Women have several choices when it comes to birth control. The era of counting the days on the calendar in hope of avoiding pregnancy are long gone, unless that is the method you choose. Today’s women can select a pill, intrauterine devise, a patch, an implant, condoms, vaginal ring, sterilization by surgery, or the calendar method. A frank discussion with a gynecologist will help you make the right choice for you. Here are some considerations:
Barrier Methods
Several products fall within this category. The male condom, the female condom, foam, suppositories, and several more varieties are out there for your consideration. Once again, it is important to know that contraceptive barriers are not 100% fool proof and do not safeguard against sexually transmitted diseases. Regardless of whatever other type of contraceptive you are using, a condom (male or female) should always be used to help protect against STDs.
The Pill
There are variations of the pill. The most popular kinds contain estrogen and progesterone. Taken daily, these pills are highly affective. Similar formulas are also available in patch form, and rings. For women who cannot take estrogen, there is an alternative. The progesterone only formula is offered as a “mini-pills”, injections and implants. Using the pill can reduce heavy bleeding, aid in reducing acne, and relieve cramps. Be aware that the pill is not protection from sexually transmitted diseases.
Intrauterine Device
An intrauterine devise (IUD) is a small device that is placed in the uterus. IUD can be effective for up to 10 years. In the 70’s IUD were known to cause serious problems. The devises available today are improved and much safer. The IUD is inserted into the uterus by a doctor.
At this time there are two types of IUDs available. One is good for up to 5 years. The other is good for up to 10 years. But effective time is not the only criteria on which you should base your decision. This is a conversation best had with your doctor. IUDs are for birth control, and as with all other birth control except abstinence, it is not 100% and does not prevent sexually transmitted diseases.
Sterilization
Sterilization is a permanent method of birth control. The decision to use this method should be made only when you are absolutely sure you do not want any more, or any at all, children. While it is true that this surgery can be reversed, that reversal is not always successful. This option is available for both men and women. The procedure for men is called vasectomy. This is a minor surgery by which the tubes that carry the sperm from the testicles to the semen are cut and blocked. For women the technique is called tubal ligation. The fallopian tubes, the path an eggs travels to the vagina, are cut, blocked, or tied. Once again, this is a reversible process but not always successful. Sterilization is not a choice to be made if you have any doubt about wanting children in the future. This method does not protect against STDs, neither for men or women.
Calendar Method
Officially, the name of this birth control method is natural family planning or periodic abstinence. A woman is fertile about 5 to 7 days each month. The calendar method of birth control, also used to become pregnant as well as prevent it, centers on knowing when the days are during each month when ovulation occurs. Acute awareness of your menstrual cycle is important here. Ovulation normally takes place 12 to 16 days before the menstrual cycle takes place. So it is important to know how many days from month to month your cycle operates. Avoiding sex 2 to 3 days before this time frame is recommended. This system is not nearly as dependable as others, but many women prefer it.
Source: WomensHealthBase
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