Contraception is a means of preventing pregnancy or for birth control and is also a method to plan for pregnancy.
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Nowadays, many modern methods of contraception that facilitate the above have been developed.
The general methods of contraception include the following:
- Barrier: Physically interferes by keeping the sperm and egg apart
- Hormonal means: Regulate ovulation and change the cycle
- Intrauterine devices (IUDs): Prevent sperm from entering the fallopian tubes
- Sterilization: is a medical technique that intentionally leaves a person unable to reproduce. It is a method of birth control.
Some forms are a combination of the hormonal means and IUD.
The effectiveness of contraception specifically depends on age, gender, and, most importantly, the nature of use. If the method used is incorrect, it is deemed to be less effective. On the other hand, perfect use can provide the necessary contraception required.
Types of Contraceptive
Long-active Reversible Contraceptive Methods
These methods are preferred, as you do not need to remember to take them and as they are effective even with typical use. They are:
Contraceptive implant: These are 99% effective in perfect use and can be used for as long as three years, although they can be taken out at any time. One in a hundred women get pregnant with this.
IUD: Same as implants; they are 99% effective but can be used for 5 years and can be taken earlier if required.
Contraceptive Injection
The effect of the injection lasts 8–12 weeks; infections are about 94% effective with typical use.
Patch and Ring
Contraceptive patches are about 91% effective in typical use, with 9 in 100 women getting pregnant. Vaginal rings are also 91% effective, with 1 in 100 women getting pregnant with its use.
Contraceptive Pill
These can either be combined pills or progesterone-only pills. They are only 91% effective with typical use, as sometimes there is a lapse in taking the pills.
Male and Female Condoms
With perfect use, they are 99% effective, but with typical use, they are only 81% effective (18–21 women in 100 can get pregnant). However, condoms also prevent sexually transmitted diseases.
Diaphragms and Caps
These are about 71%–88% effective with typical use; 12–29 in 100 can get pregnant with their use. When used along with a spermicide, these too can prevent sexually transmitted diseases.
Natural Birth Control
This involves carefully monitoring the body and the menstrual cycle and timing intercourse in the ‘safe’ period when one is not ovulating. However, it is only 76% effective.
When wearable devices are not available, emergency contraception is preferred, such as the morning-after pill. However, this is not recommended for regular use. Make sure to consult your health care provider.
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