What Are The Different Birth Control Methods To Avoid Pregnancy?
Hormone Implants
The implants are very small and thin stick like plastic structure that are inserted by the doctor, just below the skin. Getting an implant will ensure prevention of pregnancy in the patient for 3 years. The benefit is the implant can be removed any time the patient wants a pregnancy. The contraindications of the implants are irregular menstrual cycle with either excessive or reduced bleeding, a shift from the normal. In extreme cases, some patients may not have menstrual period at all.
Vaginal Contraceptive Ring
This is a hormonal flat ring that is inserted inside the vagina. This can be done at home by the woman herself. The ring is to be kept for 3 weeks after which it needs to be removed. Once the ring is removed, it needs to be disposed off. In case, the patient is removing the ring to check or for some other reason, she has to put it back in 3 hours time, else the ring will be ineffective and will have to be disposed. The success rate of the ring is 99%. The side effects of the ring is it can get dislodged, or hamper sex. All these are temporary birth control methods.
Sterilization
One of the permanent birth control methods is by surgery when the patient is sure that she does not want any/more children. In women, the fallopian tubes are tied by surgery. This can be also be done by inserting a metal coil. Sterilization is also done in men by way of vasectomy where the sperm ducts are closed by surgery.
Barrier Birth Control Methods
Cervical cap, diaphragm, contraceptive sponges are to be used every time there is intercourse and these methods create a barrier and the sperms do not enter the uterus of the women. The protection success in most of these methods is 80% as the barrier can give in at times.
Condoms
Though there are condoms for both sexes, women condoms are not so effective. Condoms are the most used contraceptives by men as it provides protection not only from pregnancy but also from sexually transmitted diseases. Same sex intercourse as well as relationships with multiple partners also makes both men and women susceptible to sexually transmitted diseases. This can be avoided by condoms. Condoms are easily available and are an inexpensive method of birth control. Condoms are created from latex. This latex barrier collects the semen and the pre-cum in it thereby preventing pregnancy. There are no physical disadvantages of condom as seen in other methods.
How does condom protect from sexually transmitted disease?
Condom, when it collects the semen and the pre-cum, also prevents entry of the semen into the vagina. Condoms can also be used in anal and oral sex hence it also prevents these to enter them too. This prevents the transmission of sexually transmitted virus or parasites to enter the partner’s body, thereby preventing STDs.
Natural Method
This is a well planned method in which the woman’s ovulation period is identified and abstinence is observed 4 days prior and 2 days after to it. This works if it is planned and observed stringently. Breast feeding is also considered as a natural birth control method.
A word of advice to all those who use some or the other form of contraceptives; you can combine any two methods to prevent pregnancy and battle sexually transmitted diseases. For instance, if a woman has undergone a hormonal IUD, then her partner can use condoms so that STDs along with pregnancy can be prevented.
