Birth control methods

Birth controlBirth control involves one or more actions, devices, sexual practices or medications followed to intentionally prevent or reduce the likelihood of pregnancy or childbirth. The three main routes of birth control to prevent or end pregnancy include contraception (the prevention of fertilization of the ovum by sperm cells), contragestion (preventing the fertilized egg from implantation), and the chemical or surgical induction of abortion of the developing embryo/fetus. The term emergency contraception is often used instead of contragestion. 

Hormonal methods

Hormonal methods are very reliable means of birth control. Hormonal methods use two basic formulas:

Combination hormonal methods contain both estrogen and progestin (synthetic progesterone). Combination methods include pills ("the Pill"), skin patches, and rings. 

Progestin-only hormonal methods include pills, also called "mini-pills"; shots (such as Depo-Provera); and implants (such as Implanon). If you cannot take estrogen, a progestin-only method may be an option for you. There is also a hormonal IUD that releases a type of progestin.

Combination and progestin-only methods are prescribed for women for different reasons. Compare the recommendations for and against combination and progestin-only hormonal birth control pills, patches, implants, and rings. Each type of method has its pros and cons.

Combination pills may reduce acne, pain during ovulation, and premenstrual symptoms. Both types of pill reduce heavy bleeding and cramping. Unlike the combination pill, the progestin-only pill can be taken by almost all women, including those who are breast-feeding, although it must be taken at the same time each day to be effective. (Combination pills are also taken daily but without as much attention to the time of day.) When you first start taking either type of birth control pill, it is necessary to use a backup birth control method for the first week.

Patches or vaginal rings are similar to combination pills, but they don't require taking a daily pill. The patch is changed weekly, and the ring is changed monthly (with 1 week off after 3 weeks of use).

Some birth control pills reduce severe mood and physical symptoms that some women get before they start their monthly periods. These symptoms are called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). There are birth control pills that are helpful for women who have migraines with their periods. There are also birth control pills for women who want fewer periods or who want to stop having periods.

The birth control shot does not require taking a daily pill. Instead, you see your health professional once every 3 months for the injection.

The hormone implant releases hormones that prevent pregnancy for about 3 years. It must be inserted and removed by a trained health professional. The actual implant is about the size of a matchstick and is inserted under the skin on the inside of the upper arm.

Hormonal methodsBirth control pills, skin patches, and

vaginal rings contain estrogen and progestin. There are also progestin-only birth control pills, implants (such as Implanon), and shots (such as Depo-Provera). Hormonal methods of birth control prevent eggs from being released from the ovaries, thicken cervical mucus to prevent sperm from entering the uterus, and thin the lining of the uterus to prevent implantation.

Hormone pills come in packs. Most packs contain 3 weeks of hormone pills. During the fourth week, when you do not receive hormones, you have a menstrual period. Some packs of pills have hormone pills for the fourth week instead of sugar pills (non-hormone pills). Taking hormones for the entire month eliminates or reduces the number of periods you have.

The hormone vaginal ring is placed in the vagina for 3 weeks. This gives you continuous birth control for the month. On the first day of the fourth week, you remove the ring. You then have a menstrual period.

Intrauterine device (IUD)

An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small device that is placed in the uterus   to prevent pregnancy. There are two main types of IUDs: copper IUDs (such as Paragard) and hormonal IUDs (such as Mirena). When an IUD is in place, it can provide birth control for 5 to 10 years, depending on the type. Unlike IUDs that were used in the 1970s, present-day IUDs are small, safe, and highly effective.

The hormonal IUD typically reduces menstrual flow and cramping over time. On the other hand, the copper IUD can cause longer and heavier periods. But the hormonal IUD can have other side effects, including spotting, mood swings, and breast tenderness. These side effects occur less frequently than with other progestin-only methods.

An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small, plastic, T-shaped device that is inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. IUDs contain copper or the hormone levonorgestrel (LNG). Plastic strings tied to the end of the IUD hang down through the opening of the uterus (cervix) into the vagina.

Barrier Methods of Birth Control

Barrier methods keep sperm from entering the uterus and reaching the egg. In general, barrier methods are less effective but have fewer side effects than hormonal methods or IUDs.

Barrier methods include condoms (male and female), diaphragms, cervical caps, contraceptive sponges, and cervical shields.

A male condom is a thin, flexible tube of latex rubber, polyurethane, or sheep intestine that has a closed end. The condom is placed over the erect penis before intercourse.

A female condom is a tube of soft plastic (polyurethane) with a closed end. Each end has a ring or rim. The ring at the closed end is inserted deep into the vagina over the cervix, like a diaphragm, to hold the tube in place. The ring at the open end remains outside the opening of the vagina.

A diaphragm is a round, dome-shaped device made of rubber with a firm, flexible rim. It fits inside the vagina and covers the cervix, the opening of the uterus. It should always be used with a sperm-killing cream or jelly (spermicide).

A cervical cap is made of rubber and shaped like a large thimble. It fits tightly over the cervix and is used with a spermicide.

A contraceptive sponge contains a spermicide, nonoxynol-9, that is released over the 24 hours that the sponge may be left in the vagina. The sponge also blocks the cervix so sperm can't pass.

The cervical shield (such as Lea's Shield) is a new diaphragm-type device. The shield is made of silicone, so latex allergy is not a concern. The device comes in one size only, which makes the fitting process simpler.

Fertility awareness (periodic abstinence or natural family planning)

Fertility awareness requires that a couple chart the time during a woman's menstrual cycle   when she is most likely to become pregnant and avoid intercourse or use a barrier method during that time. Fertility awareness is not a good choice if you need a highly effective form of birth control.

Breast-feeding may work as a form of birth control in the first 6 months after giving birth if you follow specific guidelines. For this method to work, you must breast-feed your baby every time. You can't use formula or other supplements. This is called the lactational amenorrhea method (LAM). Although LAM has been shown to be 98.5% effective when these conditions are met, many doctors recommend that you use another birth control method.

During the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, the lining of the uterus thickens to prepare for pregnancy. An egg becomes ready to be released inside a sac (follicle) on the surface of an ovary. During the luteal phase, the egg is released (ovulation). If the egg is fertilized by sperm, it may attach to (implant in) the lining of the uterus, and pregnancy begins. If the egg is not fertilized or does not implant, the lining of the uterus is shed as blood during the menstrual period (below), and the cycle starts over.

Permanent birth control (sterilization)

Sterilization is a surgical procedure done for men or women who decide that they do not want to have any (or more) children. Sterilization is one of the most effective forms of birth control. Sterilization is intended to be permanent, and although you can try to reverse it with another surgery, reversal is not always successful.

A tubal implant is a small metal spring that is placed in each of the two fallopian tubes without using surgery. It is guided through the vagina, cervix, and uterus, and lodged in a fallopian tube. Over time, scar tissue grows around the two implants and permanently blocks the tubes. This stops eggs from traveling from the ovaries and down the fallopian tubes, where eggs are normally fertilized by sperm.

vasectomyIn this minor surgery, the vas

deferens, the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles   to the seminal fluid (semen), are cut and blocked so that the semen no longer contains sperm  . This does not interfere with a man's ability to have an erection or enjoy sex. Men must have a sperm count check after having a vasectomy before relying on this for birth control.

The male reproductive system consists of the penis, two testicles, two epididymides, two vas deferentia, two seminal vesicles, and the prostate gland.

Spermatozoa (sperm) are the male sex cells that carry a man's genetic material. A sperm fertilizes a woman's egg (ovum) by breaking through the membrane that surrounds the egg.Sperm develop in a man's testicles and finish maturing in the epididymides. During ejaculation, the sperm move out of the epididymides through the vas deferens and into the urethra, the tube that runs through the penis. Semen, the thick liquid produced in the seminal vesicles and prostate gland, is added to the sperm before ejaculation.

who should avoid it?Hormonal pills:-Smokers and those 35 or older. The estrogen may cause dangerous blood clots. If you suffer from migraines, you should also pass because it may trigger the painful headaches.Vaginal ring:- Women who smoke, or have blood clots or certain cancers, should not use the NuvaRing. Intrauterine device (IUD) Some doctors recommend the device only for women who have given birth. When the device is implanted, your uterus is expanded, and this might cause pain in women who have not had children.

Who should avoid it?Female condoms:-Male condoms offer more protection—both against STDs and pregnancy—than female condoms, so if you and your male partner aren't in a long-term, monogamous relationship, female condoms are not a perfect substitute. Male condoms:-If the female is allergic to latex or polyurethane,.DiaphragmThose who are overweight and those who have  toxic shock syndrome.Sterilization

it's not designed to be reversible.