If you’re considering choosing one of the available birth
control options on the market today, you have many options to select
from. For example: over-the-counter birth control products, natural family
planning, or prescriptions contraceptives. Before you make a commitment to your
birth control method, you should make an honest assessment of your
relationship, yourself and your partner. Wide variety of contraception can be
divided into 5 main categories: Barrier, Hormonal, Long Term, Behavioral
(Knowledge-Based) and Sterilization.
Barrier birth
control methods physically prevent the sperm to reach an egg. The effectiveness
of barrier options could range from 68% to 98%. The most common barrier
methods:
CERVICAL COVER is cap shaped device that covers women cervix. It
blocks the sperm to pass into uterus. You must visit a clinic if you decide to
go with a cervical cover. It is not recommended if you had toxic shock
syndrome.
DIAPHRAGM is a soft and flexible rubber cup that is filled
with spermicide and inserted over the cervix. It creates a physical and
chemical barrier to stop fertilization. You must visit a clinic to get a proper
size for your cervix. It may increase bladder infection and it is not
recommended if you have toxic shock syndrome.
SPERMICIDES (foam, cream, gel, suppository, film) are chemicals
usually nonoxynol-9 that kills the sperm. It is easily accessible and could be
purchased at any drug store. Spermicides might irritate vagina and increase the
risk of HIV / STI.
SPONGE is small and soft piece of synthetic, that has a
shape of a bowl with loop attached. It contains spermicide. The sponge is
chemical and physical barrier that blocks and kills the sperm. You can purchase
sponge at any drug store. For women who have had given birth it is not as
effective. It may cause irritation of vagina if a woman is allergic to
spermicides.
FEMALE CONDOM is a soft polyurethane pouch that fits inside
vagina. It is pre lubricated and has a flexible rings at each end of the pouch
to hold in place. It catches the sperm and creates the natural filling barrier.
It is available at any drug store as well. Female condoms are the only
protections from HIV and can be used by women with latex allergies.
MALE CONDOM is thin latex that is placed over hard penis. The
different styles on the market: lubricated, non-lubricated, ribbed, non-ribbed,
clear or flavored. It traps the sperm inside condom so it cannot woman’s body.
Condoms are very cheap and easily available. Condoms may decrease sensation for
male.
HORMONAL METHODS
There are two
types of hormonal birth control methods. Hormonal birth control options could
contain estrogen and progestin or progestin only. Hormonal options prevents
woman from ovulation. Progestin thickens the cervical mucus and inhibits the
movement of the sperm. Hormonal methods require doctor’s prescription or visit
to the clinic. The effectiveness of hormonal methods could range from 92% to
99.7%. These hormonal methods are:
THE PILL (oral contraceptive) contains synthetic hormones
that are similar to estrogen and progesterone that your body produces. You’ll
require doctor’s prescription to obtain the pill. Antibiotics will make the
oral contraceptive less effective. Keep in mind it may cause breast tenderness,
nausea, weight gain / loss and might increase blood pressure.
THE PATCH is a bandage like patch that you need to stick to
your skin. It contains synthetic hormones similar to estrogen and progesterone,
which absorbed by the skin. A synthetic hormone prevents ovaries from the
releasing the egg, thickens cervical mucus and affects the lining of uterus. It
is not recommended for smokers over 35. It may increase chance of breast
cancer; increase blood pressure, headaches and mood swings.
VAGINAL RING is a clear flexible and thin circle. It is placed
in vagina and releases small amounts of synthetic hormone similar to estrogen
and progesterone. Synthetic hormones prevent ovulation by thickening cervical
mucus and changing the lining of the uterus. The ring must stay in vagina for
three weeks. It may cause vagina irritation, weight gain / loss, breast
tenderness, nausea, water retention and may increase chance of breast cancer.
THE SHOT (Depo Provera or DMPA) is an injection of
progestin. Progestin is a synthetic hormone of progesterone that is produced by
the body. The shot last for maximum of 12 weeks. It prevents ovulation by
thickening cervical mucus and changing the lining of the uterus. It is NOT
reversible for three months. It may cause loss of bone density; loss of sex
drive, hair loss, depression and it may take a long time to get pregnant after
last shot. It usually cause weight gain, periods stop all together and may
decrease the risk of ovarian cancer.
LONG TERM METHODS
Long-term
contraception methods are most suitable for women who do not want to have a
baby in the nearest future. There are two types available in the market: copper
based and hormone based. In both instances health care practitioner must
perform the insertion and the removal of the device. The effectiveness of long
term options range from 99.2% to 99.9%.
IMPLANON is soft flexible rod that slowly releases synthetic
hormone progestin. The health care practitioner inserts it in the upper inner
arm. It works similar as other hormone based contraceptives. Implanon last for
three years but can be removed at any time. The most common side effect of
Implanon is spotting – irregular bleeding.
MIRENA IUD (Intra uterine device) is a small “T” shaped,
flexible plastic device with a string attached at the end of the stem. It
releases small portions of synthetic progestin hormone. Hormone from IUD causes
changes in the cervical mucus, the lining of the uterus and fallopian tubes
that prevents the sperm to reach the egg. Mirena could last up to 5 years. The
most common side effect is irregular bleeding.
PARAGARD IUD (Intra uterine device) looks similar to Mirena, is
small “T” shape device with the tiny copper wire wrapped around the stem. It
releases copper ions that kill the sperm. ParaGard could last up to 10 years.
It is cost effective over time. Side effect that you might encounter is more
painful and heavier periods. You should NOT use ParaGard if you are allergic to
copper.
BEHAVIOURAL METHODS
Natural contraceptive methods are based on knowledge and
behaviour of people to prevent pregnancy. Abstinence is the only contraceptive
method that is 100% effective for preventing from pregnancy as well as from
sexually transmitted diseases (STD). The effectiveness of knowledge
based methods range from 73% to 98%.
FERTILITY AWARENESS is learning and knowing
the patterns of woman’s fertile time. By avoiding contact during fertile time,
chances getting pregnant dramatically decrease. To determine fertile period,
charts, thermometer, calendar and daily monitoring is involved or ovulation
tests could be purchased. This type of contraceptive has no health risks or
side effects, but it does not protect from HIV / STI.
WITHDRAWAL PULLING OUT is when the penis gets
pulled out of vagina right before ejaculation. By keeping sperm outside of
woman’s vagina the sperm doesn’t fertilize the egg, thus pregnancy cannot
occur. This type of contraception depends on male’s self knowledge and self
control. This method does not have any health risks or side effects. However,
it might be difficult for people with lack of experience to withdraw
effectively.
STERILIZATION METHOD
Sterilization
method is intended for men and women who have decided that they do not want any
more children. This type birth control option is generally non-reversible and
available for both men and women. The effectiveness of sterilization method is
99.9%. Young adults or teenagers without children may have difficulty in
finding a doctor to perform sterilization.
VESECTOMY is the type of sterilization for men. It is a
surgical procedure that requires either urologist or a surgeon. Tubes that
connect testicles to prostate are cut and closed off. This prevents sperm from
being released from penis during the ejaculation. Man’s body would continue
produce semen but without the sperm in it. It is recommended to use other
contraceptives for the first 10-20 ejaculations or until the doctor confirms
that there is no more sperm in the semen.
TUBAL LITIGATION (“having one’s tubes tied”) is a surgical procedure
that usually does not require over night stay. Fallopian tubes get cut, tied
and ends cauterized. This prevents the egg to be released for fertilization.
Tubal litigation does not affect woman’s menstrual cycle. It is generally
considered a permanent contraceptive and is 99.9% effective.
HYSTERECTOMY is a partial or total surgical removal of female’s
uterus. It is irreversible. It is permanently prevents women from pregnancy and
disease as uterus cancer. Hysterectomy is recommended only if other birth
control options have been tried and failed.
Using any of
above methods as described here is a personal decision. The purpose of birth
control is to allow a woman to enjoy a full range of sexual expression without
fear of getting pregnant.
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