Birth control, also known as contraception and fertility control, are effective methods or devices you can use to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Finding the contraceptive that works for you is essential as it helps you plan your family comfortably and go about fulfilling your goals with little surprises. Luckily, there are several birth control options available. Here are five popular forms of birth control.
- Emergency contraceptive pills
Emergency contraceptives or the morning after pill could help prevent pregnancy if you had unprotected sex. You can buy a ‘Plan B’ such as Ezinelle from Express Pharmacy over the counter within 72 hours after unprotected sex. These pills prevent the egg from being released or eliminate the chances of sperm fertilising the egg. You can get ‘Ella’ which prevents pregnancy even after five days after unprotected sex by delaying ovulation. This form of birth control is short-term and a useful backup birth control option.
- Intrauterine device
An intrauterine device (IUD) is an effective birth control device said to prevent pregnancy 99% of the time. This small T-shaped device is placed into the uterus to prevent sperm from reaching and fertilising the eggs. They are available in copper (hormonal) and plastic (non-hormonal) options, giving you the chance to select one that better suits your lifestyle. Since it is a long-term contraceptive, you would not have to worry about unprotected sex for an extended period. It is also hassle-free and cost-effective.
- Permanent birth control
Permanent birth control options involve going under the knife and are 100% effective at preventing pregnancy. A vasectomy is a permanent birth control option for men, whereby the sperm ducts are blocked, causing only semen to leave the body during ejaculation. Women have the option of either tubal ligation or a tubal block. Tubal ligation is a surgical procedure whereby the woman has her fallopian tubes ‘tied’ to prevent eggs from travelling from the ovaries to the uterus. Permanent contraceptives do not affect your sexual function.
- Birth control pills
Like emergency contraceptive pills, birth control pills are taken to prevent unwanted pregnancies. However, unlike emergency contraceptive pills, birth control pills need to be taken every day, at the same time, over a specified period. When ingested, the pill releases chemicals to stop the ovaries from releasing eggs and thicken cervical mucus to prevent sperm from entering the uterus.
- Condoms
Condoms are very thin pouches made out of latex, plastic, or lambskin. They are placed over the penis to ensure that semen which might contain sperm, does not get into the vagina and leads to pregnancy. Females can also go for female condoms. Made from nitrile, female condoms are used during sex to prevent semen and other fluids from entering the vagina. This condom goes inside the body, and flexible rings at both ends keep it in place. Although a short-term birth control measure, condoms prevent pregnancy about 98% of the time.
It is important to remember that while these measures effectively prevent pregnancy, they do not stop the spread of Sexually Transmitted Infections – apart from latex or plastic condoms.
We’re very proud to bring you this feature in association with Express Pharmacy. For more articles, please pay a visit to our lifestyle page.
