It’s no secret that family planning is an essential topic for couples of all ages. But when it comes to choosing a contraceptive method, there are so many options to choose from that it can be hard to know which one is right for you. This post will outline the most popular contraception methods that a Women’s Care center can offer. This can help you make an informed decision about which way is best for you and your partner.
Hormonal Injections
Also known as “the shot,” hormonal injections are given by a doctor or nurse to prevent pregnancy for several months. This method differs from others because it doesn’t require any daily routine, unlike oral contraception pills. The injection contains progestin which halts ovulation and thickens the cervix, thus preventing sperm from entering the uterus. Some common side effects of the shot include headaches, decreased libido, depression, and nausea.
Hormonal Implants
This birth control method involves placing flexible rods under the skin of your upper arm to release progestin into your bloodstream for up to 3 years. Again, like a shot, it stops ovulation by restricting hormones necessary for fertilization. At the end of 3 years, you will have the rod replaced with a new one.
Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs)
Oral contraceptives are available as either combination or progesterone-only pills. These prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation, thickening the cervix, and thinning the uterine lining. What makes these different from other contraception methods is that you must take a daily pill to ensure its effectiveness.
Diaphragm
The cervical cap is a small silicone cup designed to fit the cervix to prevent sperm from entering. You need to visit your doctor for a fitting, after which you will be given information on where, when, and how to wear them. The cap should not be worn during the period because it can fall off or become dislodged quickly. It needs to be left in for 6 hours after intercourse to ensure no sperm in the vagina.
The diaphragm is a shallow cup made of thin rubber and plastic to cover the cervix. Like the cervical cap, you need a prescription from your doctor to purchase it, and they come in different sizes and shapes.
Oral Contraceptives Pills
Oral contraceptive pills, commonly known as the “Pill,” are taken daily to prevent pregnancy. They work by stopping ovulation, preventing fertilization, and thickening the cervical mucus, making it hard for sperm to enter the uterus. The only downside of these pills is that you need to remember taking them every day because missing even one dose makes them less effective.
The IUD, or Intrauterine Device, is a small device inserted into the uterus by a doctor to prevent pregnancy for 3-12 years. There are two types of IUDs – copper and hormonal – but both have progesterone which prevents ovulation and fertilization.
Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)
The contraceptive implant is a 4cm rod inserted into your doctor’s upper arm. It releases progesterone into the body, which prevents ovulation, thickens the cervical mucus to prevent sperm from entering the uterus, and thins out the uterine lining to not provide a suitable environment for an embryo.
There are various contraception methods to choose from, each with its benefits. Hormonal injections, implants, oral pills, and IUDs stop ovulation to prevent pregnancy. If you’re looking for a method that doesn’t require any daily routine, hormonal injections or implants may be right for you. However, if you want something that can be reversed quickly, OCPs may be better. What’s important is looking for a contraception specialist.
