Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Most Effective Contraceptives

Use effective contraceptives to protect against pregnancy.








Not every couple is ready to have a baby, yet they desire to participate in intimate relations. Contraception choices give couples the relief they need to feel protected against the possibility of pregnancy. Although it is important to note that abstinence is the most effective form of birth control, certain contraceptives are also effective --- though some are more effective than others.


Sterilization


Sterilization procedures such as vasectomies, tubal ligation and hysterectomies are the most effective forms of contraception besides abstinence because they make it surgically impossible for women to get pregnant or for men to impregnate their partners. Vasectomies, which are sterilization procedures for men, can be reversed if men decide that they want to have children. Women can untie their tubes, too, but hysterectomies are permanent. Doctors do not guarantee that all sterilization procedures can be reversed, however, so it is best to resort to this contraceptive option if you are sure you do not want to have kids.


Birth Control Injection


Birth control injections, known as Depo-Provera, is a shot that prevents women from becoming pregnant but does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Each injection, which can only be given through a doctor's prescription, lasts for three months. The injection works by releasing the progestin hormone into the female's body, which keeps her eggs from being released.


IUD


An intrauterine device (IUD) is a form of women's contraception that requires the woman to have the IUD inserted into her uterus by a gynecologist to prevent pregnancy. The IUD blocks the sperm from reaching the woman's eggs. IUDs are effective as long as they do not slip out of place. It is possible for an IUD to become loose and become misaligned inside the uterus and therefore no longer be effective.


Birth Control Pills


Birth control pills prevent pregnancy but do not prevent STDs. Birth control pills oral contraception that work by manipulating women's hormones, estrogen and progestin, so that eggs are not released. Without the egg present, the man's sperm is unable to produce offspring, thereby keeping the woman pregnancy-free. According to the University of Georgia Health Center, birth control pill contraception is 99 percent effective.


Prophylactics


Prophylactics such as condoms and diaphragms are effective means of protecting against pregnancies but have a lower usage effective rating because people do not always use them properly. Not using a condom or diaphragm correctly makes them less effective than other forms of birth control.

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