There are a number of contraceptive methods available to suit your birth control needs. The one you choose needs to fit with your lifestyle. Here is our guide to some of the most popular methods to help you pick the best birth control option for you.
Condoms
Condoms can prevent unplanned and unwanted pregnancies and have an added bonus – they also help prevent STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) such as gonorrhea, HIV, chlamydia, and herpes. Condoms are readily available in chemists, supermarkets, petrol stations, and in some countries, they can even be found in dispensing machines outside pharmacies. They may also be available free of charge from community centers, doctors’ surgeries, and family planning clinics.
The Contraceptive Pill
One of the most common types of contraception, the pill prevents pregnancy through the use of hormones which prevent the sperm from fertilizing the egg. Ovulation does not occur, and so there is no egg to fertilize. It is affordable, readily available, and a popular choice for many women around the world.
The pill is also an excellent choice for those who suffer from acne and/or painful periods. A doctor can recommend the right pill to address these concerns as well as your contraceptive needs.
It is important to remember to take the pill every day at the same time to maintain the excellent protection it is known for. It’s very important to note that the pill does not protect against STIs, so a condom should be used to help prevent these.
The Implant
The Birth Control Implant is, as the name suggests, a tiny thin rod, which is inserted into your arm and offers up to five years of protection against pregnancy. Once it is in, you can forget it is there, unless of course, you want to get pregnant, at which point you can ask our doctor for it to be removed. Both the implant and the pill offer excellent protection against pregnancy, especially when used in conjunction with a condom.
Like the pill, the implant does not protect against STIs, so a condom should still be used to protect you and your partner.
Contraceptive Injection
Lasting up to 12 weeks, the contraceptive injection is particularly good for women who cannot use contraception containing estrogen. Once the injection has been administered, the contraception lasts between eight and twelve weeks, depending upon the type and is particularly good for those who might forget to take other forms of contraception regularly, such as the pill.
The contraceptive injection is not affected by other medicines but does have some side effects such as bloating, changes to periods, and weight gain.
The Coil or IUD
More commonly known as the coil, the IUD (Intrauterine Device) is a small T-shaped device that is inserted into the uterus to prevent sperm from reaching the egg. Offering protection for up to 12 years (depending on the type and brand), there are two types of coil. One is the copper coil, and the second is hormone-based. The copper IUD does not have hormone and protects for up to 12 years, while the hormone-based coil releases hormones and protects for up to seven years.
Things to consider
Bear in mind that no birth control is 100% effective, and it relies on the person using it to do so correctly, whether that is taking the pill at the right time every day, putting a condom on correctly, or even the healthcare professional fitting the coil.
To prevent both pregnancies and STIs, it is a good idea to use both a regular contraceptive method, such as the contraceptive pill and a condom. By doing so, the risk of getting pregnant is lower, and there is also protection against STIs, which can be treated but are uncomfortable and can cause long term damage both to you and your partner.
About The Author
Ashley Rosa
Ashley Rosa is a freelance writer and blogger. As writing is her passion that why she loves to write blogs related to the latest trends in technology and sometimes on health-tech as well. She is crazy about food.
