Methods of Birth Control

Birth control, otherwise known as contraception, family planning, etc., can be defined in simple terms as prevention of pregnancy. A sexually active and fertile woman can prevent pregnancy by adopting any of the methods of birth control. The concept of birth control is not recent in its origin. The history of birth control practices has been traced to ancient Egyptians. It is believed that even ancient people had knowledge about birth control and they used various herbs for birth control, apart from withdrawal method and abstinence from sex. However, nowadays, there is a wide range of birth control methods for us to choose from. This article deals with various types of birth control.

Birth Control Methods

As mentioned above, there are many different types of birth control methods, that are chosen as per individual needs. While, there are natural methods of birth control, others include hormonal methods, barrier methods, intrauterine devices, permanent birth control methods, like, sterilization, etc. While, some are meant for use by men, others are for women. Let us take a look at the different methods of birth control.

Natural Methods of Birth Control
While most of the methods of birth control are not foolproof, abstinence is 100% effective in preventing pregnancy. Abstaining from sex is one of the natural methods of birth control. Some people prefer withdrawal method, as compared to abstinence. In this method, the man withdraws, before ejaculating into the vagina. Another method is to abstain from sex, during the woman's fertile period. Even though, this method cannot be that effective, as you must have a good knowledge about the signs of ovulation for it to be effective. Usually, ovulation occurs on the 14nth day, before the next menstrual period. So abstain from sex during the fertile days (around three to four days before and after the date of ovulation). However, this method is not good for those with irregular menstruation. Others too must have good knowledge about the ovulation dates and symptoms, so as to practice this method effectively.

Nowadays, ovulation prediction kits are also available and these kits can help you in determining the date of ovulation. It is a common misconception that lactating women do not ovulate and there are no chances of getting pregnant during that time. These are some of the natural methods of birth control. The following are some of the other popular methods meant for men and women.

Methods of Birth Control for Women
Birth control pills is one of the most popular methods of birth control for women. These pills contain either estrogen or progestin or both, and have to be taken daily, so as to prevent pregnancy. These hormones prevent ovulation and thicken cervical mucus, so that the sperms do not cross it. Females can also go for intrauterine device (IUD) that are inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. While, some of them contain copper (for its spermicidal properties), some others release hormones, like, progestin. These devices prevent the sperms from joining the egg, thus, preventing fertilization. A female condom is a plastic pouch that has to be inserted into the vagina, before sexual intercourse. This prevents the entry of semen into the vagina, thereby preventing pregnancy.

Another method of birth control for women is sponge, which is made of plastic foam and contains spermicide. This round-shaped device is inserted deep into the vagina, before intercourse. Apart from covering the cervix, it also releases spermicides to kill the sperms. Another such device is the diaphragm, which is a latex cup. It is also inserted into the vagina, before sex, so that the sperms do not enter the cervix. Cervical cap too works in the same way. There are birth control shots that release hormones that prevent ovulation. Each shot can prevent pregnancy for a period of three months. Sterilization is considered to be a permanent method of birth control, wherein the fallopian tubes are blocked and this procedure is called tubal ligation. Now, you know that, for women, there are various methods of birth control besides the pill.

In short, most of the birth control methods are meant for women. But, there are some methods of birth control for men too. These include condoms, which is one of the popular methods of birth control and is said to be the most effective one, as compared to other methods. Men can also go for vasectomy, which again is a permanent form of contraception, wherein the passage of sperms is blocked by severing the vas deferens (tube that carries sperms). If you compare the methods of birth control effectiveness, then, total abstinence is the only foolproof method. Male condoms are said to be 90% effective, female condoms are 80% effective, diaphragm and cervical cap has around 80% effectiveness, etc. So, these methods have to be used properly, so as to avoid failure.