Contraceptives, also known as birth control, are methods that are used by sexually active individuals to prevent a woman from getting pregnant and help couples decide when they want to have a baby. The choice and type of prevention varies from one person to another. Most methods are 90% effective if used correctly. It is advisable for one to be knowledgeable about contraceptives before using them to increase the chances of its efficiency.
There are over 15 types of contraceptives male and female condoms, the diaphragm, the birth control pill, the morning after pill, implants, IUDs (Intrauterine devices) male and female sterilization, spermicides, sponges among others. All of these fall under two categories; hormonal and non-hormonal contraceptives.
The two are different in the way they work. In simpler terms, hormonal contraceptives work in releasing hormones into the body to counter those that are naturally produced and as a result, they prevent pregnancy. If used alone without the combination of a condom, they do not prevent one from STI and HIV. Non-hormonal contraceptives are basically devices such as condom and IUD that prevent pregnancy in their various ways of use as advised below.
Hormonal contraceptives
Birth control pills are pills that control the ovulation process in women. It is advisable that one seeks medical advice before choosing to take these pills in order to get the best guidance to increase effectiveness and to be aware of what works for your body type.
The morning after pill is also known as the emergency contraceptive pill that is often taken within 72 hours after sexual intercourse to prevent pregnancy. This pill is of a contragestion kind since it stops the fertilized egg from being fertilized. It works to reverse the fertilization process after having unprotected sex.
A single Implant is inserted into the upper arm of the woman. They give off bits of a progesterone like hormone during the last two weeks of each monthly cycle. Chances of getting pregnant while using this type of contraceptive is almost nil and it works effectively within the years of prescription e.g. 3 years, 5 years. During the use of this implant, one may lose less blood during menstruation, less breast tenderness, headaches and cramping.
Injectable contraceptives consisting of a hormone, are given every three months and works to stop ovaries from releasing an egg. At the end of the three months, if one wishes to continue the contraceptive then they should get another shot immediately to avoid accidental pregnancies. Within the three months one does not need to take any other pills in combination. However to decrease chances of accidental pregnancy, or transmission of HIV or STIs use a condom.
Some hormonal contraceptives are also used to help regulate periods, reduce acne and lower endometriosis.
Non-hormonal contraceptives
Male and female condoms are made of polyurethane or latex and they work in preventing body fluids from mixing when two people have intercourse. They are the most effective form of birth control as they also protect one from HIV and other STIs as they protect both partners from exposure. The reuse of a condom is highly discouraged so is using more than one condom.
Intrauterine Device (IUD) is a small device placed into the uterine cavity that prevents the sperm from entering the uterus. This method has been rendered safe and can be left in place for as long as the partners wish, from 1 to 10 years without affecting future fertility. According to research, it is the second most effective method matching surgical sterilization in pregnancy prevention.
Female and Male sterilization is a choice made by those that desire permanent forms of contraception, it is irreversible and one cannot carry or sire a child in their future. This method is achieved surgically. Male sterilization (vasectomy) does not impact the ability to achieve or maintain erections or to ejaculate. Both procedures take several months before one is cleared to be fully protected.
The above are the most used types of contraceptives. However, specialists have more options of these that they may recommend once a pelvic exam has been conducted to determine which best works for you.