Birth Control Methods one could use

The only full-proof method of avoiding pregnancy is not to have sexual intercourse or other sexual activities that could lead to the sperm entering the vulva (the act of abstinence). However, if one does plan on having sexual intercourse, it is advisable to use birth control methods, one of the most effective being condoms.

Birth Control Methods

Birth control involves the prevention of pregnancy before it begins. There are a number of different methods that work well and are also easy to use. While some methods work better than others, any form of birth control is a great step to prevent pregnancy. After all, Intercourse is more enjoyable if one doesn’t have to worry about unwanted pregnancy. Some of the most popular birth control methods that one could use are-

Birth Control Implant

Birth Control Implant is nothing but a thin rod that is as small as a matchstick. Also known as Nexplanon, it releases hormones, i.e., the progestin in the body that prevents pregnancy. The doctor inserts the implant under the skin of the upper arm, and one is protected from pregnancy for about four years. However, the implant does not prevent Sexually transmitted diseases, and those with this implant must use a condom.

Birth Control Patch

The birth control patch or the transdermal contraceptive patch is a simple, safe and affordable birth control method that women can wear on various parts of the body. They may wear it every week for three weeks anywhere on the butt, back, upper arm or belly. After the third week, one must take a week off before repeating the cycle. This method works on the notion of preventing the egg from meeting the sperm. This birth control method also does not prevent sexually transmitted diseases and using a condom is mandatory.

Birth Control Pills

The birth control pill is a hormonal medicine that women need to consume daily to prevent pregnancy. The pill is a safe and affordable, effective and affordable way to prevent pregnancy. Moreover, it comes with an array of health benefits too. The pills work as they stop the sperm from meeting the egg, basically stopping ovulation.

Birth Control Shot

The Birth control shot (also called Depo-Provera, Depo shot or DMPA) is an injection that must be taken every three months. It contains the hormone progestin that prevents pregnancy by preventing ovulation. It is a safe and convenient method that works well if you get it on time. A successful birth control method, it does not prevent one from sexually transmitted diseases.

Birth Control Sponge

The birth control sponge or the contraceptive sponge is a small and round sponge made from soft plastic. Just before intercourse, insert it deep inside the vagina. It covers the cervix and contains a spermicide that helps prevent pregnancy. It works in two ways- one it blocks the entrance to the uterus so sperm can’t get to the egg. Secondly, it contains a spermicide that slows down the sperm, so it is difficult to reach the egg.

Birth Control Vaginal Ring

The birth control ring, also known as the NuvaRing, is an affordable birth control method that one wears inside the vagina. This flexible ring is worn inside the vagina and prevents pregnancy by releasing hormones into the body. An effective method if used the right way, it stops the fertilisation process.

Breastfeeding as Birth control

Besides being a healthy way of feeding the baby, breastfeeding is also a form of birth control if done in a certain way. Exclusively breastfeeding at least every 4 hours during the day and 6 hours at night, also means that you naturally stop ovulating. This also means that you won’t have your period as well. This process is also called the lactational amenorrhea method, where lactational refers to breastfeeding and amenorrhea refers to not having your period.

Cervical Cap

A cervical cap is a little cap that is made from soft silicone. For birth control, one needs to insert it inside the vagina to cover the cervix. It works by covering the cervix, which stops the sperm from joining the egg. Another option that one has is adding spermicide to the cervical cap before insertion, which makes it even more effective.

Condom (Male and Female)

Condoms are stretchy, thin pouches that men wear on their penis and women vagina during sexual intercourse. Both male and female condoms are the only form of birth control that protects a person from sexually transmitted diseases and HIV. Condoms are the only sure shot method of preventing infections. Easy to use and easy to find, they come in various textures, styles, shapes and flavours. Since no birth control method considered 100% effective, condoms are a great protective measure.

Diaphragm

A diaphragm is a bendable, shallow cup that must be inserted into the vagina. It prevents pregnancy by covering the cervix during sex. It is a shallow silicon cup and is used as a barrier between the sperm and the egg.

Fertility Awareness Methods

Fertility awareness methods (or natural family planning or rhythm method) track your ovulation to prevent pregnancy. These methods help a person track the menstrual cycle to track the ovulation dates (when the ovaries release an egg every). The days near ovulation are the most fertile- are also when you are most likely to get pregnant. Avoiding intercourse during these days is great to prevent pregnancy.

IUD

An Intrauterine Device is a small device, inside the uterus and prevents pregnancy. It is a reversible and long-term method of birth control that prevents pregnancy by changing the movement of sperm cells, so they are unable to reach the egg. IUDs may be of two types, i.e., hormonal IUDs and copper IUDs. IUDs are also emergency contraceptives if put within three days of intercourse.

Vasectomy

Vasectomy is a male sterilisation surgical procedure that is meant to protect against pregnancy permanently and is super effective. It is a quick procedure in which the small tubes in the scrotum carrying sperm are cut or blocked off so that sperm cannot leave the body to cause pregnancy. There are two types of male vasectomy, i.e., incision method and the no-scalpel method. This procedure is permanent, and there is no reversal procedure for a vasectomy.

Sterilisation (Tubal Litigation)

Tubal Litigation, also known as female sterilisation, is an effective surgical procedure that prevents pregnancy permanently. In this procedure, the fallopian tubes are permanently closed or blocked. This blockage does not allow the sperm to get to the egg and prevents pregnancy.

Spermicide

Spermicide is a birth control method that comes with chemicals and stops sperm from reaching the egg. It is a chemical that is inserted into the vagina before sex to prevent pregnancy. It prevents pregnancy in two ways, i.e., blocking the entrance of the cervix so sperm cannot get to the egg and stop the sperm from moving well enough to swim to the egg.   One important thing to keep in mind is that after discontinuing contraceptive injections, it would take some time to return to normal. For some women, the fertility may return in a few months while for a few others, it may take up a lot of time. If you want to plan a baby and are taking contraceptive injections, it is best to get off the medications a bit earlier.