An unwanted pregnancy can create many problems. Birth control is really important for sexually active women, as well as those who are in a stable monogamous relationship. Contraceptive methods have been practiced for several years. Today, there are several effective birth control methods available that work in different ways and have different types of advantages and disadvantages. To understand which birth control method is best for you, you must first understand how it works and what the pros and cons of each are.
Contraceptive methods
Oral pills or birth control pills
Birth control pills are the most used methods among women. Most oral pills consist of two types of synthetic hormones: progestin and estrogen, these hormones prevent ovulation from the ovaries. This method is most effective if a woman takes a pill every day at the same time for 21 cycle days.
Possible Side Effects:
Nausea, headaches, breast tenderness, depression, weight gain, swelling, acne, and increased blood pressure.
condoms
This method is also the most popular and commonly used method. It prevents sperm from entering the uterus and prevents pregnancy. This method can be 99% effective if used with vaginal spermicide.
The male condom is a thin, flexible tube made of latex rubber or polyurethane. The male condom is rolled over the erect penis before intercourse. It is a risk-free contraceptive method that reduces the chances of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS.
The female condom is a soft tube made of polyurethane. It has O-rings on both ends. It is carried inside the vagina.
Possible Side Effects
Some women are allergic to latex.
Emergency method – morning after pill.
If there is unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure during intercourse, then the morning after pill or emergency contraception should be used to prevent an unwanted pregnancy. It inhibits fertilization or implantation and stops pregnancy. These pills can be taken up to 72-120 hours after unprotected intercourse.
Possible Side Effects
-Bloating, discomfort, breast tenderness and lower back pain.
Depo-Provera hormonal injection.
The hormonal injection works in a similar way to birth control pills. In this method, a synthetic progesterone hormone is injected into the female body, which stops the ovaries from ovulating. It prevents pregnancy for three months or for 13 weeks.
Possible side effect:
– Irregular menstrual periods, weight gain, headaches, depression and possible bone mineral loss.
Hormonal patch (Ortho-Evra)
The patch of hormones called estrogen and progestin is placed on the skin. These hormones are absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream and prevent ovulation. This birth control method is 99% effective, if used correctly. It is important that you first consult a doctor whether the patch is suitable for you or not.
Possible Side Effects
-Blood clots, irregular bleeding, breast tenderness, nausea, skin irritation, and cramps.
Sterilization method.
It is a permanent birth control method for both men and women. Sterilization for men is called a vasectomy and for women it is called a tubal ligation. This is a surgical procedure in which the vas deferens (the tube that carries sperm from the scrotum to the penis) in men and the fallopian tubes (the tube that leads from the ovaries to the uterus) are cut, clamped, and tied. ) in the women. This sterilization contraceptive method is the most effective and reliable for all those couples who no longer wish to have a child.
Intrauterine device (IUD)
These devices are inserted into the uterus by a doctor and can be left in for a week. The IUD is a T-shaped plastic or copper and plastic device that contains the hormone leveonorgestrel, which stops the fertilization of the sperm and egg.
Possible Side Effects:
– Abnormal bleeding, abdominal pain, pain during sexual intercourse, chills and fever.
Diaphragm
The diaphragm is a dome-shaped device with a flexible rim. It is made of rubber and silicone and can be reused. It is used with spermicide. It prevents sperm from entering the uterus. It is less effective than other contraceptive methods.
With the right kind of birth control, you can do proper family planning and have a child whenever you want. Also, some birth control methods can protect you from sexually transmitted diseases such as AIDS.