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.<\/p>\n
What are the contraceptive methods?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Contraceptive methods can be roughly divided into five types:<\/p>\n Hormonal methods<\/em><\/p>\n Hormonal methods work by mimicking the natural hormones of the woman’s body: estrogen and progesterone or just progesterone.<\/p>\n Barrier methods<\/em> (chemical and physical)<\/p>\n Among the many ways of preventing pregnancy are the products known as barrier contraceptives:\u00a0cervical caps,\u00a0female condoms,\u00a0male condoms,\u00a0diaphragms, and\u00a0vaginal spermicides. Barriers work by preventing the sperm from reaching the egg.<\/p>\n Intrauterine Device (IUD)<\/em>\u00a0(Copper & Hormonal)<\/p>\n An IUD is a small T-shaped device that is put into a person\u2019s 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\u00a0provider.\u00a0IUDs work well and people like them because they are highly effective for prevention of pregnancy\u00a0without needing to take a pill every day or to rely on a partner to wear a condom. They are an excellent\u00a0choice for people who cannot take hormones.\u00a0There are two types of IUDs available: Copper and Progesterone.<\/p>\n Natural Methods<\/em><\/p>\n There are four main methods that we term ‘natural’: abstinence, Fertility Awareness Method (FAM), Lactational Amenorrhea method (LAM), and withdrawal.\u00a0These methods all require the cooperation of the sexual partner and generally speaking, a good awareness of the body and its natural rhythms and cycles.<\/p>\n Emergency Contraception<\/em><\/p>\n Emergency Contraception (EC) can be used AFTER unprotected vaginal intercourse (sex without effective birth control) to reduce the\u00a0chances of an unintended pregnancy. EC pills (also known as “the morning-after pill”) are moderately effective, whereas the copper\u00a0intrauterine device (IUD) is the most effective form of EC.\u00a0Some examples of unprotected vaginal intercourse (when EC can be used) are:<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n\n
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