Understanding the Benefits and Insights of Contraceptive Met

Every woman should have control over their reproductive health. They should know how many children they will have and how they will space them. A proper plan reduces the cases of early pregnancies and ensures that one gives birth to children they can maintain.  

Thankfully, it’s now easy to plan on this because there are many contraceptive methods. These methods prevent pregnancy, allowing one to choose when to have a baby. 

All methods of contraception are great, but they don’t work the same way. For instance, barrier methods like condoms prevent unwanted pregnancy and STIs, while the hormonal ones control pregnancy only. Others involve surgeries, while others don’t.  

Our guide offers insights into these methods, their benefits, and how to choose the best one. Keep reading to make well-informed decisions on your reproductive health. 

Types of Contraceptives 

Contraceptives come in many types to meet the varying body and lifestyle needs of everyone. Here is a brief description of these methods and how they work. 

1. Hormonal Methods 

Hormonal birth control methods come with the hormones estrogen and progestin, which create thick mucus at the cervix, preventing the entry of sperm. The hormones delay the ovaries from releasing an egg, thus preventing possible pregnancy.  

There are many hormonal birth control methods, but the most popular one is the pill. Birth control pills are taken every day at the same time. For instance, if you take the first pill at 7 pm, then you should be taking the other one at around the same time or not more than 3 hours of that time. 

They are 99% effective when taken well but require some time before they work.  

How long until birth control pill is effective? You may wonder. Normally, the pill takes between 48 hours and seven days to be effective. As such, it’s advisable to start taking it on the fifth day after the start of your menstruation period. You can also use condoms as you wait for it to be fully effective.  

Here are other hormonal methods of contraceptives that you can consider. 

• Intrauterine Device (IUD) 

IUD is a small device inserted in the vagina to prevent pregnancy. It blocks the uterus opening to prevent the entry of sperm. An IUD is a great birth control option that can last up to ten years. 

• Hormonal Shots 

Hormonal shots are also known as depo shots. They come as an injection containing progestin hormone, which prevents pregnancy. 

• Hormonal Implant 

A hormonal implant is a small, tiny rod inserted under the skin of a woman’s arm. It releases hormones that prevent pregnancy for a predetermined period. 

2. Barrier Methods 

Barrier methods use physical items to control pregnancy. The barriers prevent the sperm from getting into the female reproductive system so that fertilization doesn’t happen. Here are the most common barriers. 

• Male Condoms 

Male condoms are the most common barrier contraceptives available today. They are worn on the penis to prevent sperm from passing, thus, preventing pregnancy. 

• Female Condoms 

Female condoms are like male condoms, only that the woman wears them. When worn correctly, condoms help prevent unwanted pregnancy. 

• Cervical Cap 

A cervical cap resembles a small bowl. Usually, the woman inserts it before sex to prevent sperm from getting in. It’s effective, but one should wear it well for maximum protection. 

• Diaphragm 

A diaphragm is a flexible rubber cap worn on the cervix. It creates a barrier at the cervix, which prevents sperm from getting in, thus protecting against pregnancy. 

• Spermicide 

A spermicide contains chemicals that create a barrier. It’s inserted in the bargain before sex to kill the sperms or block them from getting inside. 

Benefits of Contraceptive Methods 

Birth control is the top benefit of contraceptives. Here are other notable benefits of using birth control methods. 

• Regulates period for people with irregular menstruation. 

• Lessens period pain. 

• Reduces hormonal acne by balancing hormones. 

• Reduces risk of ovarian cysts. 

How to Choose the Right Contraceptive Method 

Choosing the right contraceptives is an important step when you need to start planning. Here are the main tips for choosing a new contraceptive method. 

1. Understand Your Child-Bearing Goals 

Do you need to have more children in the future? If so, you can choose the temporary methods of family planning, which allow you to get pregnant after using them. If you don’t need more children, you can consider permanent methods such as vasectomy and tubal ligation. 

2. Check Ease of Use 

Some birth control methods require commandments to use. For instance, if you pick pills, you should set reminders for using them to avoid reducing their efficiency. Check the ease of use of your preferred method of birth control to know if you can commit it. 

3. Understand the Costs 

Pick a birth control method you can afford. Some are affordable, while others may be costly, mainly those involving surgery. If you have a tight budget, weigh the costs to choose what works for you. 

4. Understand the Side Effects 

Contraceptive methods are effective but can sometimes bring unwanted effects. Check the expected side effects to pick a suitable birth control method. 

5. Consider STI Protection 

Would you like to protect yourself against STIs? If yes, a barrier contraceptive method like a condom would be a great option. 

Conclusion 

Our guide has shed insights on the main types of contraceptives and their benefits. All methods are effective, but you should observe discipline when using them. For instance, when using a condom, you should wear it well to reduce the possibility of getting pregnant.  

If you are unsure of the most suitable method, consult your healthcare provider. The doctor will examine your needs and plans to help you choose the best.