7 Best Methods to Avoid Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a beautiful experience that can bring joy and happiness to many people. However, it is not always the right time for a person to become pregnant. There are many reasons why someone may want to avoid pregnancy, such as financial instability, personal goals, or health concerns. Fortunately, there are several ways to prevent pregnancy. In this article, we will discuss various methods of birth control, their effectiveness, and the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Barrier Methods

Barrier methods are one of the most common types of birth control. These methods work by physically preventing sperm from reaching the egg. Barrier methods include kondoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps.

Kondoms are the most popular type of barrier method. They are made of latex, polyurethane, or lambskin and are worn on the penis during secksual intercourse. Kondoms are also the only method that can help prevent the transmission of secksually transmitted infections (STIs). They are easy to use and widely available, and some are lubricated to increase pleasure during intercourse.

Diaphragms and cervical caps are inserted into the vagina before secksual intercourse. These methods are less effective than kondoms because they are more difficult to use and must be fitted by a healthcare provider. Diaphragms and cervical caps also require the use of spermicide, a chemical that kills sperm, to be effective.

Advantages of Barrier Methods

• They are easy to obtain and use.
• They can help prevent the transmission of STIs.
• They do not require hormones or devices to be inserted into the body.

Disadvantages of Barrier Methods

• They are less effective than other methods of birth control.
• They can reduce sensitivity and pleasure during intercourse.
• They must be used every time a person has secks to be effective.

Hormonal Methods

Hormonal methods of birth control use hormones to prevent ovulation or thicken cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching the egg. Hormonal methods include the pill, the patch, the vaginal ring, and injections.

The pill is a daily medication that contains hormones. There are two types of birth control pills: combination pills and progestin-only pills. Combination pills contain both estrogen and progestin, while progestin-only pills contain only progestin. The pill is highly effective, but it must be taken at the same time every day to be effective.

The patch is a small, square adhesive patch that is applied to the skin. The patch contains hormones that are absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream. It must be replaced once a week for three weeks, followed by one week without the patch. The patch is highly effective but may cause skin irritation.

The vaginal ring is a flexible ring that is inserted into the vagina. It contains hormones that are slowly released over three weeks. The ring is removed for one week to allow for a menstrual period. The vaginal ring is highly effective, but some people may find it uncomfortable to insert.

Injections are a long-acting form of birth control that is administered by a healthcare provider. The injection contains hormones that are slowly released into the body over three months. Injections are highly effective, but they must be administered on time every three months to be effective.

Advantages of Hormonal Methods

• They are highly effective.
• They do not require the use of a barrier method during intercourse.
• They can help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce menstrual cramps.

Disadvantages of Hormonal Methods

• They require a prescription from a healthcare provider.
• They may cause side effects such as nausea, weight gain, and mood changes.
• They do not protect against STIs.

Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are small, T-shaped devices that are inserted into the uterus by a healthcare provider. There are two types of IUDs: hormonal and non-hormonal.

Hormonal IUDs release progestin to thicken cervical mucus and prevent sperm from reaching the egg. They also thin the lining of the uterus, making it less likely for a fertilized egg to implant. Hormonal IUDs can last up to five years.

Non-hormonal IUDs are made of copper, which creates an environment that is toxic to sperm, preventing fertilization. Non-hormonal IUDs can last up to ten years.

Advantages of IUDs

• They are highly effective and long-lasting.
• They do not require daily attention or remembering to take a pill.
• They do not interfere with secksual pleasure.
• They are reversible and can be removed by a healthcare provider at any time.

Disadvantages of IUDs

• They require a healthcare provider to insert and remove.
• They may cause side effects such as cramping and irregular bleeding.
• They do not protect against STIs.

Sterilization

Sterilization is a permanent form of birth control that involves surgery to prevent pregnancy. There are two types of sterilization: tubal ligation for women and vasectomy for men.

Tubal ligation involves cutting or blocking the fallopian tubes, which prevents the egg from reaching the uterus. Vasectomy involves cutting or blocking the vas deferens, which prevents sperm from reaching the semen. Both procedures are highly effective but are intended to be permanent.

Advantages of Sterilization

• They are highly effective and permanent.
• They do not require daily attention or remembering to take a pill.
• They do not interfere with secksual pleasure.

Disadvantages of Sterilization

• They require surgery and may be expensive.
• They are intended to be permanent and may not be reversible.
• They do not protect against STIs.

Fertility Awareness Methods

Fertility awareness methods involve tracking a person's menstrual cycle to determine when they are most likely to ovulate and avoiding secksual intercourse during that time. These methods include the calendar method, the basal body temperature method, and the cervical mucus method.

The calendar method involves tracking the length of a person's menstrual cycle to predict when they are most likely to ovulate. The basal body temperature method involves taking a person's temperature each morning to track changes in body temperature that occur during ovulation. The cervical mucus method involves monitoring changes in the amount and consistency of cervical mucus to determine when ovulation is most likely to occur.

Fertility awareness methods are less effective than other methods of birth control because they rely on a person's ability to accurately track their menstrual cycle and avoid secksual intercourse during the fertile window.

Advantages of Fertility Awareness Methods

• They do not require the use of hormones or devices.
• They can be used to increase awareness of a person's menstrual cycle.

Disadvantages of Fertility Awareness Methods

• They are less effective than other methods of birth control.
• They require a person to track their menstrual cycle accurately.
• They do not protect against STIs.

Implant

The implant is a small rod that is inserted under the skin of the upper arm by a healthcare provider. The implant releases a progestin hormone to prevent ovulation and thicken cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching the egg. The implant is highly effective and can last up to three years.

Advantages of the Implant

• It is highly effective and long-lasting.
• It does not require daily attention or remembering to take a pill.
• It does not interfere with secksual pleasure.
• It is reversible and can be removed by a healthcare provider at any time.

Disadvantages of the Implant

• It requires a healthcare provider to insert and remove.
• It may cause side effects such as irregular bleeding or mood changes.
• It does not protect against STIs.

Contraceptive Injection

The contraceptive injection involves receiving a shot of a progestin hormone every three months from a healthcare provider. The hormone prevents ovulation and thickens cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching the egg. The injection is highly effective and does not require daily attention.

Advantages of the Contraceptive Injection

• It is highly effective and only requires a healthcare provider every three months.
• It does not interfere with secksual pleasure.
• It may reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, such as endometrial and ovarian cancer.

Disadvantages of the Contraceptive Injection

• It requires a healthcare provider to administer the injection.
• It may cause side effects such as irregular bleeding, weight gain, or mood changes.
• It does not protect against STIs.

Conclusion

There are many ways to prevent pregnancy, and each method has its advantages and disadvantages. Barrier methods are easy to use and widely available, but they are less effective than other methods of birth control. Hormonal methods are highly effective but may cause side effects and require a prescription. IUDs are highly effective and long-lasting but require a healthcare provider to insert and remove. Sterilization is a permanent form of birth control that requires surgery. Fertility awareness methods are less effective but do not require hormones or devices.

It is essential to discuss birth control options with a healthcare provider to determine the best method for individual needs and lifestyle. It is important to remember that no method of birth control is 100% effective, and using a combination of methods may provide the best protection against pregnancy and STIs.

In addition to birth control, it is also essential to practice safe secks to prevent the transmission of STIs. This includes using kondoms and getting regular STI testing.

Finally, it is important to have open and honest communication with secksual partners about contraception and STI prevention. It can be helpful to discuss birth control options and preferences before engaging in secksual activity.

In conclusion, there are many effective methods of birth control available to those who wish to avoid pregnancy. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and it is important to discuss options with a healthcare provider to determine the best fit for individual needs and preferences. It is also important to practice safe secks and have open communication with secksual partners about contraception and STI prevention. By taking these steps, individuals can protect themselves from unwanted pregnancy and promote their overall secksual health and well-being.