Deciding having a baby can be an exciting moment for a woman. However, for women of any age trying to prevent pregnancy, birth control (also called contraception) can help.
Way to the best health
There are many options to prevent pregnancy. Either a method, a medicine or a device, each one has its pros and cons. Some options are permanent. Others are reversible.
Abstinence: This means not having sex. This is the only infallible method to prevent pregnancy.
Contraceptive pill: This is a popular form of birth control. Taken every day orally, the pill is 99% effective to prevent pregnancy when used as prescribed. If you lose, the effectiveness decreases. There are two types of contraceptive pills: the combined pill and the mini pill. The combined pill works by combining estrogen and progestin hormones to prevent ovulation (which is necessary for pregnancy to occur). This means that their ovaries do not release eggs. Hormones also cause their cervical mucus to be thicker, which makes it more difficult for sperm to move. They also dilute the lining of their uterus, which makes it more difficult for an egg to join there.
Women who are estrogen sensitive can take the Mini pill. The mini pill only contains the progestin hormone. While the cervical mucus thickens and the lining of the uterus is lost as the combined pill, it also slows down the path of eggs that travel through the fallopian tubes during ovulation. This helps prevent pregnancy.
Other hormone -based methods: These include a patch, shotImplant (under the skin on the arm) and a vaginal ring that releases hormones. These methods are 93% to 99.95% effective.
Intrauterine devices (IUD): This method requires that a doctor insert a small T -shaped device into the uterus. There are two types: copper and hormonal (progestins). It can have pain and cramps when inserting and eliminating IUD. Copper IUDs could also increase menstrual cramps. The IUDs change the mucus inside a woman’s cervix (the lower end of a woman’s uterus). This prevents sperm from gathering with the egg. They are more than 99% effective when used correctly.
Vaginal barrier: Several contraceptive products can create a barrier between sperm and uterus. This includes condoms (man and female), diaphragms, cervical tapas and contraceptive sponges. The man uses male condoms. A woman can insert a female condom, diaphragmCervical cap or contraceptive sponge directly in your vagina. These methods are between 79% and 87% effective.
Sterilization: Both women and men have surgical options to prevent pregnancy. An option that women have is a tubal ligation (Some people refer to this as they have their tubes tied). This procedure surgically blocks a woman’s fallopian tubes. This prevents sperm from entering the fallopian tube.
For men, a Vasectomy It is a form of birth control. This surgical procedure prevents sperm from mixing with the semen of a man when he ejaculates. This does not interfere with sexual relations and is considered a permanent method of birth control. In some cases, the procedure can be reversed. However, it depends on age, the circumstances of the first surgery and possible health complications. Sterilization is more than 99% effective.
Spermicides: These foam or gel substances kill sperm. A woman can apply them directly to the vagina. These are around 79% effective.
Natural family planning: There is no medicine or device with this form of birth control. It is based on avoiding sexual relations in the days before when it is more likely to be ovulating. Ovulation is the time when a woman is more likely pregnant. Sperm can live for a short period of time in the vaginal area. Ovulation kits and fertility monitors can help you determine if you are ovulating. Even the visual presence of vaginal discharge (clear or cloudy and elastic mucus) can mean that it is ovulating. However, natural family planning is not an exact science. This is effective around 76-98% of the time, depending on the method used.
Emergency contraception: This is not considered a typical birth control method. It is used in cases where contraceptives were used during sexual intercourse. It is also used in cases where a woman knows that birth control has failed (such as when a condom is broken). It is available in pill form (taken up to 5 days after unprotected sex). These are up to 87% effective to prevent pregnancy. A copper tiu is another form of emergency contraception. This must be inserted by a doctor within 5 days of unprotected sex. This is 99% effective.
Things to consider
When choosing a birth control method, you must consider your age and your health in general. You should also consider the risks and possible non -contraceptive benefits of the method, medication or device. Contraceptives that contain estrogen, for example, can increase their risk of blood clots. Some hormonal methods can help with painful periods or heavy menstrual bleeding. You should consider how well your choice works for your needs. That includes thinking about whether you want to start a family in the future.
Finally, consider how often you will have to handle your birth control. For example, contraceptive pills should be taken daily. If you cannot take a pill at the same time every day, you may want to consider another form. Some options (such as hormonal injections and vaginal rings) will last up to a few months. The spermicides must be applied at least 1 hour before having sex. If you cannot plan in advance or wait, that method would probably not be good for you. Some vaginal rings can be left for a few months. Barrier methods, such as diaphragms and cervical tapas, must be eliminated after 6 to 8 hours. The condoms are removed immediately. However, intrauterine devices can remain in place for 3 to 10 years before having to change.
Questions to ask your doctor
- How do I know what method is better for me?
- Do certain contraceptive options cause cancer or other chronic diseases?
- Are certain better forms according to the age of a woman?
- Apart from a male condom, can any other form of birth control prevent sexually transmitted disease?
- Are certain forms of contraceptives uncomfortable?
- Can I get free or low -cost contraceptives?
- How soon will this pregnancy method protect me?
- How long do I need to use a backup anticipation measure?
