Looking for the perfect birth control method? Here's a low-down on the latest birth control methods available today.
Sterilized as an Option
When a man or woman gets operated upon to permanently prevent pregnancy, this is called “Sterilization”. One should take this step if you are sure your family is complete and you do not want any more children.
In a woman: The woman's fallopian tubes
are closed to prevent eggs to travel through them and reach the uterus. To close the fallopian tubes, a metal coil- Essure, is placed inside them by the doctor.
In a man: The man's sperm ducts are closed off so sperm cannot travel through.
Saying No to Sex
One of the 100 percent effective birth control methods is not to have sex at all. The pleasure one may get from sex may seem less enticing if the fear of getting pregnant or catching an STI is weighing heavily on one’s mind.
Barrier Methods
Barrier methods avoid pregnancy by preventing the sperm from getting into the uterus. Common barrier methods used by people today include the condoms, diaphragm, cervical cap and contraceptive sponges.
Using Diaphragm: Getting a diaphragm fitted blocks the cervix and keeps the sperm from entering the uterus. An experience doctor has to be consulted by the women to be fitted with a diaphragm. However, it may be kept in mind that using a diaphragm may increase the risk of urinary tract infections or allergic reactions in some women.
Condoms: Condoms are widely available as they aren't expensive .They are a good choice if you or your partner are also having multiple partners for sex. They have also been found to be most effective protection against STIs of all the barrier method options.
Although the female condoms have been found to be not as effective as male condoms, if a man does not like to use a male condom, these can be a good choice.
Pills
The main function of birth control pills is to prevent ovulation, which is the release of an egg formed by the ovaries. These pills are made of two hormones called progestin and estrogen. You have to take them daily.
Some common side effects of these birth control pills are rise in blood pressure, nausea, acne, headaches, breast tenderness, weight gain and depression .But symptoms may vary with different women and all not every woman taking the birth control pill may necessarily face any side effects.
Patch
The hormonal birth control patch can be applied to any one of the four places: abdomen, outer arm, upper torso or buttocks. The patch contains estrogen and progestin to prevent pregnancy. Based on a 4-week cycle, you have to put on a new patch once a week for 3 weeks.
The side effects of the patch are much similar to those of the birth control pills. Survey reveals that patch users experience more side effects than pill users.
Vaginal contraceptive ring
The vaginal contraceptive ring is a flexible, thin ring inserted into the vagina. Its main purpose is to releases hormones, progestin and estrogen, to prevent pregnancy. The ring is left in the vagina for 3 weeks. Clinicians have seen rise in popularity of the contraceptive ring recently.
Hormone Shots and Implants
Hormone shots work much like the pill to prevent pregnancy. Different hormonal shots have different time period, for example, a Depo-Provera shot prevents pregnancy for 3 months whereas a Lunelle shot prevents pregnancy for 1 month. They may have some side effects, such as headaches and changes in your mood, periods and weight.
IUD
IUD or "intrauterine device" is made of flexible plastic and inserted in a woman's uterus by her doctor. They seem to stop sperm from reaching the egg or prevent the egg from attaching to the uterus.
Initially, some IUDs were related to serious health problems but today they are much safer. They still come with some side effects though, like stronger cramps and heavier bleeding during periods.
Take your doctor’s advice about the pros and cons of each birth control option. Use the method that suits you, your partner and your body the most.
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