Birth Control Methods
In life, having various birth control methods is an advantage when it comes
to undesired childbirth. Birth control methods options can be vast, but the
ones commonly used are 6.
That are, barrier methods, Hormonal methods, intrauterine devices,
sterilization, natural methods, and finally emergency contraception.
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One of the 6 birth control methods is barrier methods. Barrier methods is the
use of literal barriers to stop and prevent birth such as condoms, diaphragm,
cervical caps, etc.
Condoms: Male condoms are a plastic like material worn over the male
reproductive part (the Penis) during intercourse aka sex.
Female condoms: barriers inserted inside the woman's vagina before sexual
intercourse covering the vaginal walls preventing sperm from reaching into
undesired locations.
Diaphragm: A silicon cup Placed also inside the vagina just like the condom,
it covers the cervix itself.
Cervical cap: same job and idea of the diaphragm
Spermsides: chemicals such as creams gels and foams that contain sperm
killing characteristics. (spermsides are used alongside barrier methods).
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Another common birth control method is hormonal birth control methods, its
sprouts to multiple branches like;
Birth Control pills: pills taken in a daily basis to prevent pregnancy, theu
contain synthetic versions of estimated progesterone and estrogen.
Birth control patch: Small patch worn that releases hormone such as
estrogen and progesterone directly into the bloodstream, it is worn on the
skin.
Birth control shots: (depo provera), injection of progestin over the course of 3
months.
Birth control implant: (Nexpalonin) A small flexible rod inserted under the
skin.
Vaginal ring (Nuvaring): A ring placed in the vagina that releases hormones
and is kept placed for weeks (excluding 1 week for the menstrual cycle)
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Intrauterine Devices:
Copper IUD: Plastic with copper wrapped around the arms, works by
releasing copper ions into the cavity (uterus) which creates a toxic response
for the sperm. (effective up to ten years)
Hormonal IUD: Hormonal IUD’s release small amounts of progestin thickening
the cervical mucus, stopping sperm free movement, and thinning the uterus
lining which in some cases prevents ovulation.
Best available brands of hormonal/Copper IUDs are mirena, Skyla, kyleena
and many more.
Note: All types of IUD’s should be under medical supervision.
Sterilization: (permanent birth control method)
Tubal ligation for women; surgical procedure where the fallopian tubes are
cut, sealed, or tied to prevent eggs from entering the uterus. In some cases,
the person giving birth’s lines are cut to prevent any surgical mistakes. Going
back from decisions that involve these kinds of surgical processes are
extremely rare, only in some cases the tubes can be untied.
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Vasectomy (For men): just like the woman's surgical process, the tubes that
carry the sperm are cut, sealed or tied which stops sperm ejection. After the
Vasectomy, sperm is still produced by the testicles but is absorbed by the
body instead of ejection occurring.
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Natural methods:
Fertility awareness method: tracking body info such as menstrual cycles,
body temperatures, cervical mucus, etc. Ovulation occurs halfway through
the menstrual cycle, estimating these aspects and monitoring can help the
female decide when she can have sexual intercourses.
Calendar methods: Tracking menstrual cycles over the span of 7 months to
determine the fertile days of the body. This methods’ calculation depends on
keeping track of each menstrual-cycles time.
Withdrawal method: The male pulling the penis from the female's vagina
before ejecting sperm. (barely affective)
Natural methods are mostly depended on, they require commitment and
discipline.
Emergency contraceptive methods:
Emergency contraceptive pills: From its name it's called emergency
contraceptive, these pills are only taken after unprotected sexual intercourse
for urgent control. These pills are recommended to take maximum after 72
hours of the intercourse or they will no longer be as efficient.
(Copper interpretation devices can also be considered as emergency
contraceptive methods) The inflammatory response copper interceptive
device produces makes it great for urgent situations where the female/ male
does not approve of having a child, so they use this method to kill the sperm
cells immediately.
Additional Methods:
Long Acting Reversibles contraceptives (LARCS): Are you's mentioned before
(ID devices).
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Birth control pills:
Birth control pills are considered as one of the most complicated and
advanced birth control methods. They work by stopping ovulation which
means stopping the releasing of the eggs from the ovary.
1 Hormonal Regulation:
Birth control pills contain Hormones, these hormones prevent ovulation by
stopping the release of follicle stimulating hormones (FSH) and luteinizing
hormones (LH) from the pituitary gland.
2 Thickening of the cervical mucus:
These pills thicken the cervical mucus making it harder for the sperm cells to
reaching the egg.
3 changes in uterine Lining:
The hormones in the pills make changes in the uterine lining making a not
suitable environment for the egg to be planted preventing fertilization.
4 Inhibition Of ovulation
5 Cycle regulation:
Birth control pills cause periods to be easier on women making the cycle
lighter, and with less cramps. It also makes the menstrual cycles more
predictable.
Side Effects:
1 nausea (especially when taking the pill for the first time)
2 Headaches
3 Breast tenderness
4 Irregular Bleeding during periods (Randomized)
5 Changes in mood
6 Weight changes
7 Decreased sexual desire (libido)
8 Changes in appetite
9 Acne
10 Bloating
Rare side effects (extremely dangerous):
1 Blood clots
2 Heart attacks
3 strokes
Benefits:
1 menstrual cycle regulation
2 reduced period cramps
3 Treats Menstrual disorders
4 Decreases the risk of endometrial cancer.
5 reduced risk of cysts
6 convenience and control
Risks:
Birth control pills can have great risk like;
1 Extreme Blood Clots
2 High blood pressure
3 Breast cancer (overtime)
4 Liver issues
5 Gallbladder disease
How to use;
Before taking these pills you should look into these aspects;
1 see a health care provider to do a quick check up
2 Choosing the right pill with the right characteristics that suit your body is
essential
3 When to start (first day of your cycle)
4 Daily Keep-up: take one singular pill not more not less at the same range of
time everyday.
5 Use back up Birth control methods just incase such as condoms.
6 Keep emergency contraceptions around such as IUD’s
7 Discuss the discontinuation of the pill cycle with your health care provider,
to see how its best to stop.
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Works Cited
“Choose the Right Birth Control - MyHealthfinder | Health.gov.” Health.gov,
health.gov/myhealthfinder/healthy-living/sexual-health/choose-right-birth-control#:~:text=Shot
%20. Accessed 2 Apr. 2024.
Cleveland Clinic. “Birth Control Pill: Types, Side Effects & Effectiveness.” Cleveland Clinic, 5 July
2023, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/3977-birth-control-the-pill.
Cooper, Danielle B., et al. “Oral Contraceptive Pills.” PubMed, StatPearls Publishing, 24 Nov. 2022,
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430882/.
Mayo Clinic Staff. “Combination Birth Control Pills - Mayo Clinic.” Mayoclinic.org, 13 Jan. 2023,
www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/combination-birth-control-pills/about/pac-20385282.
Planned Parenthood. “Birth Control Pill.” Planned Parenthood, 2000,
www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/birth-control-pill.
“Top 158 Reviews from Legit Mayo Clinic Buyers.” Www.consumeraffairs.com,
www.consumeraffairs.com/health/mayo-clinic.html. Accessed 2 Apr. 2024.
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