The ultimate guide for long term protection from pregnancy

1. The ultimate guide for long term protection from pregnancy When we are looking at effective protection from pregnancy, for the long term, there are varied opinions and experiences faced by women, to make the right choice in birth control options. People in a relationship, be it casual or married are thinking in terms of how to have quality sex without the bother and apprehension of an unwanted pregnancy. There are many options available which can be used with appropriate medical advice. The two most widely used forms of birth control are – 1. Barrier – In this method the sperm is blocked from entering the uterus. It can be a good option for women who have hormone allergies, discomfort in using invasive implants, keeping track of the pill schedule, etc. Some also give protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Most of them are vaginal insertions. • Male condoms – Easily accessible, affordable, can prevent STDs and viral diseases but cannot be used by people with latex allergy and not fully effective. • Female condoms – Safe and can be easily inserted inside the vagina but side effects like irritation in the vagina and not really effective. • The sponge – Considered to be safe and effective but does not protect from STDs, can cause vaginal irritation or infection and can be messy. • Diaphragm – It is cost effective and more comfortable than condoms and can be used in combination with condoms. But the downside is that it does not prevent STDs and can cause urinary tract infections. • Cervical Cap – It is cost effective and more comfortable than condoms but has side effects like vaginal irritation and it does not prevent STDs. • Copper IUD (Non-hormonal) – T shaped IUD inserted inside the vagina by a health care provider. The copper coil in the IUD prevents fertilization of the egg by creating a toxic environment for the sperm. It is long term cost effective and low maintenance. It can be used for up to 10 years for long term protection from pregnancy. 2. Hormonal birth control – In this method the hormones estrogen and progestin are used to prevent the ovulation by thickening the cervical mucus, so the sperm does not enter the uterus. • Combination and Progestin-only pills can be effective if the pill schedule is correctly followed. • Progestin IUD – inserted inside the vagina by the doctor and the gradual release of the hormone prevents pregnancy for the long term. Cost effective but may not prevent STDs. • Birth control implants – small rod-shaped implants inserted inside the skin by a doctor for slow release of progestin into the system. • The Patch – fixed on the skin of the torso which gradually releases the hormones estrogen and progestin inside the body. • Vaginal ring – a small flexible ring inserted inside the uterus. • Birth control injections – Depo Provera injections with progestin can be had once every 3 months.

2. The above methods use external devices and hormones to address the issue of birth control. Exercising choice depends on personal and body conditions.