About Contraception
In my day there was no sex education in the school system. Many kids became pregnant in high school due to a lack of knowledge. Parents were very uncomfortable with discussing this subject.
Today most schools have health programs in public schools where this subject is addressed. Knowledge in contraception is important and can help to decrease unwanted pregnancies.
One of the most common methods of contraception is the birth control pill. It is very protective against pregnancy if taken consistently and correctly. It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. The pill can also help to regulate your period and can decrease menstrual bleeding and cramps. If you suffer from acne the pill can also help with this as well. Many people still use a condom along with the pill to protect against sexually transmitted diseases. To use a condom as the sole method of contraception could be risky.
Vaginal spermicides are foams, creams, jellies, etc. that are inserted into the vagina just before sex. They should be used with another method of contraception, as using spermicides alone is not as effective in preventing pregnancy as the pill. Using a condom with the spermicide can increase protection.
The diaphragm is a dome shaped latex disc and is used with a spermicidal cream/jelly. It is placed in the vagina in front of the cervix. It acts to provide a barrier by preventing the sperm from going through and the spermicide destroys the sperm. It is inserted one hour before intercourse and should remain in place for six hours after intercourse, but no longer than twenty four hours. Insertion can be challenging with this method.
The contraceptive sponge is another method. It is a soft round piece of polyurethane foam containing three different spermicidal agents. It can stay in the vagina for up to twelve hours. The sponge absorbs and traps the sperm while the three agents kill the sperm. It also acts as a barrier for the sperm to get through and cause pregnancy. The sponge can be expensive.
The intrauterine device or IUD for short, is a small plastic and copper T shaped device that is inserted by a doctor into the uterus. The device prevents the sperm from joining with an egg and / or prevents the egg from implanting on the wall of the uterus. When someone wants to get pregnant the device is simply removed. Periods can sometimes be heavier and more crampy with this method.
Depo-Provera is a hormone injection containing a hormone called progestin. It is given every twelve weeks to prevent pregnancy. It works by stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg each month and thickens the cervical mucus making it harder for sperm to pass through the cervix (opening to the uterus). This method is quite effective in preventing pregnancy.
The contraceptive ring (NuvaRing) is a clear, soft, flexible non-latex ring. It contains a combination of estrogen and progestin (female hormones). It is placed in the vagina and slowly releases the hormones. It works by stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg, thins the lining of the uterus making it harder for the egg to attach to the uterus and also thickens the mucus in the cervix making it harder for sperm to pass through.
The methods above are a very brief synopsis of the methods available for preventing pregnancy. Your doctor will want to examine you and do a history before deciding which method is best for your situation. Hopefully this has given you a glimpse at methods available. These are the most common methods of birth control, but there are others. Please seek medical help for more details about contraceptive methods.
