Birth Control: Forms, Options, Risks & Effectiveness, Information, Types

Definition Of Birth Control

Birth control is a commonly known term that stands for contraception. It refers to different ways and tools for preventing pregnancy, giving a person, or a couple an opportunity and freedom to plan a family and control their fertility according to their will to do so. There are many methods of contraception, which will be elaborated in the following points, therefore, making regard towards safe sex an informed choice.

Types of Birth Control Methods

The details are given below:

Barrier Methods

Barrier methods prevent the sperm from reaching the egg. Some of the commonly used barrier methods are:

• Condoms – Condoms are available for men and women; condoms are efficient in preventing pregnancies and also protect from sexually transmitted infections.

• Diaphragms- Diaphragm is a dome-shaped cup used in the vagina before intercourse, but it should be used with spermicide for better performance.

• Hormonal methods of contraception: It changes the balance of the body's hormones to prevent ovulation. They are also divided into;

• Birth Control Pills; Taken orally daily, the tablets inhibit ovulation, and birth control pills can also affect an individual to regulate their menstrual cycle and eliminate painful menstruation cramps.

• Patches; Adhesive patches, impregnated with hormones, are applied trans-dermally, while they adhere or stick on the skin, hormones are absorbed across the skin into the bloodstream, consequently hindering ovulation.

• Injections: The hormonal shot is injected every three months, and it serves to prevent ovulation.

IUDs

• IUDs are devices that are inserted into the uterus. It can either be hormonal or copper-based and provides contraception for a long period, normally between 3 and 10 years.

Natural methods

This involves tracking the cycle of fertility in women. This comprises:

• Fertility Awareness: This is keeping a record of when ovulation occurs to avoid having intercourse on or near the day a woman releases an egg.

• Withdrawal: Describing the situation when a male partner pulls out before ejaculation, which results in suspension and is generally not so reliable.

Permanent methods

Permanent methods are surgeries for someone who doesn't plan to have children in the future:

• Tubal Ligation: This is a surgical method for a female that blocks their fallopian tubes so they cannot get pregnant.

• Vasectomy: This is a specific surgical method for a male, cutting the vas deferens so that sperm cannot mix with semen.

Effectiveness of Contraceptive Methods

The details are given below:

Effectiveness Rates

The effectiveness of contraceptive methods sharply varies:

• IUDs and Implants: More than 99% effective.

• Hormonal Methods: 91-99% effective, depending on proper use.

• Barrier Methods: 82-98% effective, depending on correct usage.

Perfect Use vs. Typical Use

• Perfect Use: The use intended by the developer.

• Typical Use: Actual use by the average person, which may be less effective.

Personal Considerations When Choosing Birth Control

The details are given below:

Personal Health

A person should be able to consult their health professional to outline for them any preconditions they have that need to be considered when choosing the appropriate birth control method.

Lifestyle Considerations

Consider your lifestyle, the frequency at which you have sex, and which method you are most comfortable with while choosing a birth control method

Possible Side Effects

Consider the possible side effects associated with each method including hormonal fluctuations, mood swings, or allergy to the method.