A Rundown On The Birth Control Methods
With the population boom in recent years, many countries have
pushed for the use of birth control to help curb the increase in
population. There are many types of birth control methods that
families can use, depending on what the couple are most
comfortable with.
Hormonal Methods
One of the methods of controlling birth that is available in the
market is the hormonal method, which targets hormones and their
effects on the body's fertility. Some of the most common
hormonal methods are the use of birth control pills and birth
control shots, skin patches and the vaginal ring. This method
actually works quite as it prevents the production of eggs. As a
big bonus, these methods can also help relieve pain and cramps
during monthly periods and can relieve heavy flows.
There are also Intrauterine devices (IUDs) that contain hormones
called Minera. IUDs, however, are more expensive as they can
last for years, sometimes lasting for more than 5 years. IUDs ,
although expensive, is highly recommended as these have 99
percent success rates. And because you only have to pay once
over a period of five to 10 years, the total cost of birth
control is actually much cheaper compared to other forms of
birth controls. Another thing that adds to its appeal is that
IUDs do not interrupt foreplay during sexual intercourse or
foreplay and they do not require the cooperation of the sexual
partner. It has also been found that IUDs can also be used while
breastfeeding.
One disadvantage though of hormonal method besides the cost is
you have to take the pills or the medications religiously. One
relapse can mean ineffectiveness of the birth control method.
They are also not ample protection against sexually-transmitted
diseases unlike condoms and other barrier method instruments.
Another disadvantage is that it can react differently when taken
in with other medications. This is why people should first
consult the gynecologists for medications that may affect its
effectiveness.
Barrier Method
Barrier methods, on the other hand, are generally less effective
than the hormonal methods although they seem to be the most
widely-used especially among the younger set. Among the devices
that belong to these group of birth control instruments are
condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, and sponges. There are also
Lea's shield and spermicides, which when used with any of the
barrier devices can help increase the effectiveness by killing
the sperms. Still, one advantage of barrier method is that it
protects both individuals from sexually-transmitted diseases. In
fact, some people use condoms not to prevent pregnancy but to
prevent the spread of diseases.
Calendar method Natural birth control methods can also be done
through the calendar method. This can be tough work though for
the couple. The woman must first determine the fertile periods
of the month. The couple must then avoid having sex on the days
that the woman is most fertile to avoid conceiving. This however
is not reliable and must be calculated to the letter before it
can be effective. The calendar method is actually the only
method supported by the Catholic Church, which takes a pro-life
stand.
Sterilization surgery Permanent birth control methods such as
vasectomy and tubal litigation surgery are also options for the
couple but they must remember that they can no longer have
children when they have these procedures performed on them.
These methods are actually for couples who are old or those who
already have children and feel that they should not have
anymore.