Exploring the Pros and Cons of Birth Control

Choosing the best contraceptive method is important for your reproductive health and future, especially if you are sexually active. There are, however, a lot of options that can make it hard to decide, as they vary in how well they work, how easy they are to use, and whether they might cause side effects. 

It is very important to find a way that works with your lifestyle, health needs, reproductive goals, and budget. This will assist you in maintaining health and tranquilly. We know this sounds like a lot to think about, but don't worry. 

We'll help you confidently choose your options and find the best solution for your case, whether you're interested in the latest innovations or the tried-and-true options.

What kinds of birth control are there?

These pills come in two different kinds. Both have chemicals in them that stop you from getting pregnant.

Oestrogen and progestin are both in combination pills. This is the type that most people have.
This type of pill is also known as "the minipill." They might work better for you if you are breastfeeding, have had a stroke, or Oestrogen should be avoided by people with leg or lung blood clots.
The morning-after pill is a type of birth control that you can use if you're at risk of getting pregnant and aren't using regular birth control. 

How well does the pill work?

If you take the pill every day, it will keep you from getting pregnant 99% of the time. If you're sexually active, forgetting to take the pill at the right time can make you more likely to get pregnant. Nine out of every hundred people who take the pill get pregnant by accident every year.

In what way does birth control work?

Birth control methods work in different ways to keep women from getting pregnant:

Hormones like oestrogen and progestin are used to change the monthly menstrual cycle while stopping menstruation.
They put up a chemical or physical wall that stops the sperm from getting to the egg and fertilising it.
They stop fertilised eggs from sticking to the lining of the uterus.
Surgically stop pregnancy for good.

Different kinds of birth control

There are different kinds of birth control, and each one works in a different way and has different needs from the person using it. Knowing the differences between these groups helps choose the best strategy for them. Let's detail each grouping, starting with barrier methods:

1) Barrier Methods

Fertilisation can be prevented by physically separating egg and sperm. Common barriers include:

Male condoms: Latex or polyurethane sheaths that cover the penis and help keep you from getting sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Female condoms: Putting flexible plastic pouches into the vagina before sex can also help keep STIs away.

Diaphragms and cervical caps: Cups that are put inside the vagina to cover the cervix. They are often used with spermicide and need to be fitted by a doctor or nurse.

Contraceptive sponges: Sponges with spermicide that are put in the vagina to cover the cervix and kill sperm.

Spermicides: It comes in foam, jelly, cream, suppositories, and film, and it can be used by itself or with other barrier ways.

Barrier methods may work if they are used properly and regularly, but they don't work as well as hormonal devices most of the time.

2) Hormonal Devices

Hormonal devices stop women from getting pregnant by putting hormones into their bodies. These are the most popular types:

Oral contraceptives: Daily pills that have either progestin or both progestin and oestrogen in them.

Contraceptive patches: Hormone-releasing patches that are put on once a week.

Vaginal rings: Hormones are released for three weeks after rings are put in the vagina. Then the rings are taken out for a week.

Injectable birth control: Every three months, hormone shots are given.

Implants: Progestin is released for up to four years from thin tubes that are put under the skin of the upper arm.

Most of the time, hormonal devices work better than barrier methods. However, they can have side effects and need to be prescribed by a doctor. Fertility awareness methods may be a choice for people who would rather not use hormones.

3) Fertility Awareness Methods

One way to become more aware of your fertility is to keep track of your periods to find fertile days and avoid getting pregnant. Some of these ways are:

Natural Family Planning: Following your period to find out when you'll be most fertile and staying away from sex on those days. How well something works depends a lot on the method and how well the user follows it.

Lactational Amenorrhoea Method: For women who are nursing, this method only works if they are breastfeeding exclusively and haven't had their period in six months. If all the conditions are met, it works very well.

Body Temperature and Cervical Mucus: Keeping an eye on changes in body temperature and cervical mucus to find out when a woman is fertile.

Fertility awareness methods can work if they are used properly, but they need to be carefully tracked and might not work for everyone. If you have sex without protection or your birth control doesn't work, you may need emergency contraception.

4) Emergency Contraception

After having sex without protection or when birth control doesn't work, emergency contraception can be used to keep from getting pregnant. These are the two main choices:

Emergency contraceptive pills: You can buy these pills over-the-counter or with a prescription. To avoid getting pregnant, you must take them within a few days of having sex without protection.

Copper intrauterine device: Can be put in up to five days after having sex without protection to stop getting pregnant.

It is important to remember that emergency contraception is not meant to be used every day and shouldn't be your main way of preventing pregnancy.

5) Sterilisation

Sterilisation is a permanent way to stop having children that includes surgery for both men and women:

Tubal ligation: A surgery that stops eggs from being fertilised by blocking the fallopian tubes in women. It works very well but can't be undone.

Vasectomy: The vas deferens is cut or sealed during surgery on men to stop sperm from getting out. It works very well too, but it can't be undone.

As a lifelong method of birth control, sterilisation is a big choice that should only be made after careful thought and talking to a doctor.

Side Effects of Birth Control

Common side effects of hormonal contraceptives include breakthrough bleeding or spotting between periods, nausea, headaches, dizziness, breast tenderness, and mood changes. Some women may also experience weight fluctuations, although research is inconclusive on significant weight gain or loss directly caused by birth control. In infrequent instances, severe adverse consequences such as thrombosis, cardiovascular problems, severe abdominal pain, chest pain, or severe headaches may occur. It is critical to talk to your doctor about personal risk factors and to observe for any significant adverse effects.