While some women are desperately trying to conceive, some no longer want to have more kids. This of course is a decision every family needs to make because for one, raising up to three children is difficult not to mention expensive.
Today there are many choices for birth control. Frisco OB GYN Dr. Weinstein states, “Women no longer have to deal with the annoying side effects of their regular birth control pills or worry about long lasting side effects.”
What are your options?
Women usually ask their gynecologists which is the best form of birth control. The short answer is there is no such thing as the best birth control method because each has its advantages and disadvantages. What gynecologists know is that couples have the ability to control whether or not they want to become parents or when they will conceive. Choosing a birth control method is never easy since there are a lot of things to take into consideration that is why it is always a good idea for you to talk to your doctor about it. Before choosing a particular method you should think about the following: your general health, how often you engage in sexual intercourse, the number of sexual partners, wanting kids one day or not wanting them at all, effectiveness of the method of choice, possible side effects, and how comfortable you will be with a certain method. It is interesting to note that most birth control methods also fail –nothing works 100% but of course, your chances of conceiving is at their lowest if you use birth control.
Types of Birth Control
Abstinence –In some nations specifically religious ones, abstinence is encouraged. If you have the discipline and the right conditioning to be abstinent until the time you decide to have a child, then this is the perfect method for you.
Natural Family Planning – If you do not really want anything inserted in your vaginal region or do not want to take contraceptive pills, natural family planning is the way to go. One has to note however that even if your menstruation is regular and you know when you are most fertile, this cycle can change and in turn will change the days where it is safest to have sex without conceiving.
Barrier Methods – Putting up a block or a barrier in your vagina to keep sperm from entering is also another birth control method. This includes the use of contraceptive sponges, cervical caps, female condoms, and male condoms.
Hormonal Methods – This involves pregnancy prevention by interfering with ovulation. The use of oral contraceptives is the most popular in this category. However, the pill isn’t a good idea for women who smoke, are older than 35, have a history of cancer, and blood clots. The use of antibiotics will also reduce the effectiveness of pills. Shots and injections, patches, and vaginal rings are also popular hormonal birth control methods.
Implantable Devices – These devices are implanted or inserted in the body. IUDs or intrauterine devices, for example, prevent sperm from entering this part of the body or release progestin to keep sperm from reaching the egg. Implantable rods are also another choice.
Permanent Birth Control – For those who no longer want to have kids, sterilization is a good choice. Essure is a good example of non-invasive birth control. Another type is surgical sterilization in women. Vasectomy is another way but this is specific for men.
