For every couple who wants to start a family, family planning is an essential part of their marriage that should be discussed. One method of family planning is birth control.

What is Birth control?

Birth control is a method of preventing pregnancy.It is a family planning method that guides couples to make the right choices about their reproductive health and can also act to prevent Sexually Transmitted Infections.

How do I know the right birth control method for me?

Choosing a birth control method would first require you to properly study the different birth control options available and you can choose the following factors:               

-        Comfortability of the method.

-        Effectiveness at preventing pregnancy.

-        Protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

-        Age and overall health status.

-        Plans for pregnancy in the future.

-        Side effects or risks.

-        Frequency of sexual intercourse.

For birth control to be effective, you need to make sure that you are using the proper type consistently.

Types of birth control methods

There are different types of birth control methods. These methods include:

A. Barrier method The barrier method prevents a sperm from entering into the uterus. There is a blockage to the uterus. Examples of barrier methods include:

I. Condoms; A condom is a covering that is usually worn over the penis to prevent ejaculation into the vagina. It is not a full guarantee for preventing pregnancy as there are chances that it can tear during sexual intercourse. It is also one of the best options for preventing STIs.

II. Vaginal Diaphragms; A vaginal diaphragm is a dome-shaped device placed inside the cervix before sex. It is to be inserted at least 1 hour or 2 hours before sex and should not exceed 30 hours inside the cervix. It has an effectiveness rate of 87%.

III. Cervical caps; It is a thimble-shaped cup that fits comfortably over the cervix. For maximum results, the cervical cap is used together with a spermicide by first coating the cervical cap with the spermicide before insertion into the cervix. You can insert 6 hours before sex and the cap should not be taken out until 8 hours after sex. It has an effectiveness rate of 78%.

IV. Sponge; A vaginal sponge is a small, donut-shaped device that contains spermicide. It acts as a barrier between sperm and the uterus. Before use, it is wet with water before it is placed in the vagina. Once it is wet, it releases more spermicide. It has an effectiveness rate of 76%-91%.

B. Hormonal methods

This method involves the use of hormones to alter the state of the uterus and ovulation cycle. Some of these methods include:

I. Oral contraceptives (Progestin pills); This birth control pill contains only one hormone (progestin). The hormone Progestin acts by thickening cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching the eggs. It also acts to thin the wall of the uterus and this results in a lighter menstrual flow. For effectiveness, these pills should be taken at the same time every day. Their effectiveness rate is about 91%.

II. Implants; A good example of a contraceptive implant is Nexplanon. It is a small rod that is inserted under the skin of your upper arm. It delivers a steady stream of the hormone progestin and lasts about three years before it needs removal or replacement. This method is more reliable and gives a 100% rate of effectiveness.

III. Patches; A skin patch releases hormones to prevent pregnancy.  The patch is usually changed once a week. The patch releases hormones that prevent ovulation.

 IV. Intra Uterine Devices; These are small T-shaped devices that are inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. It can either be made of copper or plastic material. Some examples of IUDs include Kyleena, Mirena, Skyla, etc.

V. Birth control shot; Depo-Provera a form of the hormone Progestin, is administered as an injection into the upper arm or thigh of the woman. The Depo-Provera stops ovulation and forms thick mucus on the woman's uterus. It lasts for 3 months.

C. Sterilization method 

This method involves surgery to permanently prevent pregnancy. There are male and female sterilization methods. Some of these methods include:

I. Tubal ligation; This is blocking off of the fallopian tube to prevent pregnancy. This method has a slight chance of susceptibility to pregnancy.

II. Salpingectomy; This is the permanent removal of the fallopian tube of the woman. The removal of the fallopian tube prevents eggs from reaching the uterus and removes the site of fertilization. This process is 100% effective and is usually preferred to tubal ligation.

III. Vasectomy; A vasectomy is the blocking of the vas deferens. The vas deferens are the tubes in the male reproductive system that carry sperm. If these tubes are blocked, there is no sperm release and pregnancy can not occur.

D. Natural methods

These methods do not involve the use of any hormones of any sort to control pregnancy. Some of these methods include:

I.  Cervical mucus method; This is monitoring your mucus discharge to know your fertile time. During this time, you avoid sexual intercourse.

II. Withdrawal method; This method involves pulling out during sexual intercourse before ejaculation. This method is not exactly safe as it has a failure rate of 22%.

III. Abstinence; Abstinence is not having sexual intercourse at all. It is 100% effective as there are no chances of the sperm fertilizing the egg.

Benefits of Birth Control

There are several benefits of Birth control methods. They include;

Prevents unintended pregnancies: Reduces the risk of unplanned pregnancies and their associated health and social consequences.

Improves reproductive health: Can help manage menstrual irregularities, reduce acne, and lower the risk of certain gynecological cancers.

Personal autonomy: Empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.

Medical reasons: Birth control can be used to treat conditions like endometriosis or heavy bleeding.

 Economic Benefits: It helps individuals and couples plan for their future by allowing them to have children when they are ready. Also helps to reduce the financial burden of unplanned pregnancies.

Demerits of birth control

The different birth control methods have their various side effects. Some of them include:

Hormonal Methods: The hormones being administered may cause headaches, mood swings, breast tenderness, irregular bleeding, weight gain, or decreased libido. It can increase the risk of blood clots. In rare cases, hormonal methods may increase the risk of certain health conditions, such as stroke or heart attack.

Barrier method:

Effectiveness: Barrier methods like condoms and diaphragms may not be as effective as hormonal methods if not used correctly or consistently.

Discomfort: Some individuals may experience discomfort or irritation when using barrier methods.

Sterilization method:

Irreversibility: Sterilization is a permanent procedure and cannot be reversed.

Conclusion

For birth control methods to be effective, you must always seek counsel from your health provider after studying yourself to be sure of what works best and would yield the best result. You have an experience in Birth control methods? Lets learn from you  in the comment section.