Birth Control,Birth Control Methods,Birth Control Options

Birth control is a term used to cover any device, process or action taken in order to prevent or reduce the chances of a woman becoming pregnant or giving birth. Any birth control method which is designed to reduce the chances of a sperm reaching an ovum and fertilizing it may also be called contraception.

The barrier method involves putting some physical boundary between the incoming sperm and the womb. The most common of these barrier methods is the condom, a polyurethane or latex sheath placed over the erect penis (or in the case of the female condom, directly into the vagina, with a flexible ring at each end to help secure the device in place.)

A cervical barrier is a different kind of barrier method contained exclusively within the woman’s vagina. The contraceptive sponge, cervical cap and Lea’s shield are all varying kinds of cervical barrier, with their own benefits and drawbacks, and the use of such is really a matter of personal preference.

There are also a variety of hormonal methods of contraception. The most common of these is the combined oral contraceptive pill, also known as “The Pill”, a combination of synthetic progestogens and oestrogens, as well as “The Patch” and the NuvaRing, which are variations on The Pill.

Progestin only methods are also available, including the Minipill (or POP), the Depo Provera (an injection administered every three months containing medroxyprogesterone acetate), and various other hormone-based contraceptive implants. Progestin only methods generally need to be taken at more precise times than combination hormone methods in order to be effective.

Intrauterine devices are contraceptive devices placed in the uterus, and are usually T-shaped in order to maintain their position. The two prominent kinds of IUD are those that contain copper, which has a spermicidal action, and those that release a synthetic progesogen or progestin.

Various types of emergency contraception are available, including standard combination and progestin pills which may be taken in large doses following unprotected sex in an attempt to prevent a pregnancy. The morning-after pill, as it is known, is effective up to three days after unprotected sex having taken place.

IUDs containing copper may also be effective in a birth control emergency, and most be deployed within five days of unprotected sex or birth control failure in order to stand a reasonable chance of being effective.

Due to the fact that emergency birth control may prevent an already-fertilized egg from developing inside the womb, some people believe it to be a form of abortion.

Surgical methods of abortion are also relatively commonplace. Suction-aspiration abortion is possible in the early stages of a pregnancy. Dilation and evacuation is a kind of prematurely-induced birthing used to abort a foetus, often when a woman’s life may be in danger. The period of time for which medical abortion is legally sanctioned following conception varies from country to country.

Some types of herbs are known to be able to induce an abortion, but the use of such herbs is not recommended due to the risk of serious side effects. You should always consult with your doctor if you are considering an abortion, and ensure that you have all the information needed to make such an important decision.

Sterilization methods are available for people who have decided definitively that having children (or having any more children) is not for them. Surgical sterilization for men is n the form of a vasectomy, whereas for women it is called tubal ligation. in both cases, key ducts or passages in the reproductive system are severed or blocked in order to prevent the normal reproductive process from happening. Although sterilization can be reversed, the process is not guaranteed and sterilization should therefore be considered a permanent procedure.

‘Statistical’ methods of birth control are for example the Rhythm method, where past menstrual cycles are used to determine which time of the month a woman is likely to get pregnant, and when she might be less likely. Statistical birth control is extremely unreliable and is considered by most healthcare professionals to have been obsolete for decades.

Coitus interruptus, a latin term for ‘interrupted sex’, is sometimes known too as the withdrawal method. This is when a man removes his penis from the vagina shortly before ejaculation. If you are a man, or know a man intimately, you will realize that this method is somewhat short of foolproof. Additionally, there is a chance that sperm may leak from the penis prior to ejaculation. Coitus interruptus is therefore not recommended as a form of serious birth control.

Sex without penetration is another form of behavioral birth control. As with coitus interruptus, the risk of failure is quite high. There is also the possibility that sperm will find its mark anyway, due to leakage or carelessness.

Abstinence means not partaking in any form of sexual activity. It is the most effective, and least fun method of birth control.

More methods of birth control currently in development or just reaching the market include different kinds of spermicidal buffer gel, ‘Praneem’ - a spermicidal tablet, various convenient spray methods and long-lasting barrier and IUD devices which do not require fitting or constant replacement. Oral contraception for males is also in development, and would likely be greeted with some celebration by women everywhere.

Consult your doctor before embarking on a course of hormonal birth control, or having a birth control device fitted.

Birth Control