Different Types of Birth Control

Being pregnant and giving birth is a miracle, but many people don't realize it is also a personal choice. A woman can decide if she wants to get pregnant or not, and that's her right because it's her body. However, birth control is not limited to women only. Men and women who don't want to reproduce can prevent it through multiple birth control methods.

This article elaborates on all types of birth control options and their functioning, from abstinence to pills.

What is Birth Control?

Birth control uses several devices, methods, surgeries, and drugs to prevent pregnancies. One can adopt several practices to limit conception, including natural, surgical, and non-surgical options.

Natural Birth Control Options

Reproduction is one of the significant elements behind sex, so few natural birth control options are available.

• Abstinence

Natural abstinence is the only option that's 100% effective in preventing pregnancies. Abstinence means simply not having sexual intercourse. Don't have sex if you're not ready to take a chance.

• Pull-out Method

This method prevents pregnancies without using any synthetic drug or device. It is relatively common among couples. However, it's not practical, and many don't take pre-ejaculation into account. Pull-out refers to the male pulling out his penis just before ejaculation, preventing sperm from entering.

Surgical Birth Control Options

Surgical methods are usually permanent and can't be reversed. There are surgical procedures available for both men and women. However, the doctors typically recommend thinking it through before you plan to tie your tubes together.

• Tubal Ligation

Tubal ligation is a rather complex process in which a woman's fallopian tubes are tied up, preventing the transport of the ovum to the uterus. It also blocks the passageway into the ovaries for the sperms, limiting pregnancy chances to almost 100%. Tubal ligation is a successful method of preventing pregnancies. It involves an incision near the navel. Through the cuts, a tube (laparoscope) is inserted, with which the fallopian tubes are either sealed or burned. This method is commonly called sterilization and is irreversible. It also doesn't protect from STDs.

• Vasectomy

Vasectomy is a male sterilization method in which the vas deferens is cut and sealed. Vasectomy is also a permanent and irreversible birth control prevention method; however, it doesn't affect a man's potency. A person will still be able to achieve an orgasm with fluid ejaculation. This fluid doesn't contain any sperm. A cut is made in the scrotum, and the tubes are cut and sealed. This method, just like female sterilization, fails very rarely.

Non-Surgical Birth Control Options

From condoms to rings, many drugs and devices can prevent pregnancies to a greater extent. Some of these methods also give protection against multiple STDs. However, they're not as effective as surgical procedures.

• Women's Condom

The women's condom is a plastic pouch that can be placed in the vagina along the lines. They're widely available in local drug stores but are only 21% effective in preventing pregnancies.

Women's condoms aren't very popular because to wear a condom, she must place it 8 hours before any sexual activity, and guiding it into position is another problematic motion. Also, these condoms aren't reusable.

• Men's Condom

Men's condoms are balloon-like latex, preventing sperm from entering the vagina during sex. A man can wear a condom over his penis and have sex. This method provides significant prevention against STDs. Condoms are available in different flavors in almost every drugstore. However, they are only 75% effective.

• Diaphragm

A diaphragm is a rubber device placed over her cervix before sex. A diaphragm must be used with spermicide. However, you must consult a doctor to position it correctly. One diaphragm can be used for about two years and is inexpensive. It's moderate-level prevention against unwanted pregnancies. Also, it can be harmful to use during your period.

• Cervical Cap

A cervical cap is similar to a diaphragm, only smaller. It should be placed over the cervix about 24 hours before sex. They are practical, can be used during periods, and are widely available. Also, unlike the diaphragm, you do not require a doctor to put it in.

• Birth Control Shots

If you're not scared of syringes, Depo-Provera is the shot for you. It prevents pregnancies for up to 3 months and is highly effective. The only drawback of taking birth control injections is that it's expensive and has various side effects.

• Contraceptive Pills

Birth control pills are different, such as emergency pills or IUDs. Most common pills have estrogen and progestin, which helps in contraception. Pills require prescriptions and can cause side effects. Most women who take a pill as a birth-control measure complain of tender breasts, hormonal imbalance, and changed blood patterns during periods. Nonetheless, contraceptive pills are effective in preventing pregnancies.

• Birth Control Implants

Nexplanon is a small rod-shaped implant that a doctor places under the skin of the upper arm, and it releases the hormone, similar to the injection. It prevents pregnancies by more than 99%. However, identical to birth-control shots, it is expensive.

Conclusion

Other methods, like patches, IUDs, sponges, spermicides, etc., can be used effectively to counter conception. Birth control is an effective strategy, and choosing a suitable method for yourself can be stressful. However, with the help of a medical consultant, you can have all the sex you want without worrying about pregnancies.