Overview

Every woman has the right to choose if and when she wants to become pregnant. If you have sex without birth control, then there is a risk of pregnancy. Birth control is any method which prevents pregnancy and plan the time of pregnancy. It is also known as contraception and fertility control. In United States of America, over three million unplanned pregnancies take place every year. The underlying cause is either no use of birth control or incorrect use of birth control method.It is very important to have a good health before planning a pregnancy. Unexpected pregnancies especially in case where women are suffering from Hypothyroidism, Diabetes and other problems can really cause abnormalities in the baby. Birth control method gives women a chance to get healthy before conceiving. In developing countries, use of contraceptive has decreased the maternal death by 40 %. 

Need of Birth control

In modern time, one of the most important and fundamental problems in many countries are teenage sex. Research shows that teens are sexually active by high schools and put themselves at the risk of pregnancy and other sexually transmitted diseases. There is an important need to discuss the use of contraceptives before any sexual activity.

It is always healthy for a women to keep at least gap of four years between the children. For the women’s health it is very important to lengthen time between the two pregnancies. This thing is accomplished by the use of effective birth control method. It helps to live healthy and disease free life as it prevents the invasion of sexually transmitted diseases (STD’S) in your body.

Birth control methods

One can avoid pregnancy by not having sexual intercourse or by using apt birth control method. If you are sexually active then always be prepared to protect yourself and your future. Never have sex without using condoms. Even a single intercourse can lead to unwanted pregnancy and STD’S. There is no best method of birth prevention. Each method has its own pros and cons. Selecting an apt birth control method includes various parameters such as:

• Overall health and well being
• How often you have sex 
• The number of sexual partners
• How effective is the method of prevention
• Any potential side effects
• Your comfort level

There are various private and confidential organizations which help and guide the citizen how to be sexual and responsible. One can take the help of doctor as he will help you to find the best possible birth control method. There are various methods to avoid pregnancy and STD’s which can be classified as non hormonal methods, hormonal methods and emergency contraception.

Non Hormonal method

• Male and female condoms prevent pregnancy by scavenging sperm so it can’t fertilize an egg. This is the most inexpensive and readily available method in the market. It has 98% effective in preventing pregnancy
• Diaphragms and Cervical Caps are used to avoid pregnancy by blocking sperm from entering the cervix and thus prevent fertilization. If used correctly it is 94% effective
• Spermicides are chemicals that kill sperm and are available in many forms such as creams, foams, gels and tablets
• Intrauterine Devices are generally inserted into the uterus by a physician. It could be hormonal and non hormonal. It inhibits the sperm movement by changing the lining of the uterus so that egg doesn’t attach with it.

Hormonal methods

Oral contraceptives

Combined pills contain two hormones i.e. estrogen and a progestin. It avoids pregnancy by stopping the release of eggs by thickening cervical mucus and making it hard for an egg to attach and grow. Women who take them are less likely to have ovarian or uterine cancers. Ethinylestradiol – Drospirenone combination pills are available in the market. These are the most reliable method of avoiding pregnancy.

Mini pill

It contains single hormone progestin in it. When you stop taking the mini pill your fertility returns quickly to whatever is normal for you. It is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.

Birth control patch

The patch comprises of estrogen and progestin which is released through the skin into the blood stream and avoids pregnancy. It mode of action is exactly same as of combined birth pill

Birth control shot

It is an injection consists of progestin and estrogen hormones. It is taken within 5 days after you get first period and then repeatedly after every 3 months. Your ability to get pregnant returns to whatever is normal for you about 9 to12 months after your last injection

Hormonal Intrauterine devices (IUD)

It is 100 % effective in preventing pregnancy. IUD is inserted into the uterus by a physician and it doesn’t allow the sperm to enter the cervix. It contains progestin and provides protection against pregnancy for 5 years.

Emergency contraception

It can safely prevent pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse and is usually opted when contraceptive method fails and in case of forced sex or rape. Morning after pills and copper IUD are two emergency contraceptives available. First one is taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex and later one can be taken after 120 hours. It is 100% effective in preventing pregnancy.

Family planning

Family planning is the safest way to avoid pregnancy. This involves abstaining from sex during a woman's most fertile days. This method isn’t as effective as prescription birth control and don't offer any protection from sexually transmitted infections. Mostly teenage pregnancies are unplanned. Generally, they don’t want to shatter their image in front of their parents but it is the prime duty of the parents to educate them about the future impacts of unsafe sex in their lives. If you're having trouble talking to your teen about contraception, ask your physician for help. He or she may offer advice on how to talk to your teen and accurately answer questions about contraception.

Also read: 4 Simple Ways To Avoid Unwanted Pregnancy