Birth control, also known as contraception, is designed to prevent pregnancy. Birth control methods may work in a number of different ways and your choice of birth control should depend on several factors. These include your health, frequency of sexual activity, number of sexual partners and desire to have children in the future. Your health care provider can help you select the best form of birth control for you.
What are the contraceptive methods?
Contraceptive methods can be roughly divided into five types:
Hormonal methods
Hormonal methods work by mimicking the natural hormones of the woman’s body: estrogen and progesterone or just progesterone.
- combined hormones (pill, patch, Nuvaring)
- progestin-only (Depo-Provera, progestin-only pill)
Barrier methods (chemical and physical)
Among the many ways of preventing pregnancy are the products known as barrier contraceptives: cervical caps, female condoms, male condoms, diaphragms, and vaginal spermicides. Barriers work by preventing the sperm from reaching the egg.
- condoms (external condom, internal condom)
- spermicides (VCF, foam, gel, sponge)
- diaphragm
- cervical cap
- sterilization (vasectomy, tubal ligation)
Intrauterine Device (IUD) (Copper & Hormonal)
An IUD is a small T-shaped device that is put into a person’s uterus by a doctor, nurse practitioner, or midwife in their office. The IUD stays in place for 3 -10 years or until it is removed by a health care provider. IUDs work well and people like them because they are highly effective for prevention of pregnancy without needing to take a pill every day or to rely on a partner to wear a condom. They are an excellent choice for people who cannot take hormones. There are two types of IUDs available: Copper and Progesterone.
Natural Methods
There are four main methods that we term ‘natural’: abstinence, Fertility Awareness Method (FAM), Lactational Amenorrhea method (LAM), and withdrawal. These methods all require the cooperation of the sexual partner and generally speaking, a good awareness of the body and its natural rhythms and cycles.
- abstinence
- fertility awareness method (FAM)
- lactational amenorrhea method (LAM)
- withdrawal
Emergency Contraception
Emergency Contraception (EC) can be used AFTER unprotected vaginal intercourse (sex without effective birth control) to reduce the chances of an unintended pregnancy. EC pills (also known as “the morning-after pill”) are moderately effective, whereas the copper intrauterine device (IUD) is the most effective form of EC. Some examples of unprotected vaginal intercourse (when EC can be used) are:
- When contraception has failed (e.g. condom slipped off or broke, birth control pills were missed)
- When ejaculation has occurred inside the vagina (e.g. while using the withdrawal method)
- When intercourse occurred without using a reliable birth control method
- In instances of sexual assault.
There are many types of contraceptives available today to allow individuals to choose the type of birth control that best fits their lifestyle and budget.
References
- Planned Parenthood. Birth control. Accessed on 6th October 2018.