Having a baby is a wonderful and life-changing experience, but it's best when it's carefully planned, rather than a surprise event. For that reason, it's wise to use some form of contraception each and every time you have sex unless you are open to the possibility of pregnancy.
Function and Types
The function of contraceptives by definition is to prevent unplanned conception and pregnancy. A few types of contraceptives, namely condoms and some types of vaginal foams, can offer some protection against sexually transmitted diseases also. Contraceptives tend to fall in 1 of 3 categories: over-the-counter methods (types you can buy in a store), prescription methods (types that require a physician's approval) and natural methods. Of those 3 categories, some contraceptives function by preventing sperm from reaching the egg (often called barrier methods), while others use hormonal manipulation to prevent ovulation or implantation of a fertilized egg, whereas others use a combination of those approaches.
Over-the-Counter Methods
Over-the-counter contraceptives have the obvious benefit of convenience--you can just walk into a store and buy them without having to go through the process of getting a doctor's appointment. In addition, some people aren't very comfortable discussing sex with a physician, so they prefer the anonymity of being able to simply buy something in the store. The drawbacks of over-the-counter methods is that their effectiveness is usually a bit lower than prescription birth control. Here are the main types of over-the-counter contraceptives:
Condoms: Condoms act as a barrier. Male condoms are worn over the penis and contain the sperm after ejaculation, preventing fertilization of an egg. Female condoms work similarly by creating a sheath that prevents sperm from entering the uterus. Because they prevent contact of bodily fluids, condoms are also the most effective protection against sexually transmitted diseases, short of abstinence. However, if condoms are not used correctly or if they break or fall off during intercourse, pregnancy is possible.
Contraceptive sponge: The contraceptive sponge is inserted into the vagina to sit near the cervix. It works by preventing sperm from entering the uterus as well as containing spermicide to impede sperms' ability to swim. Incorrect placement of the sponge can affect its effectiveness.
Spermicidal foams/jellies: Spermicides are most effective when used as a supplemental method alongside condoms or diaphragms, but are not terribly reliable as a main contraceptive method. They can improve the effectiveness of condoms by providing a backup in the event that the condom breaks.
Prescription Methods
Prescription methods of birth control and contraception tend to be the most effective, with some having rates of better than 99 percent effectiveness for preventing pregnancy when used correctly, but prescription methods require a visit with a health care practitioner for placement and/or an appropriate prescription:
Hormonal birth control: These have the best track record of all for preventing pregnancy. Hormonal methods work by preventing ovulation and/or reducing the likelihood of implantation in the event that an egg is fertilized. Hormonal birth control methods include daily pills, patches that are changed weekly, hormonal injections every 3 months or a vaginal ring that is changed after 3 weeks. There are also implantable hormone devices, including the Norplant (in which the hormones are implanted under the skin), and the Mirena intrauterine device which releases hormones as a part of its function.
Diaphragm and cervical cap: These are placed in the vagina over the cervix immediately before sex and work as barriers preventing the sperm from fertilizing the egg. They must be fitted by a physician to ensure adequate functioning.
Intrauterine devices: Research suggests that IUDs work by making the uterus impassable to sperm rather than preventing implantation of a fertilized egg. An IUD must be inserted by a physician but provides highly effective contraceptive protection for a long time period. The 2 main types of IUDs are the copper coil, which does not contain hormones, and the aforementioned Mirena.
Surgical methods: Permanent sterilization, such as tubal ligation or vasectomy, are usually effective in preventing pregnancy but in rare cases can fail if the tubes grow back together. Surgical sterilization can sometimes be reversed but not always, so should be reserved for individuals who do not want more children or do not want children at all.
Natural Methods
Natural methods in general are the least reliable in preventing pregnancy, except for abstinence, but they may be the best choice for individuals who have religious objections to contraception or who cannot use the aforementioned methods for one reason or another:
Abstinence: Obviously total abstinence provides 100 percent protection against pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, but oral and anal sex can result in sexually transmitted disease--or pregnancy if sperm comes in contact with the vagina.
Natural family planning: Women can only get pregnant if there are sperm present in the reproductive tract on the day of ovulation, and given that sperm live for only up to a week in the woman's body, that means there is only about a week during the menstrual cycle that a woman can get pregnant. However, it can be a challenge to pinpoint that exact week, given that menstrual cycles can often vary from one month to the next. Thus, when used by savvy individuals who pay close attention to their bodies' signals and practice abstinence during fertile times, natural family planning can be highly effective--but having an irregular menstrual cycle can mean that NFP is prone to failure even by informed individuals.
Withdrawal: With this method, the male withdraws his penis from the vagina before ejaculation. Withdrawal reduces the risk of pregnancy, but requires discipline--and because sperm can be present in pre-ejaculatory fluid, it is not totally effective against pregnancy.
Warning
Remember that no contraceptive method is 100 percent effective against pregnancy except total abstinence--and most of the above options do not provide reliable protection against sexually transmitted diseases. It is safest to be in a monogamous long-term relationship when engaging in sexual intercourse.
Tags: sexually transmitted, birth control, preventing pregnancy, protection against, sexually transmitted diseases, sperm from