Birth Control Options
Which method is right for you?
Image Credit: Getty
What is birth control?
Birth control methods can prevent sperm from reaching the egg, inactivate or damage sperm or prevent egg from being released.
Image credit: Getty
Options
Choosing a method of birth control can be difficult. Know your options and how you can pick the kind of contraception that suits you.
Image credit: Getty
Disclaimer
Following options have been approved by US Food and Drug Administration. Do consult a doctor about the best method for you.
Image credit: Getty
Barrier methods
Male and female condoms, diaphragm, cervical cap and contraceptive sponge are barrier methods for birth control.
Image credit: Getty
Hormonal methods
Short-acting ones include contraceptive pills, vaginal ring & injection. They are used on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.
Image credit: Getty
Hormonal methods
Long-acting ones include copper and hormonal IUD and contraceptive implant. They can last for 3-10 years after insertion.
Image credit: Getty
Sterilisation
This is a permanent method of birth control. Examples include tubal ligation for women and vasectomy for men.
Image credit: Getty
Awareness methods
To avoid pregnancy, do not have intercourse on or around the days you are fertile, or use a barrier method of birth control.
Image credit: Getty
Morning after pill
This is the emergency contraceptive pill which can be used to prevent pregnancy after having unprotected intercourse.
Image credit: Getty
Efficiency
They alter uterus lining so that a fertilised egg doesn't attach to it. They thicken cervical mucous and prevent passage of sperm.
Image credit: Getty
Which birth control to opt for?
Barrier method or short-term acting hormonal methods are beneficial if you are planning pregnancy in the near future.
Image credit: Getty
How to choose?
Choose the one which suits your lifestyle. It should be easy to use, with less side effects and should not disrupt sexual experience.
Image credit: Getty
Factors to consider
Consider your age, health history, number of children you want, frequency of sex & number of sexual partners you have.
Image credit: Getty
Important tips
Use methods of contraception consistently and correctly. Contraceptive implants and sterilisation can lower pregnancy rates.
Image credit: Getty
Point to note
Options that require monitoring fertility or periodic abstinence from intercourse are linked to higher pregnancy rates.
Image credit: Getty
Sexually transmitted disease
Condoms provide protection from STDs. Use a new one for every intercourse in addition to birth control that you may use.
Image credit: Getty
For more stories
like this
Video Credit: Getty