Pregnancy can be a planned event or an unexpected surprise. Depending on age, family history or personal beliefs, there are contraceptive options to consider. As needs and situations change, it may also be necessary to change the contraceptive method. Different contraceptives have different efficacies, so it is important to talk to a health professional about individual needs.
Abstinence
Abstinence is a conscious choice to avoid sex. In a long-term relationship, abstinence is not a very satisfactory option, says Pro Medical Alliance, a website that focuses on vasectomy as a birth control option. Abstinence is used on a limited basis by some couples. They avoid sex before ovulation, thus minimizing the risk that an egg will be fertilized, according to the Merck Manual.
Barrier Method
Barriers can be used by both men and women, according to Planned Parenthood. They are all designed to prevent sperm from entering the cervix. Most adults are familiar with male condoms. Female barriers include the vaginal pouch, the diaphragm, the cervical cap and the sponge. Diaphragms and cervical caps require fitting in a doctor’s office, and the cap is less effective for women who have given birth, according to the Merck Manual.
Hormone Patches/Implants
Certain female hormones such as estrogen and progesterone help prepare the uterus for implantation of a fertilized egg. Menses starts when implantation does not happen. If specific hormones are kept at a certain level, the uterus will not allow implantation of a fertilized egg. There are various forms of monthly skin patches, rings that fit around the cervix, yearly shots and even intrauterine devices that all contain hormones to help prevent pregnancy.
The Pill
Women can take a hormone pill to prevent implantation. There are multiple pill options with different levels and types of hormones. There are also oral contraceptives that allow the user to skip menses several months at a time. The Merck Manual says that certain drugs, such as antibiotics, decrease the pill's effectiveness. If there is ever a concern of pregnancy with any contraceptive method, there is also the morning-after pill, which is a high dose of hormones to help prevent pregnancy.
Surgical Sterilization
Planned Parenthood says that male and female surgical sterilizations are more reliable methods to avoid conception. Sterilization can be reversed, but often it is recommended as a permanent option.
Fertility Awareness Methods
This was more commonly known as the rhythm method, but now there is more to it, including planned periods of abstinence and possible hormone shots to help increase the likelihood of pregnancy. This method is best for monogamous couples who are family planning rather than avoiding a family.
Less Reliable Methods
A spermicide is a cream that can be combined with other contraception options. A spermicide attacks and kills sperm. It is not a very effective method on its own but does increase efficacy of other methods, according to Planned Parenthood.
One other method involves the man withdrawing his penis before ejaculation. It is one of the least effective methods to avoid pregnancy, according to Planned Parenthood, and does not prevent the spread of disease.
