47.8% of women in India use some form of birth control to prevent pregnancy, whereas most of them are still unaware about these birth control methods and end up going through unplanned pregnancy. Also to make matters worse finding the right birth control can be difficult and a bit confusing. It is also important to understand your body to choose the right type of birth control method that you and your partner will be comfortable with.
Here are a few guidelines that might be helpful to understand the birth control Methods.
There are various birth control methods and these methods help you to prevent unwanted pregnancies or spaced births.
So what is the best birth control method?
Preventing unplanned pregnancy is a difficult task and you have plan with your partner and choose the right method. Each method prevents pregnancy in a different way. There are two major contraceptive categories:
a) Temporary i.e. Spacing method – spacing between two child birth
b) Permanent sterilization - This method is for the couple who wants to have a family planning to achieve the limited family size.
1. Barrier method
There are various barrier methods, which are as follows diaphragm, cervical cap, male condom, and female condom and spermicidal foam and sponges. These barrier birth control products are used at the time of sexual intercourse and these methods are effective only when it is used in the right manner.
Diaphragm
A diaphragm or cap is also one type of barrier method of contraception. It is placed inside your uterus and blocks sperm passing through the cervix (the entrance of your womb).
Cervical cap
The birth control cervical cap is a birth control (contraceptive) device that prevents sperm from entering the uterus. The caps are reusable which is made up of a silicone and is in a shape of a cup. These caps are inserted into the vagina and fits tightly over the cervix.
Male condom and female condom
A male condom or an external condom is a layer which is placed over the erect penis. These condoms are used during sexual intercourse, oral sex or anal sex. The male condoms are also an effective way to prevent pregnancy.
A female condom or an internal condom is placed inside the vagina which in turn blocks the semen from entering the body. These condoms are made from a subtle plastic material called nitrile.
Male or female condoms are effective and is the only safety measure that helps in protecting against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In order to protect yourself and your partner from sexually transmitted diseases be sure to use these condoms during the time of intercourse.
Condoms are considered to be most effect and widely used birth control method because it is easily available and also cheap when compared to other birth control products.
Spermicidal foam
These foams prevent pregnancy by blocking the sperms and making the eggs infertile. You can get it as foam, jelly, tablet or cream. You can use spermicide by itself or combine it with other methods.
Sponges
The birth control contraceptive sponge prevents the sperm from entering the uterus; it resembles a shape of a disk which is soft and is made up of foam called polyurethane. It helps in preventing the pregnancy.
2. Hormonal birth control method
Hormonal birth control method includes birth control pills, vaginal rings, hormonal patches, birth control implants and
Oral contraceptive pills
Oral contraceptives are also called as Birth control pills, and are medications you take by mouth to prevent pregnancy. They’re an effective method of birth control.
a) It is effective, safe and reversible contraceptive for spacing.
b) The pills act by suppressing ovulatio
Emergency contraceptive pill or I-pill
Emergency contraceptive pills are for couples who indulge in frequent sexual activity. These are also called morning after pills which are taken after an unprotected sexual intercourse. you have to take these pills at the earliest possible, at least within 72 hours of having sex
Vaginal ring
The vaginal ring is a circular shaped ring which is placed in the vagina and is replaced after 3 weeks. These rings are a hormonal birth control (contraceptive) device for women. These rings release a dose of estrogen and progesterone that helps in preventing the pregnancy.
Hormonal patches
These square patches sticks to your skin and releases hormones called estrogen and progestin. The hormones get absorbed through the pores and enter the blood stream of the woman and prevent ovulation.
Depot-Provera injection
Depo-Provera Injection is used for contraception (preventing pregnancy). It helps to prevent development and release of eggs from the ovaries during the menstrual cycle, thus prevents pregnancy. It should be taken as your doctor's advice. Your doctor will prescribe the dose and the duration. Take this injection as per prescription.
IUCD-Intra uterine contraceptive device
This T shaped contraceptive device is made of poly ethylene and impregnated with Barium sulphate to make it radio opaque. This device is inserted into the uterus and the copper wire coiled around the device kills the sperms and thus pregnancy is prevented. It is said to be effective for 10 years after insertion.
This IUCD-Intra uterine contraceptive device is also said to be inappropriate for few women who have pelvic infection, cervical cancer and vaginal bleeding.
Common myths related to contraception
Birth control pills make you put on weight
There is a common belief that regular intake of contraceptive pills will make you fat, but this is not true. Birth-control pills often contain hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, and these hormones are not responsible for weight gain also in today’s modern birth-control pills, these hormones are in very small doses. So they do not make you gain weight.
If your partner pulls out before ejaculation there is no need to use contraceptives
Pulling out or withdrawal before ejaculation every single time is not reliable. This could be risky and there are chances that you could become pregnant.
There is no chance to become pregnant if you have unprotected sex during your periods
There are fewer chances to become pregnant when you are menstruating, but remember you are not completely in a safe zone. If you are a fertile woman and if you have reached sexual maturity then there are chances that you get pregnant if you are involved in unprotected sex.
Extra layer of condoms are very protective
People think that if they use an extra condom it doubles the protection, this is completely wrong. When you use more than one condom there are chances of easy tearing since the condoms rub against each other.
Contraception isn’t necessary for women over 35
Women are fertile from the age of 15 to 50, so thinking that women aged above 35 are not at the risk of getting pregnant is a serious myth.
According to WHO an estimated 308 million more unintended pregnancies occur annually. Each body type is unique, you should carefully study and understand the pros & cons of different birth control products and choose the best one for you. Your choice might vary depending on various aspects such as if you are looking for a permanent birth control method or just a temporary one to create a space between the children. Choose wise and stay in harmony.