What Are The Different Birth Control Methods To Avoid Pregnancy?
Hormonal Control methods
Birth Control Pills
This is the most common contraceptive used by women. This is a pill taken orally and needs to be taken everyday. The day you stop taking the pill, the woman becomes susceptible to getting pregnant. This is a 99% sure fire way of avoiding pregnancy. Contrary to belief, being on pills will not stop the menstrual period. Most pills allow for one menstrual cycle per month. There are latest innovations, where the pills allow one menstrual cycle in 3 – 4 months. Besides preventing pregnancy, the other advantages of birth control pills are reducing premenstrual syndrome, shortening the menstrual period itself, reducing the blood flow thereby reducing cramps. We can’t see any of these side effects of the pill in some women. They can depend on various factors but the pill can induce side effects like breast tenderness, bloating, weight gain, headache, nausea and vomiting, increased blood pressure and in some cases, acne. In some extreme cases, women can suffer from depression.
Emergency Contraceptive Pills
Emergency contraceptive pills work after the intercourse and are steadily gaining usage. The chemical composition is the same, only the dosage is high, that it is extremely concentrated. These should be used only in emergency, to prevent pregnancy after intercourse. Regular usage of this pill should be avoided at any cost as it can cause grave damages.
The Contraceptive Patch
Like the nicotine patch, the contraceptive patch is a thin patch that is put on any part of the body except the breasts like the upper arms, legs, chest, buttocks or the stomach. The special ingredients of the patch, stops or postpones ovulation. The patch can be used for one week. 3 such patches need to be used for the 3 weeks, one per week. Then the lady should take a break of one week in which she will get her menstrual period. After the period, the lady can use the patches for the next 3 weeks. This is the cycle that needs to be followed. There are few side effects to this method and they are similar to the pills, as the chemical composition can cause contraindications. Sensitivity of the breasts and irritation where the patch is put are two more side effects of the patch. The patch gives 99% dependability to control pregnancy but cannot prevent HIV and STD infections.
Hormone Shots
Just like the normal shot, hormone shot is a hormone injection given to a woman mostly on the arm. The effect of the injection preventing pregnancy lasts for 3 months. The advantage is, due to its 99% success rate, for 3 months, the person is assured of no pregnancy. There are a few side effects to the hormone shots like headache, nausea, mood swings and weight gain.
