Contraception is the term that refers to the variety of more than 15 methods which are used for the purposes of safe sex. Contraception can work by preventing any contact between the sperm and the egg, putting a stop to the egg production, or stopping the fertilized egg from getting attached to the uterus lining.
Let’s look into the 15 most popular birth control methods, shall we?
What are the different types of contraception that you should know about?
1. Male condom
Made mostly out of latex, the male condom provides an 82% effectiveness against unwanted pregnancy, and it serves as the best method against STDs. The male condom is affordable, easily available, and a very popular contraception method.
2. Female condom
Contrary to the male condom that is placed over the penis, the female condom, also mostly made out of latex, fits inside the vagina. By doing so, similar to the male condom, the female condom also prevents any direct contact between the sperm and the egg. It has been estimated that the female condom is less effective than the male condom.
3. Contraceptive sponge
The contraceptive sponge is inserted inside the vagina as it is saturated with spermicide – a contraceptive substance that has the ability to kill off the male sperm. The contraceptive sponge has been estimated to have up to 88% effectiveness; however, it has to be left inside the vagina 6 hours after the sexual intercourse. In addition, the contraceptive sponge poses a risk for a toxic shock syndrome which means that its use is potentially life-threatening.
4. Diaphragm
The diaphragm is a prescription birth control method that uses a flexible disk that blocks the cervix, and it is meant to be covered with spermicide before the sexual intercourse takes place. This is quite the popular birth control method despite the fact that it is supposed to be left inside the vagina up to 6 hours after sex which, as we mentioned earlier, is not the most positive experience for most users.
5. Copper Intrauterine Device (IUD)
The IUD is one of the best prescription birth control methods as it has 99% effectiveness. It is placed by a doctor inside the uterus where it can stay up to 10 years. The copper IUD acts by preventing the fertilized egg from being attached to the uterus wall. The copper IUD, however, can be quite expensive, or entirely free depending on your healthcare insurance.
6. Hormonal Intrauterine Device (IUD)
The other type of IUD is the hormonal IUD, which is placed inside the uterus by a doctor, where it can stay from 3 to 5 years. The hormonal IUD is found to be even more effective than the copper IUD. This type of IUD works by releasing progestin, a hormone that affects the ovulation process and causes the cervical mucus to become thicker, in order to block the sperm from reaching the eggs. Similar to the copper IUD, the hormonal IUD can be quite expensive as well.
7. The Pill
The pill is yet another quite popular contraception method, next to the male condom and the IUD. The pill is to be prescribed by a doctor and taken each day, at the same time without exception. This contraception method combines the effects of estrogen and progesterone to prevent the ovaries from producing and releasing any eggs that are at risk to be fertilized if the sperm reaches the uterus.
8. The Minipill
The minipill, on the other hand, introduces progestin in the body as a way to make the cervical mucus thicker to block the sperm like we mentioned earlier. The minipill affects the production and release of eggs less efficiently but still serves as an effective contraceptive method. The minipill has to be prescribed by a doctor and is to be taken each day at the exact same time of the day.
9. Implant
The implant represents a plastic rod that is placed under your skin from where it releases progestin as a way to prevent pregnancy. It has been estimated to be one of the best contraception methods with up to 99% effectiveness. The implant is one of the more expensive contraception methods.
10. Cervical cap
The cervical cap is to be placed over the cervix and filled with spermicide before the sexual intercourse takes place. It has up to 80% effectiveness, and it has to be left inside the vagina for the next four hours after the sexual intercourse. The cervical cap is one of the less popular contraception methods.
11. Patch
The patch is placed on the skin from where it releases estrogen and progesterone in order to affect the ovulation period and the production of a thicker cervical mucus as a way to prevent pregnancy. The patch is to be prescribed by a doctor and replaced once a week. The individual is also required to remove the patch every fourth week in order to have her period.
12. Vaginal ring
The vaginal ring is a flexible ring that is placed inside the vagina where it is left for three weeks in total. At the start of the fourth week, the ring is removed so that the individual can experience her period. The vaginal ring affects the production of estrogen and progesterone and the thickening of the cervical mucus.
13. The shot
The shot has 98% of effectiveness as it contains progestin that is inserted in the body every 90 days. The shot is to be administrated by a doctor only. The shot is suggested to cause some more serious side-effects which is why it is not recommended so commonly.
14. Vasectomy
During a vasectomy, the male tubes that carry the sperm from the testicles are cut or sealed so that no sperm can be released during ejaculation. This is one of the best contraception methods that comes with the chance to be reversed if the individual changes his mind about fatherhood in the future.
15. The morning-after pill
The morning-after pill is to be taken in case of a suspected pregnancy, up to five days after unprotected sex. The morning-after pill, despite the fact that it is estimated to have 98% effectiveness, can cause some serious side-effects, and it is not meant to be taken more than twice a year.
Conclusion
We warmly recommend you to look into the 15 popular contraception methods, talk with your doctor and partner, and choose the one that best fits your lifestyle. It is important to remember to protect yourself against any unwanted pregnancy and STDs while still enjoying a pleasant sexual experience.
