Birth Control Methods

Considering the physical, mental and emotional stress that dealing with an unwanted pregnancy might cause to a woman, it is better that the couple opts for an effective birth control method. As far as birth control methods are concerned, there are numerous options that are available to a couple. Before opting for any one of these contraceptive and family planning methods, a thorough birth control methods comparison should be done and then the one which is most suitable to both the partners should be chosen.

Birth Control Methods Without Hormones

Condoms
Either male or female condoms can be used for avoiding pregnancy. Condoms are a barrier method of birth control, i.e. they prevent the sperms from going into the uterus. Condoms are considered among the best birth control options as they provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases as well as HIV and AIDS.

Spermicide
Spermicides are available in the form of foam, cream, gel, suppository, vaginal contraceptive film and tablet. They contain nonoxynol-9 which renders the sperms inactive before entering the uterus, thus preventing pregnancy in the process.

Diaphragm
Diaphragm is a device which is made of rubber and is dome-shaped. Spermicidal cream is filled in it, after which it is inserted in the vagina, almost three hours before the sexual act. This device acts as a barrier and does not let the sperms enter the uterus and if they do, they are damaged by the spermicide.

Hormonal Contraception Methods for Women

Birth Control Pills
Birth control pills contain certain hormones such as estrogen and progestin, which prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs. These pills should be taken by the woman every day to prevent pregnancy. Although birth control pills are very effective in avoiding pregnancy but certain discomforting side effects of birth control pills might be experienced by the woman such as headaches, nausea, weight gain, depression, increased blood pressure, bloating, acne and tenderness in breasts.

Hormonal Shots
Sometimes, hormonal injections might be taken by the woman to prevent pregnancy. They produce the same contraceptive side effects as birth control pills such as headaches, irritability, depression, etc.

Vaginal Contraceptive Ring
Vaginal contraceptive ring is another different type of birth control method. It has to be inserted into the vagina and can kept there for three weeks. These rings release progestin and estrogen and these hormones prevent the pregnancy from occurring.

Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)
One of the most effective hormonal birth control methods other than the pills, for women, is getting an IUD, a T-shaped device, inserted in the vagina by a medical practitioner. IUDs either contain levonorgestrel (LNg) hormone or copper. Copper IUDs work as a spermicide and thus kill the sperms before they fertilize the eggs. Hormonal levonorgestrel (Lng) IUDs make the uterine lining thin and suppress the mobility of the sperms, thus preventing the fertilization of the egg.

Other Contraception Methods

Abstaining from having sex during the most fertile period of a woman in her menstrual cycle can help in preventing pregnancy. However, this method is not fool-proof and pregnancy can occur despite all the precautions. If the couple does not wish to have children, the man can go in for a sterilization surgery or a vasectomy, which is a permanent birth control method. For couples who have had unprotected sex, there are emergency contraceptive methods available too, such as emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs), which should be taken within five days of unprotected intercourse and a copper intrauterine device (IUD), which should be inserted within five days of the unprotected sex.

Birth control methods effectiveness and choice depends upon a lot of factors such as the woman's menstrual cycle, her age, her health as well as the frequency of intercourse. So, consulting a health care provider who can guide the couple about the most suitable birth control method for them, is advised.