
What is Birth Control
Birth control is a method or device used to prevent pregnancy. There are many types of birth control, and each type has different mechanisms of action, effectiveness, and side effects. Many people choose the best method of birth control according to various factors such as health, lifestyle, and personal preference. Consulting with a healthcare provider is recommended to select the method that best fits individual needs. The following are the types of birth control discussed as follows:
Types of Birth Control
- Hormonal methods are one of the types of birth control that explain how hormonal methods of contraception are highly effective in preventing pregnancy by utilizing hormones to stop or regulate ovulation, alter the cervical mucus, and modify the uterine lining. These methods include the birth control patch, a small stick-on patch worn on the skin that releases hormones similar to the pill. It is replaced once a week for three weeks, with a week off.
- Birth control pills and injections are two common methods of contraception. Birth control pills are taken daily and contain a combination of estrogen and progestin or just progestin. They are highly effective when taken correctly. Another method is birth control injections, which are progestin injections given every three months. The injection is effective, but a healthcare provider must administer it. Lastly, there is the implant, a small rod inserted under the skin of the arm that releases progestin. It can prevent pregnancy and can last for 3 to 7 years, depending on the type.
- Permicidal methods are chemical substances that kill sperm, or you can say they are contraceptive substances that work by preventing sperm from reaching an egg. They contain chemicals that primarily block the cervix. Spermicides can be used alone or in combination with other barrier methods like condoms or diaphragms to enhance their effectiveness. Creams, gels, foams, and films can be inserted into the vagina before intercourse. They are less effective on their own but work better when used with other methods. This is another option among the types of birth control, and many people choose this method of controlling birth according to various factors in their community.
- Barrier methods physically block sperm from reaching the egg. These are non-hormonal and are often used in combination with other methods for increased effectiveness. Condoms, a thin covering worn on the penis (male condoms) or inserted into the vagina (female condoms), also provide protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The diaphragm is a dome-shaped device that is inserted into the vagina to cover the cervix. It is used with spermicides to prevent sperm from entering the uterus. Another method is the cervical cap, which is similar to the diaphragm; it fits over the cervix to block sperm and is often used with spermicides.
- Emergency contraception methods refer to the methods that can be used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse or contraceptive failure. There are several options available, each with varying effectiveness and mechanisms of action. One type of emergency contraception method is the morning-after pill, which is available over the counter in some places. It contains hormones that can delay or prevent ovulation. It is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. The second option is the copper intrauterine device (Cu-IUD), which is the most effective form of emergency contraception. It can be inserted by a healthcare provider within 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected intercourse. The copper intrauterine device works primarily by preventing fertilization through the release of copper ions.
- Permanent methods of birth control are intended for individuals who do not wish to have children in the future. This means that a person cannot have children for the rest of their life because these methods can permanently disrupt the reproductive system. Sterilization, such as tubal ligation for women, involves cutting, tying, or blocking the fallopian tubes to prevent eggs from reaching the uterus; it is considered a permanent method. The vasectomy method is a surgical procedure for men where the vas deferens (the tubes that carry sperm) are cut or blocked, preventing sperm from being ejaculated. This is also another type of birth control.
Apart from discussing those methods that seem more artificial, it is important to note that they should be recommended by a healthcare provider, as they may involve serious health problems if taken without direction from a physician.
Natural Birth Control
Natural methods (fertility awareness methods); these methods rely on tracking the menstrual cycle to determine the most fertile days and avoid unprotected sex during that time.
- Calendar method: This method involves tracking safe and dangerous days before sexual intercourse. Women should mark the length of each menstruation they experience in order to know their most fertile days, so that they can use protective tools like condoms or abstain from sex. This method is effective for women who have regular menstruation, unlike those who have irregular menstruation. Additionally, cervical mucus may be detected or observed for changes to predict ovulation and avoid sex during fertile days or times.
- Withdrawal methods involve a male partner withdrawing his penis from the vagina before ejaculation. This method, also known as coitus interruptus, is less effective because pre-ejaculated fluid may contain sperm, and it is hard to control consistently. Many people use this method to prevent unwanted pregnancies, and when used correctly, it can be effective for birth control. Withdrawal methods are important because they have fewer negative impacts on those who practice them.
- Lastly, abstaining from sexual intercourse is the best method above all, since it is 100% effective. It helps individuals avoid controversial health issues like sexually transmitted infections. Even religious people encourage young boys and girls who are not ready to have children to adhere to this method. However, it is difficult due to the biological makeup of individuals, but it can still be practiced to prevent unwanted pregnancies and diseases.
Therefore, apart from the types of birth control, there are many important aspects and negative impacts of birth control in daily life. Birth control is very important to our lives because it can cause the following benefits: prevention of unwanted pregnancy, family planning, economic and career benefits, improved maternal health, improved quality of life, reduced abortion rates, women’s health and autonomy, and it can reduce over-dependence on the nation level because, through birth control, the number of people related to the needs of the nation can be managed. However, birth control also has many negative impacts on people in the community, such as side effects like spotting and bleeding, nausea and vomiting, breast tenderness, headaches and migraines, mood changes, increased risks of certain cancers, blood clot risks, and changes in menstrual cycles. Therefore, everyone who practices birth control should do so carefully in order to avoid risks to individuals and our community.