While planned pregnancy could bring a lot of joy, an unplanned one can be traumatic.
Condoms have been considered to be among the easiest and best options but they too have their limitations. Besides, some simply hate to use it. In this and other circumstances, birth control pills can then be a good option.
Here are some to consider:
1. Birth control pills
are commonly known as BCPs are widely used by women to control unwanted pregnancy.
The pill works by thickening cervical mucus making it difficult for sperms to enter the uterus. It is almost safe and effective if taken in a proper manner.
Types of Birth Control Pills
Combination pills: It contains both estrogen and progestin.
Progestin pills: It contains progestin only. These pills are also called as Minipill.
As there are several types of combination pills like monophasic, multiphasic and extended regimens, you have a wide variety to choose from. However, it is not necessary that every type of pill is appropriate for you to assess which option is best for you.
How do birth control pills affect you?
They make your menstrual cycle lighter, regular and more manageable.
They are easy to use than any other contraceptive methods.
They do not affect your fertility.
They also help in reducing acne.
They lower the risk of developing ovarian cancer, anemia, ectopic pregnancy, endometrial cancer, and pelvic inflammatory disease.
Side effects of Birth Control Pills
As mentioned, it is important to consult your doctor before you go on birth control pill as they could have the following side effects:
Headache
Breast tenderness
Weight gain
Irregular bleeding
Mood swings
Decreased sex drive
A single miss can result in increased chances of pregnancy
No protection against sexually transmitted diseases
2. IUD:
IUD is an intrauterine device. This T-shaped device is inserted into the uterus and is an effective way of avoiding an unplanned pregnancy.
Types of IUDs
Hormonal IUD: This IUD releases levonorgestrel, a form of the hormone progestin. This method is slightly more effective than the copper IUD. Hormonal IUDs prevent pregnancy for 3 to 5 years.
Copper IUD: This is the most commonly used IUD. The copper IUD can stay in place for up to 10 years and is also another effective form of contraception.
Benefits of IUDs
As discussed, IUDs are also considered as one of the effective ways to prevent pregnancy. It has been found that most pregnancies that occur with IUD only happen when the IUD is accidentally pushed out of (expelled from) the uterus.
Some advantages of the hormonal IUD are:
The hormonal IUD may reduce menstrual cramps and bleeding.
It may prevent endometrial hyperplasia or endometrial cancer.
It may effectively relieve endometriosis.
It also reduces the risk of ectopic pregnancy.
Also, it does not cause weight gain.
IUDs also have some side effects:
Problem in the menstrual cycle: There are chances that copper IUD may increase menstrual bleeding or cramps. Women may also experience spotting between periods.
Perforation: Though perforation is rare, it may occur during insertion. The IUD should be removed if the uterus has been perforated.
Expulsion: About 2 to 10 out of 100 IUDs are pushed out (expelled) from the uterus into the vagina during the first year. This is more likely to happen when the IUD is inserted right after childbirth or in a woman who has not carried a pregnancy. When an IUD has been expelled, you are no longer protected against pregnancy.
High cost: There is a high cost of insertion and it should not be considered as the protection against STIs. Once it is inserted, only a doctor can remove it.
3. Diaphragm birth control
You can avoid pregnancy by using a diaphragm, a flexible cup inserted in the vagina to block sperm from entering the uterus.
Some of the benefits of diaphragm are:
It does not contain hormones
Diaphragm is inserted before sex and does not interrupt sex play.
It usually cannot be felt by either partner
Disadvantages:
• There is no protection against STIs.
• Use of diaphragm can cause vaginal irritation which increases risk of STI.
• It is not as effective in preventing pregnancy as compared to other birth control methods.
• It must be used every time you have sex.
• It requires a visit to your health care provider for fitting and prescription.
4. Birth control ring
It is soft, flexible ring that has to be inserted into the vagina. It prevents your ovaries from releasing eggs. There is no need to change it every day as it is effective for almost three weeks.
Benefits include:
• It helps in preventing acne.
• It also prevents cysts in the breasts and ovaries
• It reduces the risk of endometrial and ovarian cancers
• Serious infections in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus are also prevented.
• It also helps in reducing PMS (premenstrual syndrome)
Some side effects of using birth control ring include:
It may also cause
• Decreased sex drive
• Loss of scalp hair
• Vomiting
• Stomach cramps
• Pain in breasts
5. Still on Condoms
Last but not the least, male as well as female condoms not only help in preventing pregnancy but diseases and infections, too. If your partner has an STD (sexually transmitted disease), condoms are a must. It is advisable to use a condom before every intercourse.
Benefits of condoms include:
• You can purchase a condom without any prescription, unlike other contraceptive methods that need doctor’s advice.
• It is easy to use.
• Condoms do not affect the fertility of the person. They are a single-time “use and throw” contraception method.
• The product is freely available at the stores.
• It is a great protection against STIs.
Source(s)
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
bmcpregnancychildbirth.biomedcentral.com
www.healthline.com
