The process of settling on the right method of birth control may be daunting, considering that you need something that works well for you. Depending on how long you wish to delay pregnancy, you want a birth control method that meets your needs. Do not be overwhelmed because LUNA MED SPA & WASHINGTON OB-GYN, P.A. has done the homework for you and can provide the right method. Your doctor will consider your lifestyle and your body type, effectiveness, and plans for pregnancy. The following discussion covers six choices of birth control you can select from, to delay pregnancy.
Condoms
There are condoms available for men and women that can effectively prevent a pregnancy. For a male condom, you will roll it over an erect penis to prevent semen-containing sperm from entering your vagina. The female condom, on the other hand, has a flexible ring at each end which you fix in the vagina before sexual intercourse. The advantage of using condoms as a birth control method is that it helps prevent the spreading of sexually transmitted infections.
Spermicide
You can use a spermicide, a cream containing chemicals that can damage sperm so they will not swim up and fertilize an egg. A spermicide lowers your vaginal pH making it hard for sperm to swim up to the egg. You may have to place it half an hour before sexual intercourse so it works effectively. You can increase the effectiveness of spermicide by adding another barrier method of birth control. However, spermicide will offer no protection against sexually transmitted infections.
Birth Control Implant
Your doctor can recommend Nexplanon®, which they place under the skin of the upper arm. The rod will deliver a steady stream of progestin hormone for three years before you can replace the implant. Nexplanon® is almost 100% effective in preventing unplanned pregnancy and is easy to maintain.
Intrauterine Device
IUDs are small flexible T-shaped devices that your doctor places in your uterus to prevent pregnancy. Your doctor can recommend an IUD made of copper made of plastic and containing progestin hormone. Copper IUDs will stop sperm from reaching your vagina, thus reaching the uterus for an egg, while progestin IUDs will cause thicker cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching an egg.
Hormonal Contraception
Includes birth control pills, patches, and contraceptive vaginal rings. You will take your pill daily, change your patch weekly and insert a vaginal ring once every month. Hormonal contraception contains progestin and estrogen hormones that prevent ovulation and may be more effective if combined.
Sterilization
You can choose a permanent method of birth control if you are sure you no longer want to have children in the future. Your doctor can recommend tubal ligation to block your fallopian tubes, thus preventing pregnancy. Conversely, vasectomy will seal the tubes carrying sperm so that pregnancy will not occur.
Learning about the different birth control choices available will help you decide on a suitable choice. Consider several factors, including convenience, because some methods require effective daily maintenance. Other methods are easy to keep a secret, thus giving you the benefit of preserving spontaneity. Also, other methods like sterilization are permanent and irreversible. Therefore you should consider your plans for pregnancy before selecting them. After understanding how each method works, you can discuss it with your doctor at length to determine a suitable method for you.
