Birth control or contraception is necessary for sexually active individuals who wish to avoid pregnancy. There are numerous options that you can take to protect yourself during sex, however, it’s important to understand how they work to be effective. Moreover, you should research these birth control methods to prevent unplanned pregnancies.
Choosing the Right Birth Control
Selecting the best birth control method for your sexual relationships may be challenging, but there are several factors you should consider. First, you should feel comfortable with your chosen method and determine its effectiveness in pregnancy prevention. Additionally, determine which method best protects you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This knowledge is important to know especially if you have sex frequently or with multiple partners.
Also consider your overall health, age, and short- or long-term plans for pregnancy when picking your birth control method. Likewise, weigh possible side effects or other risks involved with each contraception available to you. Additionally, your personal preferences are important in choosing birth control. While some methods may allow privacy, others may offer certain health benefits such as predictable menstrual cycles or lighter periods.
How Contraception Works
Birth control works in various ways to reduce your or your partner’s chances of becoming pregnant. They can stop sperm before they reach an egg, either by damaging or blocking it. Some contraception may thicken cervical mucus so sperm can’t pass through, while others impact the uterine lining by altering it to prevent egg implantation. Lastly, some methods can affect the ovaries directly, stopping an egg from being released altogether.
Barrier Method
Ultimately, talk to your partner and doctor before choosing your birth control method. By having these conversations, you’ll learn how to use each type properly and their effectiveness overall. To begin, you should consider which type of contraception you want before engaging in sex. For instance, the barrier method keeps sperm away from the uterus and is used each time you have sexual intercourse.
The male condom is the most common type of barrier contraception as it collects sperm and prevents STI transmissions. Specifically, condoms are thin sheaths covering the penis and come in various types. For instance, polyurethane and latex condoms are preferred as they add extra protection. Similarly, women also have a female condom that also protects them from STIs. To work properly, you place this plastic, flexible pouch inside of the vagina before sex.
You can try the contraceptive sponge as another barrier method. This sponge covers the cervix and kills sperm with a substance known as spermicide. Moreover, it comes in various forms such as jelly, film, cream, or suppository, which can be used with a cervical cap, diaphragm, or by itself. Both the cervical cap and diaphragm cover the cervix when inserted into the vagina and are likely to include spermicide. These barrier birth control types are available in various sizes, so you should consult your doctor to find the best fit.
Hormonal Birth Control
Another option for birth control consists of hormonal devices or medication to help reduce your or your partner’s risk of pregnancy. This method prevents ovulation or alters the conditions affecting the cervix and uterus with hormones. For hormonal methods to work effectively, you must use them daily or weekly. Specifically, oral contraceptives, or what is called “the pill,” require daily use and contains estrogen, progestin, or both. In contrast, the contraceptive patch is used weekly by applying it to the skin to release hormones into the bloodstream directly.
The vagina ring is a short-acting hormonal option that continuously releases hormones. For three weeks, a person keeps this flexible ring inside their vagina. Once done, you can insert a new ring in its place, however, you must take a week-long break in between. Conversely, you can try a long-acting hormonal method that doesn’t require frequent administrations. In fact, injectable contraception is administered by a healthcare provider and occurs quarterly.
Furthermore, implants are long-term solutions where a doctor inserts a thin rod into the skin of your upper arm. With this method, you can get birth control nearly every four years, making it more low-maintenance and convenient. What’s more? Long-acting contraceptives (LARCs) are highly effective as a birth control method with the Intrauterine Device (ID) being the most prominent. A doctor inserts a tiny, T-shaped device in the uterus, providing long-term health benefits. Likewise, it’s convenient as it can last between three and ten years.
Sterilization
Sterilization offers a permanent solution to preventing pregnancy and typically involves surgery to complete. For example, tubal ligation is a medical procedure for women that permanently prevents them from becoming pregnant. On the other hand, men have vasectomies, which is a similar surgery that prevents them from impregnating. So, if you’re done having children or don’t want them, sterilization may be your best option. Keep in mind, however, that both these surgical procedures are irreversible, so you should be sure you want it by consulting with your doctor beforehand.
Fertility Awareness, Emergencies, and Abstinence
Besides devices and surgeries, fertility awareness or natural family planning is another way to approach birth control. This method offers a natural way of preventing pregnancies without relying on outside sources. Known as a natural rhythm method, it tracks women’s fertility cycle to determine their best chances of conception by monitoring menstrual patterns and other physical signs. During fertile periods, you and your partner can choose to either use barrier methods to have safe sex or not have sex at all to prevent pregnancy. Unfortunately, this option has the highest pregnancy rate of all the birth control methods.
When unexpected situations occur, you may want to look into emergency contraception for help when at risk of pregnancy. This method should only be used following birth control failure or unprotected sex. Mainly, emergency contraception has two types: copper IUDs and emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs). While copper IUDs are offered within 120 hours after having unprotected sex, ECPs are taken immediately following the act.
Ultimately, the best way to prevent unwanted pregnancies or getting STIs is by choosing abstinence. This way you can reduce your or your partner’s chances of getting pregnant by 100%. Although this method is free and offers guaranteed protection, you must commit and be disciplined when practicing it.
Final Thoughts
As you consider birth control, be aware of your health, sexual engagement, and future goals. You should also ask yourself if you want children someday as some methods may prevent the possibility altogether. That’s why, discussing your options and their risks and benefits with a doctor is important. Remember, engaging in sex is a personal choice so don’t allow anyone to push you to do anything you don’t want to do, especially if you’re uninterested or not ready.
Disclaimer: This article is intended simply to provide information. It does not replace the medical advice of a physician or other medical professional. Please speak with your doctor or therapist if you have any questions or concerns.
