When deciding the best suitable contraception method, many factors come into play. Factors like weight, overall health, menstrual flow, the regularity of sexual activity, and many more.
It is highly crucial to make the right decision while choosing the contraceptive method that suits your body and needs. To make sure this is achieved, collect all the information possible on various kinds of contraception methods available today and visit the nearest clinic to consult a doctor.
However, always remember that the only sure-shot method to protect yourself from sexually transmitted diseases is condoms. No other contraception can prevent Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
This article will help you choose ideal contraception methods while discussing their efficiency rates, and also explain why you should opt for them.
To figure out which contraception will work best for you or to narrow down the options, these are the factors to consider. We have covered everything from effectiveness to renewal time. Thus, by the end, you should ideally be left with a few reasonable methods.
The types of contraception can broadly be divided into five categories. All methods have been elaborated below.
As the name suggests, these methods provide long-lasting protection against pregnancy, while also being reversible.
Intrauterine devices are t-shaped devices inserted inside the uterus to prevent pregnancies. These are inserted, removed, and replaced by a professional doctor or a nurse and can last for many years at a time.
Pros: Long-lasting and easy to install
Cons: Can cause side-effects and high risk of slipping out
These devices release a hormone called levonorgestrel into the uterus. This hormone creates disturbances during ovulation, implantation, and fertilization, thus making a pregnancy highly unlikely.
With an effectiveness rate of 99%, it is one of the most highly recommended methods. It is also used for treating women who experience a very heavy period flow since the hormone eliminates or causes the thinning of the uterine lining.
Copper IUDs function in a similar manner to hormonal IUDs in terms of curbing the main processes and efficacy. The only difference is that instead of hormones, it releases copper into the uterus in small amounts.
It can remain in the uterus for up to 10 years but is not recommended for pregnant women, women with pelvic infections, or uterus cancer patients.
Pros: Highly effective and long-lasting
Cons: Economically unviable and can cause side-effects
Implants are small, match-stick sized plastic rods placed under the skin of a woman’s upper arm. This procedure is performed by a medical professional and is 99% effective. These rods work by releasing substances like progestin, etonogestrel, and levonorgestrel into the body and thus help in curbing pregnancy.
The hormonal methods mentioned here are usually effective for a short period of time. They introduce certain hormones into the bloodstream via injections, pills, patches, or a vaginal ring. These sources help create disturbances in all the major processes involved in a pregnancy.
Pros: Regular and lighter periods
Cons: Can have adverse health effects besides spotting, tender breasts, and so on
Progestin-only pills (POPs) interfere primarily with sperm function and ovulation while Combined oral contraceptives (COCs) – containing synthetic estrogen and progestin – interfere with ovulation only. It is advised to take these pills at the same time each day. To buy birth control pills online visit our website, they are up to 95% effective.
Pros: Less cramping during menstruation
Cons: Can cause skin irritation and other side-effects similar to pills
The birth control patch is a thin, plastic patch that sticks to the skin and passes hormones via the skin into the bloodstream. These are removed every third week, and no patch is used during the fourth, to allow periods.
Pros: Highly effective
Cons: Costly and might cause spotting
With an efficacy rate of 97%, this method ideally works better than the pill. The injection shot is called Depo-Provera, a progestin, and needs to be injected four times a year. It can last for up to 3 months.
Pros: Durable and reduces menstrual flow
Cons: Costly and can cause vaginal irritation
The vaginal ring is a small, thin plastic ring that is inserted inside the vagina and needs to be changed approximately every month. It releases a mixture of ethinyl estradiol and progestin into the uterus and poses similar risks as the pills and patch. This ring comes with an efficacy rate of approximately 95%.
As the name suggests, these create a barrier to prevent the sperm from entering the uterus.
Pros: Protects against STDs and is cost-effective
Cons: Cannot be reused
Usually available in the latex form, a condom is placed on a male’s penis and collects the sperm, thus preventing it from entering the uterus. This protective sheath can only be used once and has an effectiveness rate of about 85%.
Pros: Slight protection against STDs and widely available
Cons: Not as effective as a male condom and cannot be reused
The female condom has to be placed inside the vagina approximately 8 hours before sex. These are not as effective as male condoms.
Pros: Does not require the help of a medical professional
Cons: Hard to put on and cannot be used during periods
These sponges already contain spermicide, that is, chemicals that can kill sperms. They create a hostile environment inside the uterus where sperms cannot survive. Birth control sponge is made of foam, it can be placed inside the cervix up to a day prior.
Some other barrier methods available on the market include:
Emergency contraception methods are usually opted for in case the woman engaged in unprotected sex due to failed or forgotten contraception. Copper IUDs can be placed inside the uterus within 5 days after the event. They provide immediate effectiveness.
Pharmacies also provide over the counter pills that can help. These pills are usually called “morning-after pills”, and can be taken as soon as possible to provide the best results. And to buy Plan B One-Step (morning-after pill) at a discounted price visit our website.
Sterilization is usually a permanent medical procedure that directly affects the male or female reproductive organs. These procedures should be performed by professionals only.
Vasectomy is performed in males, where the path between the testes and urethra is cut, blocked, or closed off. It can take up to three months to fully be effective.
Tubal Ligation is performed in females, where the path between the uterus and the ovaries is cut, tied, or sealed. This prevents the egg from reaching the sperm and vice-versa.
Also Read: Most Effective Birth Control
Before you choose a method that seems effective, remember to ask yourself the following questions:
1. Can contraception be a part of your daily schedule?
2. How often would you prefer to remember contraception?
3. Would you be willing to insert contraceptive devices into your vagina?
4. Would you mind menstrual changes?
5. Can you use hormonal contraceptives?
6. Can you use contraceptives with estrogen?
7. Do you plan to get pregnant soon?
8. Are you currently taking medications for other reasons?
Once you have an answer to all the above-mentioned questions, combine them with the information provided above and you should have the best contraception for your needs. However, before making any hasty decisions, remember to consult a health professional.
