If you’re contemplating going on birth control, you likely have a lot of questions. What are your options? How does every one work? And which one is best for you? Everyone is different and it’s important to know the professionals and cons of every type of contraception to determine which one aligns for you. If you’re questioning how to decide on the proper birth control, here’s what you want to know.
What is Birth Control?
Birth control, additionally known as contraception, is a technique of stopping pregnancy. There are quite a few different contraception choices available and it’s important to determine which method is best for you. Some strategies have additional advantages such as stopping STIs, producing lighter periods and reducing menstrual cramps, and a few include risks. Different types of contraception work in different methods and it’s important to perceive your options.
How to Choose the Right Birth Control
Birth Control Pill
How it Works:
The contraception pill is a daily pill that contains hormones to change the way the physique works and prevent pregnancy. In the case of “the pill”, the hormones management the ovaries and the uterus. There are two types of contraception pills. The most common type of contraception pills are mixture pills, containing a mixture of estrogen and progestin to prevent ovulation. You can’t get pregnant if you don’t ovulate since there’s no egg to be fertilized. There are additionally progestin-only pills, or mini pills. They don’t contain any estrogen and the progestin dose in a mini pill is lower than the progestin dose in a mixture pill.
The pill additionally works by thickening the mucus across the cervix, making it difficult for the sperm to enter the uterus and can have an effect on the liner of the uterus, making it hard for the egg to connect to the wall of the uterus. For most effectiveness, you should take the contraception pill on the identical time everyday.
Pros of the Birth Control Pill
- Regulates menstrual cycle
- Lessens ache from menstrual cramps
- Reduces bleeding with periods
- Can assist keep acne under control
- May reduce ovarian cysts
- May reduce signs of endometriosis
- May reduce your risk of endometrial and ovarian cancer
- You can get pregnant proper away when you cease taking the pill
Cons of the Birth Control Pill
- Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or HIV
- Can increase your risk of blood clots
- May not be efficient when taken with sure medications
- May delay the return of regular menstrual cycles
- Pills should be taken everyday
- Can result in temper changes like anxiety and depression
IUD
How It Works:
An intrauterine device (IUD) is a tiny device, formed like a “T” that’s inserted into your uterus to prevent pregnancy. There are two types of IUDs: copper and hormonal, and each prevent being pregnant by altering the way sperm cells transfer so they can’t get to an egg. If sperm can’t get to an egg, being pregnant can’t happen. Sperm doesn’t like copper, so the copper IUD makes it almost impossible for the sperm to get to the egg. The hormonal IUD thickens the mucus on the cervix, which blocks and traps the sperm, and they sometimes cease ovulation, so there’s no egg for the sperm to fertilize.
Pros of the IUD
- One of the most efficient strategies because you can’t forget to make use of it (like the pill) or use it incorrectly (like condoms)
- Lasts for years, however is easy for your physician to take out everytime you want
- You’re able to get pregnant proper away as soon as IUD is removed
- Hormonal IUDs could make periods lighter and reduce symptoms
- The copper IUD doesn’t have hormones
Cons of the IUD
- Doesn’t protect against STIs
- IUD insertion can hurt, though the ache shouldn’t final long
- Rarely, an IUD can slip out of place
- Can have side results like pain, cramping or recognizing (if you discover these side effects, contact your well being care skilled proper away, particularly if they’re accompanied by chills, heavy bleeding and uncommon vaginal discharge)
Condom
How it Works:
A condom is a “barrier” approach to protection. It’s a thin, stretchy tube that’s worn over the penis throughout intercourse. Condoms present safety from being pregnant by stopping sperm from getting into the vagina so as that sperm can’t attain an egg. They additionally protect against STIs. Latex (rubber) condoms are the most common type of condom, however when both partner has an allergy or sensitivity to latex, there are plastic condoms available.
Pros of Condoms
- Helps different strategies of contraception work even better
- Can be bought with out a prescription and is available from a variety of places
- Protects against STIs
- No side effects
- Does not alter your fertility
- Available in different sizes and textures to extend pleasure for each partners
- Can be used for oral, anal and vaginal sex
Cons of Condoms
- You have to make sure they’re used correctly each time to ensure that condoms to be effective
- Latex condoms can trigger irritation for individuals with latex allergies or sensitivities
- Excessive friction throughout intercourse can trigger condoms to tear
Birth Control Ring
How it Works:
You place a small, versatile ring inside your vagina and it prevents being pregnant by releasing hormones into your body. It slowly releases estrogen and progestogen into your bloodstream, which prevents the discharge of an egg every month. There are two types of contraception rings: The NuvaRing and Annovera. The NuvaRing lasts as much as 5 weeks, so that you change it out about as soon as a month, relying on the ring schedule you choose. One Annovera ring lasts for one year (13 cycles). You place it in your vagina for 21 days, then take it out for 7 days – it comes with a case so that you can safely retailer it. After 7 ring-free days, you put it again into your vagina.
Pros of the Birth Control Ring
- It’s handy – you solely have to consider it as soon as a month
- Makes periods common and easy to predict
- Can assist with menstrual cramps
- Can lighten periods
- Prevents or lessens acne
- Reduce dangers of serious infections in your ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus
- Can get pregnant proper away when cease utilizing the ring
- Lowered risk of ovarian cysts
- Lowered risk of ectopic pregnancy
Cons of the Birth Control Ring
- You have to remain on schedule
- Can trigger temporary side effects, such as vaginal discharge, breast tenderness and headaches
- In uncommon cases, can result in blood clots
- Does not protect against STIs
- The ring can sometimes come out on its own
- Mood fluctuations and emotions of tiredness
Although these are a few of the hottest types, right here are additionally different strategies of birth control, such because the contraception implant, contraception patch and even a contraception shot. Do your analysis to determine the best type of contraception for you.
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