30/08/2016
Choosing the Best Birth Control for You
Selecting which type of birth control to use can be very confusing. From birth control pills to birth control implants, there are many options to choose from. It helps to start by answering a few basic questions. Consider the following:
How important is it for you to be protected from STDs? Not all birth control methods protect against STDs.
How effective do you want your birth control? Some birth control methods are more effective than others.
Are convenience and cost important in your decision? Do you want birth control that lasts a while? How much can you afford to spend on birth control?
Does s*xual pleasure affect your decision in selecting a birth control method? Do you want a birth control that enhances your s*x life?
While abstinence is the only 100% effective birth control method, other methods can be almost as effective when used properly. Effectiveness of birth control methods is measured during “typical use”, meaning how effective the method is during actual use, including inconsistencies and incorrect use.
1.Natural Family Planning
What Is Natural Family Planning?
Not all birth control methods are associated with a device, medication, or procedure. Natural family planning, or fertility awareness, involves timing your s*xual activity to avoid a woman's most fertile time. By understanding when a woman is most fertile, a couple can avoid pregnancy.
How Is Natural Family Planning Used?
A woman is most likely to get pregnant if she has unprotected s*x during the five days prior ovulation, the day of ovulation, and a day or two after ovulation. There are a few different methods that can be used to predict when you will ovulate. Measuring basal body temperature and monitoring cervical mucus are ways to determine when a woman will ovulate. The calendar method is also useful in tracking your cycles on a calendar. Your health care professional can train you in the safest way to use this method correctly.
How Effective Is Natural Family Planning?
Typical use: 76% effective
Pros
Inexpensive or free
Does not involve drugs or medical procedures
Cons
No STD protection
Keeping track of your cycle is required
Spontaneity is limited
Low effectiveness rate
2.Spermicide
Spermicides are chemicals that kill s***m and prevent them from fertilizing the egg. They are available in different forms such as foams, creams, jellies, or films. Spermicides must be inserted deep into the va**na before s*xual activity. Spermicide blocks the cervix and keeps the s***m from moving, which prevents the s***m from reaching the eggs. They are most commonly used in combination with other birth control methods, rather than alone.
How Effective Is Spermicide?
Typical use: 72% effective
Pros
Low cost (about $8 per package)
Easy to use
Can be inserted by a partner as foreplay
Extremely easy to purchase
Can be used during breastfeeding
Cons
No STD protection
May be messy
May irritate the p***s or va**na
Low effective rate if used alone
3.Male Condoms
Glow-in-the-dark condoms, flavored condoms, studded condoms and many more provide birth control that can make your s*x life safe and exciting! The male condom is a barrier method involved in preventing contact between s***m and egg. Latex male condoms are the classic methods of barrier contraception, but they can be made of natural animal membrane, polyurethane, silicone, or other synthetic material. During ej*******on, a condom is designed to catch semen, stopping it from entering the va**na.
How to Put on a Condom
Everyone who is s*xually active should know how to put on a condom. If you want it to work properly, you have to know how to use it. Luckily it’s super easy! Start with the condom on the tip of the erect (hard) p***s and roll it down toward the base of the p***s. Make sure there is a small pouch at the condom tip so it can catch the ej******ed semen. After ej*******on, hold on to the condom at the base of the p***s before removal from the va**na in order to avoid leakage. Condoms are not reusable, use one and it’s done! Keep track of the condom’s expiration date, as expired condoms should not be used.
How Effective Are Condoms?
Typical use: 82% effective
Pros
STD prevention
Extremely easy to purchase
Inexpensive, some are even free! The average condom costs about $1.
Very easy to use
Spices up your s*x life! Male condoms can provide increased sensation for both partners. Try experimenting with different styles, shapes, flavors, and textures of male condoms.
Can be used for oral, a**l, and va**nal s*x.
Can be used with other birth control methods
Cons
One-time use
Required every time you have s*x
Must be used properly in order for effectiveness
Not as effective as other birth control methods
4.Female Condom
Looking for a way to enhance your s*x life and practice safe s*x? This birth control option is a plastic, pouch-like device inserted in the va**na before s*x that offers cl****al stimulation. The female condom can also be inserted into the a**s prior to a**l s*x. The female condom has flexible rings at each end that can stimulate the cl****is during va**nal s*x.
How Do Female Condoms Work?
Female condoms can be inserted up to 8 hours prior to s*xual activity, and they are very simple to use. Female condoms can be inserted by a partner as part of foreplay. To insert a female condom, first apply lubricant or s***micide to the outside of the closed end. Next, squeeze the sides of the ring at the closed end and insert it into the va**na like a tampon. Push the inner ring into the va**na as far as it can go, until it reaches the cervix. The outer ring will hang about an inch from the va**na. Once the pouch is inserted, the ring at the closed end holds it in the va**na and s***m is prevented from entering the va**nal ca**l.
Don’t worry if you feel the condom move side to side, that is normal. You should definitely stop in*******se if the p***s slips between the condom and the va**na or if the outer ring is pushed into the va**na. Once your partner has ej******ed, squeeze and twist the outer ring to keep the semen in the pouch. Gently pull the female condom out of the va**na or a**s and throw it away.
5.Diaphragm
Although not as popular as other birth control methods, the diaphragm is another way to prevent conception. The diaphragm is a rubber dome that is inserted into the va**na and placed over the cervix before s*xual activity. When the diaphragm is in place, the opening to the uterus is blocked and the s***m is unable to join with an egg.
How Is the Diaphragm Used?
Inserting the diaphragm is not as simple as condoms, but practice makes perfect. Start by washing your hands with soap and water. Put about a tablespoon of s***micide in the cup and around the rim. Find a comfortable position and separate the lips of the v***a with one hand. With the other hand, pinch the rims of the diaphragm to fold it in half. For a firmer grip, place your index finger in the center of the fold. Push the diaphragm as far up and back into the va**na as possible. Make sure your cervix is covered and tuck the edge of the diaphragm behind the p***c bone.
The diaphragm must be left in for six hours after the last time you had s*x. If you have s*x more than six hours after the last time you had s*x, leave it in but put more s***micide deep into the va**na. Do not leave the diaphragm in for more than 24 hours.
To remove the diaphragm, start by washing your hands with soap and water. Place a finger into your va**na and hook the rim of the diaphragm. Pull the diaphragm down and out and wash it with mild soap and warm water to prevent infection.
How Effective Is the Diaphragm?
Typical use: 88% effective
Pros
Low cost ($15-$75 every two years)
Can be used during breastfeeding
Immediately effective and reversible birth control
Cannot be felt by you or partner
Reusable
Cons
No STD protection
Requires a doctor visit for fitting
Cannot use during menstruation
May be difficult to insert
Must be placed prior to s*x, every time
Spermicide may have side effects
7.The Caya Diaphragm
The old-school latex diaphragm has had a makeover! Caya is a new diaphragm that is made out of silicone, which provides a more comfortable and durable product. Caya also has an updated design that makes insertion and removal easier.
8.Cervical Cap
A cervical cap is another barrier method of contraception. It is smaller than a diaphragm and fits over the cervix. Like the diaphragm, a cervical cap is used with s***micide. The cervical cap blocks the opening to the uterus and prevents s***m from joining with an egg. FemCap is the only brand of cervical cap available in the United States.
How Is a Cervical Cap Used?
Inserting the cervical cap can be tricky. Start by washing your hands with soap and water. Put one-quarter teaspoon of s***micide in the cervical cap and on the brim. Put one-half teaspoon in the folded areas between the brim and the dome. Find a comfortable position and separate the lips of the v***a with one hand. With the other hand, squeeze the rim of the cap together. Slide the cervical cap dome-side down into your va**na, with the long brim entering first. Push down toward the a**s and then up onto the cervix. Make sure the cervix is completely covered.
The cervical cap must be left in for six hours after the last time you had s*x. If you have s*x more than six hours after the last time you have s*x, leave it in but put more s***micide deep in your va**na. Do not leave the cervical cap in for more than 48 hours.
To remove the cervical cap, start by washing your hands with soap and water. It is easiest if you squat down and pull the removal strap while rotating the cervical cap. You can push the dome with your finger to break the suction and pull the cervical cap out. Wash it with mild soap and warm water.
How Effective Is the Cervical Cap?
Typical use: 88% effective
Pros
Low cost ($0-$75 every two years)
Can remain in place up to 48 hours
Cannot be felt by you or your partner
Can be used during breastfeeding
Cons
No STD protection
Requires a doctor visit for fitting
Cannot use during menstruation
May be difficult to insert
Must be placed prior to s*x, every time
9.Today Sponge
This is not the same type of sponge you use to wash the dishes! The Today Sponge is a small, doughnut-shaped, foam sponge saturated with s***micide. The sponge is inserted into the va**na and placed against the cervix. A nylon loop attached to the bottom of the sponge makes removal extremely simple. The sponge covers the cervix and blocks s***m from entering the uterus. The Today Sponge is the only available birth control sponge in the United States.
How Is the Today Sponge Used?
The Today Sponge is much easier to use than a diaphragm or cervical cap. The sponge can be inserted up to 24 hours prior to s*xual activity. To insert the Today Sponge, start by washing your hands with soap and water and also wet the sponge with at least two tablespoons of clean water. Gently squeeze the sponge in order to activate the s***micide. Next, fold the sides of the sponge up and away from the loop to make it look long and narrow. Use your finger to slide the sponge far back into your va**na. Once the sponge is inserted, it will unfold and cover the cervix. You can slide your fingers around the edge of the sponge to make sure it is in position.
The Today Sponge must be left in place for at least six hours after the last time you have s*x. Do not leave the Today Sponge in for longer than 30 hours.
To remove the Today Sponge, start by washing your hands with soap and water. Luckily, the sponge is a lot simpler to remove than the diaphragm and cervical cap. Put a finger inside your va**na and through the loop. Gently pull out the sponge. The sponge is not reusable, so make sure to always throw it away after removal.
How Effective Is the Today Sponge?
Typical use: 88% effective for women who have never given birth
Typical use: 76% effective for women who have given birth
Pros
Immediate effectiveness
Prescription and doctor visit not required
Cannot be felt by your or your partner
Can be used during breastfeeding
Cons
No STD protection
May be difficult to insert
May cause va**nal irritation
May make s*x too messy because of the required liquid
May make cause va**nal dryness
10.Birth Control Pills
The birth control pill, “the pill”, is the most common method of hormonal contraception. The birth control pill is taken daily and most pills use a combination of estrogen and progestin hormones.
How Do Birth Control Pills Work?
Understanding how birth control pills work can be pretty confusing. Basically, birth control pills are made of hormones, and hormones are chemicals made in our bodies. Our hormones control how different parts of our bodies work. Birth control pills contain a small amount of man-made estrogen and progestin hormones, which work to prevent eggs from leaving the ovaries. If there is no egg to join the s***m, there is no pregnancy. Birth control pills also make the cervical mucus thicker, which keeps s***m from joining with the eggs.
Side Effects of Birth Control Pills
Some women have side effects with the birth control pill, but their bodies are usually able to adjust over time. Common side effects of birth control pills include the following:
Bleeding between periods
Breast tenderness
Nausea and vomiting
Change in s*xual desire
Birth control pills rarely cause serious problems, but here are a few health problems caused by birth control pills:
Blood clots
Increased potassium in your blood
Heart attack
Stroke
High blood pressure
Liver tumors
Gallstones
Yellowing of the skin or eyes
Remember, these serious side effects are extremely uncommon.
Types of Birth Control Pills
There are two types of birth control pills, combination pills and the minipill. Combination pills contain both estrogen and progestin, and the minipill contains only progestin. The amount of estrogen in combination pills can vary. Depending on the type of combination pills, there may be 21 active pills and seven inactive pills or 24 active pills and four inactive pills. The minipill only comes in one formula, and all pills in the pack are active.
How Effective Are Birth Control Pills?
Typical use: 91% effective
Pros
Very effective
May reduce menstrual cramping
May lead to lighter periods
Cost may be covered by your health insurance
Doesn’t interrupt s*xual activity
Cons
No STD protection
Cost is $15 to $50/month, if not covered unde your health insurance
Requires a doctor visit and prescription
Side effects
Must be taken daily
11. Birth Control Patch
The birth control patch is another type of hormonal contraceptive. The patch is thin and beige, like a bandage, and contains the same hormones as birth control pills.
How Is the Birth Control Patch Used?
The birth control patch is applied to the skin and left in place for a week. The patch is extremely easy to use! You can either stick it to the skin of your buttocks, stomach, upper outer arm, or back. Make sure to avoid oils, lotions, and makeup around the area you chose. The patch is changed weekly for 3 weeks, then for the fourth week no patch is worn.
The patch contains estrogen and progestin, which prevent pregnancy by keeping the eggs in the ovaries and thickening the cervical mucus. Keeping the eggs in the ovaries make them inaccessible to the s***m, meaning no pregnancies.
Birth Control Patch Side Effects
Some women have side effects with the birth control patch, but their bodies are usually able to adjust over time. Common side effects of the birth control patch include the following:
Bleeding between periods
Breast tenderness
Nausea and vomiting
Change in s*xual desire
Skin irritation
Birth control patches rarely cause serious problems, but here are a few rare serious side effects of the birth control patch:
Blood clots
Heart attack
Stroke
High blood pressure
Liver tumors
Gallstones
Yellowing of the skin or eyes
Remember, these serious side effects are extremely uncommon.
How Effective Is the Birth Control Patch?
Typical use: 91% effective
Pros
May reduce menstrual cramping
May lead to lighter periods
Applied only once a week
Cost may be covered by your health insurance
Cons
No STD protection
May cost up to $80/month, if not covered by your health insurance
Side effects
Requires a doctor visit and prescription
12.Vaginal Ring (NuvaRing)
The va**nal ring is a small, flexible ring that contains the same hormones as the pill and patch, estrogen and progestin. The hormones in the va**nal ring keep the eggs from leaving the ovaries and thicken the cervical mucus, which prevents pregnancies. It is worn inside the va**na to prevent pregnancies. The va**nal ring is also known as NuvaRing, its brand name.
How Is the Vaginal Ring Used?
NuvaRing is fairly easy to use. Start by washing your hands with soap and water. Next, insert the NuvaRing into your va**na by pressing the sides of the ring together and pushing the ring into your va**na. Don’t worry about the exact location of the NuvaRing, it doesn’t matter. A NuvaRing is inserted into the va**na and left in place for three weeks.
After three weeks, remove the NuvaRing by hooking your finger under the forward rim and pulling it out. You will then go one week without NuvaRing, this usually corresponds to when you will have your period. After exactly one week, insert a new NuvaRing into your va**na.
How Effective Is the Vaginal Ring?
Typical use: 91% effective
Vaginal Ring Side Effects
Some women have side effects with NuvaRing, but their bodies are usually able to adjust over time. Common side effects of NuvaRing include the following:
Bleeding between periods
Breast tenderness
Nausea and vomiting
Change in s*xual desire
Irritation of the va**nal
NuvaRing rarely cause serious problems, but here are a few rare serious side effects of NuvaRing:
Blood clots
Heart attack
Stroke
High blood pressure
Liver tumors
Gallstones
Yellowing of the skin or eyes
Remember, these serious side effects are extremely uncommon.
Pros
May reduce menstrual cramping
May lead to lighter periods
Cost may be covered by your health insurance
Cons
No STD protection
May cost up to $80/month, if not covered by your health insurance
Side effects
13.Birth Control Shot (Depo-Provera)
A hormonal injection called Depo-Provera can protect against pregnancy for three months.
How Does the Birth Control Shot Work?
A doctor will inject you with Depo-Provera every 12 weeks in the arm or buttocks. The hormone in the birth control shot, progestin, will work with the body to prevent pregnancy. Depo-Provera keeps the eggs from leaving the ovaries and makes the cervical mucus thicker. Keeping the s***m from the eggs will prevent pregnancy.
How Effective Is the Birth Control Shot?
Typical use: 94% effective
Birth Control Shot Side Effects
Some women have side effects with Depo-Provera, but their bodies are usually able to adjust over time. Common side effects of Depo-Provera include the following:
Irregular bleeding
Breast tenderness
Change in appette or weight gain
Depression
Hair loss or increased hair on face or body
Headache
Nausea
Change in s*xual desire
Irritation of the va**na
Pros
Very effective
Only injected once every 12 weeks
Does not contain estrogen
Cost may be covered by your health insurance
Cons
No STD protection
May cost up to $240/year, if not covered by your health insurance
Side effects
14.Tubal Ligation
Tubal ligation, having “your tubes tied,” is a permanent birth control option for women who are certain they do not want to have children in the future. Tubal ligation is a surgical procedure that blocks, ties, or cuts the fallopian tubes so eggs do not travel into an area where contact with s***m is possible.
How Effective Is Tubal Ligation?
100% effective
Pros
Highly effective
Permanent
Cons
No STD protection
Surgery required
May not be reversible
Costly
15.Tubal Implants
Tubal implants are small metal springs or sponges are placed inside the fallopian tubes to block them and permanently prevent pregnancy. Tubal implants do not require surgery; they are guided through the va**na, cervix, and uterus until they are lodged in a fallopian tube. The implants are made of metal or silicone and cause scar tissue to form and block the fallopian tubes. It takes a few months for the scar tissue to form. Once the scar tissue has formed, the eggs will not be able to travel from the ovaries to the fallopian tubes, where eggs are normally fertilized by s***m.
How Effective Are Tubal Implants?
100% effective
Pros
Permanent
Surgery not required
Very effective
Cons
No STD protection
Delay of a few months until effective
May not be reversible
Costly
16.Vasectomy
Vasectomy is a permanent birth control option for men. Vasectomy is the surgical closure of the vas deferens, the tubes that transport s***m from the te**es. Instead of ej*******ng s***m, the body will absorb the s***m and release s***m-free ej*****te.
How Effective Is Vasectomy?
Nearly 100% effective
Pros
Effective
Permanent
Cons
No STD protection
Costly, may cost up to $1,000
Surgery required
May not be reversible
Not immediately effective
May increase risk of infection
Most Effective Birth Control Methods
While abstinence is the only birth control method that is 100% effective, hormonal contraceptives, IUDs, and permanent birth control methods are also highly effective. Barrier methods are moderately effective for typical users. The following are the most effective birth control methods:
Implant, IUD, vasectomy, and tubal methods- 99% effective
Birth control shot- 94% effective
Birth control pill and va**nal ring- 91% effective
Condom, diaphragm, cervical cap, and birth control sponge- 79-88% effective
For more information, contact us at Tunadel Medical tours Limited,King solomon Hospital,4b Bola crescent,Anthony village,Lagos. Tel :08033503920,Email : Info@tunadelmedicaltours.com, www.tunadelmedicaltours.com
