like sterilisation. Depending on your life stage, you may discover that various contraceptive methods are more effective than others.
Side Effects of Contraception
Think about how you could react to any possible side effects of the birth control you’re considering. Some procedures are associated with a higher risk of side effects. Moreover, some of these might be very severe. Discuss your medical history with your doctor and how it may influence your options for birth control.
Which Contraceptive Method is Best For You?
Many of you must be at a loss as to how to choose the best for you. You should only use a birth control method if it is safe for you. Furthermore, if you feel good about it, you can use it regularly and effectively.
The choice of contraception that works best for you at any given moment may change as you go through life, depending on variables such as:
- Your age and medical history
- Your reproductive priorities, such as the number of children you want and when you want to conceive.
- Relationship variables, such as marital status, number of sexual partners, frequency of sexual activity, and partner preferences.
- Differences among birth control techniques, including their effectiveness in preventing conception, side effects, cost, and ability to prevent sexually transmitted illnesses
Knowing your choices is essential, but so is taking an honest look at yourself and your relationships to choose which kind of birth control is best for you.
