Birth control methods can help plan pregnancies. There are various birth control methods to suit different user requirements. Some methods are permanent, while others last as long as you use them. The best thing about birth control is that it stops the pregnancy from happening. The only exception is emergency contraception (EC), which can be used after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure to reduce the risk of pregnancy. Dr. Leela Patel South Charleston, can help you choose the best birth control in your case.
Below are various types of birth control methods.
Diaphragms and cervical caps: These are flat pieces of rubber that fit into the vagina to cover the cervix and keep sperm out. They need to be used with spermicide (cream or gel) so that they work better at preventing pregnancy. Diaphragms and cervical caps should be used with other birth control methods because they only protect against pregnancy about 80 percent of the time if you use them alone.
Condoms: A male condom is a thin sheath that covers the penis. A female condom is a pouch that fits inside the vagina. Both types of condoms help prevent pregnancy by keeping sperm from getting into the vagina and fertilizing an egg. Condoms also help prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Hormonal contraception: Hormonal contraception includes hormonal implants, injections, and pills that contain progestin and estrogen hormones that prevent ovulation from occurring or thickens cervical mucus so that sperm can’t get through to an egg. The intrauterine device (IUD) releases copper into the uterus to prevent fertilization from occurring as well, while hormonal IUDs release levonorgestrel into the body to stop ovulation from occurring altogether.
How to choose the best birth control method
Health condition: Some birth control methods are better than others for women who have certain medical conditions. For example, hormonal contraceptives may not be appropriate for women who have high blood pressure or diabetes since they can increase the risk of developing these conditions. In general, you should always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any type of birth control before starting to use it.
Safety profile: Different types of contraception have varying safety profiles. Some methods are associated with rare but serious side effects like ectopic pregnancy or infertility; others may cause more common side effects like weight gain, headaches, or nausea. Be sure to consider how each method might affect your health before deciding which one is right for you.
The number of children: If you don’t want children in the near future or have had a tubal ligation, then permanent birth control methods like vasectomy and female sterilization are your best options. These procedures are 100 percent effective at preventing pregnancy.
If you’re not ready for permanent birth control, though, there are many other methods available to help prevent pregnancy. The most popular include condoms and intrauterine devices (IUDs). Condoms also help protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Finally, choosing the right birth control method can be difficult, especially considering all the available options. But knowing what’s out there and how to use it effectively can help you figure out which method is best for you. Contact Patel & Patel, M.D., Inc to learn how birth control can help you achieve your desired family size.