When selecting birth control, one should take into account a number of factors, such as how well it works, how effective it is, and whether or not it protects against STIs. 11 ways to prevent pregnancy is to discuss today for information.
According to the UK’s Family Planning Association (FPA), if sexually active women do not utilize contraception, up to 90% of them will become pregnant within a year. Every time someone engages in sexual activity without using contraception, even for the first time, they run the chance of getting pregnant.
11 Ways To Prevent Pregnancy
Prescriptions are needed for most procedures, however some are available without one. Every method of birth control has benefits and drawbacks. Continue reading to find out more about the many forms of contraception that are intended to help prevent pregnancy.
Barrier methods
Barrier techniques keep sperm from getting to the egg. Among them are:
1. Male Condoms
Condoms, both male and female, are the only forms of birth control that offer protection against STDs.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that when used appropriately, male condoms are more than 80% effective in preventing conception. 11 ways to prevent pregnancy includes male condoms.
How to properly use a male condom:
Select the appropriate size.
On top of the penis that is erect, place the condom. Foreskin should be pulled back first if uncircumcised.
Squeeze the condom’s tip to eliminate any remaining air.
Take care not to damage the condom as you unroll it down the penis.
Hold the condom’s base firmly in place after sex before removing it from the vagina.
Take out and discard the condom. Avoid reusing condoms.
The majority of male condoms are composed of latex, although those who are allergic to latex can choose alternative varieties. Make sure the lubricant you’re using is appropriate for the type of condom you’re using. For instance, you can only use water-based lubricant with latex condoms.
Without a prescription, condoms can be purchased over-the-counter (OTC) at pharmacies, supermarkets, and online retailers. Condoms without latex can also be purchased online.
2. Female Condoms
It is also possible to get female condoms without a prescription. While they can never be used in conjunction with a male condom, they can be used in its place.
The CDC estimates that 79 percent of female condoms are effective as a form of birth control.
Female condoms are readily obtained online if your local drugstore does not carry them, as they are now sold in many drugstores. 11 ways to prevent pregnancy includes female condoms.
3. Diaphragm
A barrier form of contraception that is placed inside the vagina is called a diaphragm. Spermicide should be applied to the diaphragm before to each use.
The CDC estimates that the diaphragm is about 90% effective when used in conjunction with spermicide.
The diaphragm needs to be inserted a few hours prior to sexual activity, left in place for six hours following sex, and taken out 24 hours later. Diaphragms don’t offer STI protection.
4. Cervical Cap
A cervical cap is a soft silicone cup that is inserted deeply into the vagina. It is marketed as FemCap in the US. To prevent sperm from accessing an egg, it covers the cervix.
The cervical cap’s efficacy varies, depending to reports, but Planned Parenthood estimates that it is between 70 and 85 percent effective. It offers no defense against STIs.
5. Sponge
One form of birth control that is available over-the-counter without a prescription is the contraceptive sponge. The spermicide-containing sponge, which is made of polyurethane foam, is inserted deeply into the vagina to prevent access to the uterus. 11 ways to prevent pregnancy includes some sponges.
When used by itself, the sponge is 76–88 percent Effective, but combining it with a condom lowers the chance of getting pregnant and contracting STIs.
6. Spermicide
A substance known as “spermicide” renders sperm inert. It can be purchased over-the-counter and is used in conjunction with barrier contraceptives like condoms, but not with the sponge.
Spermicide should be placed near the cervix at least ten minutes prior to intercourse if it is to be used alone. It is roughly 71 percent Trusted Source effective and lasts for 60 minutes.
Hormonal Methods
Hormonal birth control methods work by halting ovulation, the process by which the ovaries release an egg, to prevent conception. There is no STI protection provided by this kind of contraception.
7. Contraceptive Pills
One of the most widely used forms of birth control in the United States is the pill. Different brands are available, and the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom states that the pill is over 99 percent effective when taken as directed. On the other hand, with regular use, the pill is only about 95 percent effective.
The medication comes in two varieties:
The tablet that combines progestin and estrogen: As directed, they should be taken on a daily basis. There are usually some hormone-free pills in the pill pack. A monthly menstruation will occur while taking these medications.
The tiny tablet, which solely has progestin in it: This medication must be taken without fail at the same time each day. There is no guarantee that the person ingesting the mini-pill will have a set time.
8. Patches
When used appropriately, the contraceptive patch has a 99 percent efficacy rate, according to the NHS. It is more like 90%Trusted Source effective when used normally.
A contraceptive patch can be applied to the:
- Back
- Buttocks
- Stomach
- Upper arm
Each patch must be worn for three weeks, and then removed for one week to accommodate the menstrual cycle. A slight chance of skin irritation exists.
9. Injection
Typically, a doctor administers the Depo-Provera contraceptive shot once every 12 weeks. According to the CDC, the vaccine is over 90%Trusted Source effective at preventing pregnancy when used appropriately and provided that the recipient receives it on time.
Planned Pregnancy states that after quitting the contraceptive shot, a person’s fertility may not return to normal for up to 10 months or maybe longer.
10. Vaginal Ring
The NHS claims that although the Nuva Ring birth control ring is over 99 percent effective when used properly, human error usually causes it to be less than 95 percent effective.
For three weeks, this little plastic ring is inserted into the vagina. In order to stop pregnancy, it releases hormones into the body.
Before putting in a new ring, the old one must be taken out for a full week to accommodate the menstrual cycle.
11. Natural Family Planning
Following one’s menstrual cycle and refraining from sexual activity during the fertile phase is the natural way of contraception. 11 ways to prevent pregnancy includes family planning that is effective.
The “fertile window” for an individual is approximately six to nine days per month and corresponds with ovulation, or the release of the egg.
There are numerous ways to use natural family planning. To determine if they are ovulating or in their fertile window, many people use the following signals:
Determining the body’s basal temperature
Observing the cervical mucus’s quantity and quality
Tracking the beginning and ending periods of their cycle information across a number of months
Since everyone has a unique fertile window, it is important to listen to their body’s cues. When used correctly, natural family planning methods are around 76% successful, according to the CDC.
When To Take a Pregnancy Test
If a woman fears she is pregnant, particularly if her normal form of contraception has stopped working recently, she can take a pregnancy test.
Pregnancy symptoms include:
Swollen or sore breasts with a missing or delayed period
Exhaustion
Elevated urination
Feeling sick and throwing up
Conclusion
In conclusion, in order for people to make educated decisions regarding their reproductive health, they must comprehend and put into practice a variety of contraceptive techniques. The alternatives are varied and can be tailored to suit a variety of lifestyles and interests, ranging from hormonal contraceptives to barrier techniques, fertility awareness, and long-acting reversible contraceptives. We can enable people to properly take charge of their reproductive destinies by encouraging open conversation between partners and healthcare providers, comprehensive sex education, and easy access to contraceptive resources. Furthermore, promoting the appropriate use of contraception and lowering the number of unwanted births requires partnerships to value shared accountability and respect. Ultimately, we may work toward a society where everyone has the means by promoting education, accessibility, and teamwork.