Birth Control

Disorders / Birth Control

Birth Control: Exploring Methods, Options, Risks, and Effectiveness

Birth Control or Contraceptions allow individuals to choose when they want to have a baby. A person might use different contraceptive methods to prevent pregnancy. The different contraceptive methods can be chosen through voluntary choice and with proper health consultation. The types of birth control one uses depend on their health, desire to prevent sexually transmitted infections, and desire to get pregnant in future.

Various forms of contraception are largely available, involving devices, oral pills, surgical procedures and sexual practices to prevent pregnancy. While there is no perfect or best method to control birth, each method requires professional clinical approval to proceed with the process safely. Any particular birth control method might greatly depend on your health, needs and consent, alongside any family planning for the future.

Your doctor will be the best professional to help you decide on the type of birth control to suit your health and well-being.

How does Birth Control work?

Birth control works by preventing pregnancy in different ways, depending on the method used. It may stop the ovaries from releasing any egg, block sperm from reaching the egg, thicken cervical mucus to slow sperm movement, or change the uterine lining to prevent implantation.

Factors to consider before taking Birth Control

Before choosing any particular birth control method, one needs to consider certain factors to maintain health and well-being. Here are key considerations to take:

Discuss any existing medical conditions, especially migraines with aura, high blood pressure, or blood clots, with your doctor.
Consult your doctor about the effectiveness of different birth control methods on your health, wellbeing and future family planning.
Consider if you prefer a “set-and-forget” method or one that requires daily or weekly attention.
Consult our doctor if you experience any side effects, such as weight changes, mood fluctuations, or bleeding irregularities.
Women over 35 who smoke should generally avoid combined hormonal pills due to increased health risks.
Determine if you wish to prevent pregnancy for a few months, several years, or permanently.

What are the different types of Birth Control?

Procedures for birth control largely vary and are generally used based on health, wellbeing and future plans. Before considering any of the contraceptive methods, one needs to take care of safety, availability, side effects, user control, ease of removal, discontinuation and reversibility.

The following forms of birth control are generally available and are considered to be internationally clinically approved:

Barrier Methods

Barrier methods prevent the sperm from coming in contact with the egg. The following barriers are used:

Barriers	Impact
Male Condom	Prevents sperm from entering the uterus and reduces the risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STIs)
Female Condom	Blocks sperms from reaching the egg and prevents STIs.
Spermicide	Kills or immobilizes the sperm to reduce the chance of fertilization.
Contraceptive Sponge	Blocks and absorbs sperm while releasing spermicides to prevent pregnancy.
Diaphragm and Cervical Cap	Covers the cervix to stop sperm from entering the uterus, usually used with spermicide for better effectiveness.

Hormonal Methods

Hormonal methods involve the release of synthetic hormones to prevent ovulation, thicken cervical mucus, and reduce the chance of fertilization. Here are common hormonal methods applied for birth control:

Hormonal Methods	Impact
Oral Contra ceptives (Birth Control Pills)	Prevent ovulation and thicken the cervical mucus to prevent fertilisation.
Contraceptive Patch	Releases hormones through the skin to prevent ovulation.
Vaginal Ring	Continuously releases hormones to stop ovulation and thicken cervical mucus.
Injectable Birth Control	Delivers hormones by injection to prevent ovulation for several months.
Implant	A small rod placed under the skin that releases hormones to prevent ovulation for years.

Reversible Methods

Reversible methods provide temporary control over pregnancy and allow fertility to return once it is stopped or removed. The following reversible methods are used for birth control:

Reversible Methods	Impact
Levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG IUD)	Releases a small amount of hormone inside the uterus to thicken cervical mucus and prevent fertilization for several years.
Copper T intrauterine device (IUD)	Uses copper to create a sperm-toxic environment in the uterus, preventing fertilization without hormones.

Fertility Awareness Methods

Understanding the monthly fertility pattern can help you get pregnant or avoid getting pregnant. Fertility days are the number of days in a month, on which you can get pregnant. If you have a regular menstrual cycle, then you might have about nine or more fertility days each month. If you do not wish to get pregnant on these fertility days, you can use barrier methods.

Lactational Amenorrhea Methods

Lactational Amenorrhea is a temporary birth control method that works exclusively through frequent breastfeeding. This birth control method suppresses ovulation that happens during lactation.

LAM is most effective during the first six months after childbirth, provided that the mother has not resumed menstruation and the baby is exclusively breastfed with no formula or solid foods.

When these conditions are met, it can be significantly effective. However, once periods return or breastfeeding decreases, another contraceptive method should be used.

What is Emergency Contraception?

Emergency contraception does not fall under the regular processes adopted for birth control. However, this method can also be used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. There are two types of emergency contraception used:

Emergency Contraception	Process
Copper IUD	Is a small T-shaped device that is inserted within 120 hours of unprotected intercourse.
Emergency Contraceptive Pills	Hormonal pills should be taken by a woman as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse.

What is meant by Permanent Contraception?

Individuals seeking lifelong prevention of pregnancy can choose permanent contraception. Sterilization is a permanent contraception method and is mainly of two types:

Permanent Contraception	Impact
Tubal Ligation	A surgical procedure that blocks or seals the fallopian tubes to permanently prevent pregnancy.
Vasectomy	A minor surgical procedure that cuts or seals the vas deferens to permanently stop sperm from entering semen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are birth control pills safe?

Yes, hormonal birth control methods such as pills are generally safe for women. However, proper health consultation or knowledge is recommended to prevent any adverse or severe impact.

How effective is the withdrawal method?

The withdrawal method is not likely to be effective. Most women who use the withdrawal method as their only form of birth control are most likely to become pregnant before marriage.

Can birth control help with heavy and painful periods?

Many researches shows that effective birth control might help in reducing period cramps. However, without proper medical consultation, proceeding to take birth control can be risky.

What type of birth control can I get without a prescription?

Male condoms, female condoms, spermicides, sponges and emergency contraceptive pills are generally available without prescription.

Which types of birth control require a prescription?

Oral contraceptives, patch, vaginal ring, diaphragms, shot or injections, cervical caps, implantable rod, and IUD as non-surgical birth controls will need a prescription. Surgical procedures are required for female seterilization, male sterilization and tubal implant.