Choosing a Birth Control Method

Contraception or birth control is defined as a process to prevent unwanted fertilization/pregnancies in humans. There are various types of methods used for this purpose and these are segregated in different categories. Unwanted pregnancies are an issue which can have a number of reasons, and abortion is a much painful repercussion that can be avoided with birth control. However, birth control also has stages in which they are meant to be used and are only effective when used in these durations.

There can be different reasons why birth control is used, a few of them being; unplanned fertilization, result of forced sex, prevention of ectopic pregnancy, etc. Therefore, there is a need for choosing such a birth control method that is safe, effective and doesn't lead to complications in the menstrual cycle of women. In the coming up paragraphs, we have mentioned a few methods of contraception which might help. Read on...

Birth Control Options for Women

When you want to avoid an unwanted pregnancy and still enjoy an intimate experience with your partner, using birth control is the most sensible thing to do. It is also wise to use contraception in case of unwanted sex, which is the case in rape victims so that the possibility of fertilization is eliminated. Birth control is safer and better than putting yourself through an abortion. However, with the various types, there are a number of side effects of birth control as well. But they are only seen if the methods include heavy doses of hormones, as these interfere with the menstrual cycle in a woman's body. Here's a brief description of these methods mentioned below, so that choosing a birth control method can be made easy for you. Take a look.

Barrier Methods
One of the most common and safest methods of birth control are the barrier methods, where certain objects create a barrier for the sperms to enter the vagina and lead to a possible pregnancy. There are many types of barrier methods, and most of these birth control options are effective. These are mentioned in the paragraphs below.

• Male Condoms: It is a thin sheath which has to be worn over a man's penis during sexual intercourse and it creates a barrier between the sperms ejaculated and the receiving vagina. It collects the sperms in a tiny bag like structure and prevents the sperms from entering the vaginal opening. There are female condoms as well, inserted in the vagina and which carry out the same function.
• Diaphragm: This is another effective barrier method of contraception, which is a flexible soft rubber cap that is to be inserted into the vagina during intercourse. It blocks the sperms from accessing the cervix and thus, doesn't let them pass into the uterus through the vagina.
• Spermicides: Even though there are millions of sperms released during ejaculation, the unfriendly acidic environment in the vagina kills most keeping only 1% alive for fertilization. Spermicides are agents which kill the sperms that enter a woman's vagina and they protect the live ones from reaching the egg too. The agent is Nonoxynol-9, a potent detergent chemical for sperm eradication in the vagina. Spermicides are coated on other barrier methods like the contraceptive sponge and the cervical cap.

Hormonal Methods
A more effective and a more risky birth control method is the hormonal one, where there are hormone pills, skin patches and shots that are used. These are considered safe and are more effective than barrier methods, but may have side effects. These include two female hormones such as; estrogen and progestin, or just progestin. These hormones are however delivered to the body in various ways which are mentioned below.

• Birth control pills: They are oral in administration and they are supposed to be taken either within the first 72 hours after intercourse to prevent pregnancy (emergency pills), or as a course of pills. They prevent ovulation and keep the mucus in the cervix, due to which the sperm cannot penetrate to the egg. However there are side effects of birth control pills as well.
• Injections: This is a recent birth control method which is administered through injections or shots. The agent is depot medroxyprogesterone acetate or DMPA, which is injected once every 3 months and functions as the pill. This is for those women who can't use estrogen related birth control. There are side effects of birth control shots as well.
• Vagina Ring: This is a ring that contains the two hormones and is placed in the vagina, so that the hormones are absorbed by the vaginal tissues. The ring also carries out similar functions as that of the pill and prevents pregnancies. Hormones are also absorbed in the same mechanism, through skin patches worn on different body parts.

Birth Control Options for Men

In the paragraphs mentioned above, we have spoken about choosing a birth control method for women. But since there are both males and females involved in bringing about a pregnancy, there are a few birth control techniques for men as well. Since women should not be the only partners affecting their hormonal systems with contraceptives, it is the man's duty to control an unwanted pregnancy too. Therefore these ways to avoid pregnancy, other than condoms are;

• Withdrawal: It is also known as coitus or the pull out method. The men can prevent the sperms from entering the vagina by simply withdrawing the penis out as this way the sperms will not be in contact with the vagina. It is safe and convenient.
• Vasectomy: Vasectomy is a surgery which is used to sterilize the men so that they don't produce sperms any more. It is the safest option of birth control and is usually permanent. It may cost up to $1000 but has side effects too. There are other options like outer-course and abstinence which are also effective and sensible.

With so many techniques available, choosing a birth control method is surely not a difficult job. However, whatever you choose, make sure you have the appropriate knowledge about it and you use it under guidance.