Today, there is a myriad of contraceptive options available for you. However, it would be best to keep in mind that not all the available options could work for you. Therefore, before you settle for any one of these contraceptive options, there are a number of things you have to consider. However, you have to understand that the safest way to steer clear of sexually transmitted infections is by using a condom. If you want to know more, continue reading.
Types of contraceptives
In a broad sense, there are five categories of contraceptives. Each of these contraceptives works differently. It could either be preventing your body from releasing eggs or stopping sperms from penetrating the egg. However, the primary goal for each of these contraceptives is to avoid cases of unwanted pregnancies. Here are the five types.
1. Short-acting hormonal contraception
These birth control methods operate by reworking your natural estrogen or progestin levels to reduce the chances of pregnancy. A common birth control method is a contraceptive pill, which you have to make sure that you take every day. Another option is a patch that requires weekly replacements or a monthly vaginal ring. You should understand that you should seek professional help before you use any of these options. They are 91-99% effective, depending on correct usage.
Furthermore, these hormonal contraceptives may come with varied side effects, especially when you are just starting out. But in many women, there is reduced period pain when using these contraceptives. Therefore, if you have a problematic menstrual cycle, you could try using these options.
2. Long-term contraception
If you are looking for a long-term and effective contraception method with minimal maintenance, long-term contraception would be the ideal way to go. You could choose to go for an implant that is inserted in your arm or go for an intrauterine device (IUD) that is placed in your uterus. According to research, these methods are about 99% effective in pregnancy prevention for up to 10 years.
Long-term contraception adjusts the progestin levels in your body over time. They are great options because they don’t require much maintenance. However, if you’d like to have kids, you can opt to have the device removed, but you may experience some slight ongoing side effects like headaches, soreness, and weight gain.
3. Emergency contraception
If you had sex, but you were not on birth control or, unfortunately, your contraceptive fails, you can opt for emergency contraception. No matter the type of contraception you use, always use emergency contraception immediately for it to be very effective. You can get a contraceptive pill over the counter even without a prescription. Nevertheless, these shouldn’t be your primary birth control methods.
4. Permanent contraception
Some of the most common permanent contraception methods are vasectomy for men and tubal ligation for women. These are essentially simple procedures designed to make it impossible to get pregnant. These surgical procedures are almost 100% effective. If you are absolutely certain that you don’t want kids, this could be the ideal method for you. It only takes days for recovery, and you won’t feel any impact on your sexual life. That is why it is considered the most convenient method of contraception.
5. One-time barrier contraception
Sponges, cervical caps, spermicides, and condoms are all single-use methods of contraception. All of these contraceptives function differently, but the ultimate goal is to form some sort of barrier to prevent sperm from reaching and fertilizing the ovum during sex. These don’t need any prescription, and you can get them at stores or online. Condoms are the only ones capable of preventing STIs.
Bottom-line
The right contraception for you depends on your individual circumstances. In a nutshell, you should consider your goals, lifestyle, sex frequency, insurance, and how comfortable your sexual partner is with any of the mentioned contraceptives. Therefore, go for what works best for you.