In 2010, there are many family planning methods available to couples to prevent or promote pregnancy. Common methods include oral birth control pills, the use of a barrier device such as a condom or diaphragm, an internal method such as an intrauterine device, and the fertility awareness method, which can be used both to prevent and to promote pregnancy. By understanding the distinct advantages of each method, it is possible to determine which method is most well-suited to you and your lifestyle.
Oral Birth Control Pills
Birth control pills come in a wide variety of formulations. Birth control pills are a hormone-based contraceptive method and work primarily by preventing ovulation. In addition, the hormones in the pill thicken the cervical mucus so that it is inhospitable to sperm and thin the lining of the uterus so that it is difficult for a fertilized egg to implant.
The pill is highly effective. According to Planned Parenthood, less than 1 percent of women will get pregnant each year if they always take the pill each day as directed. The pill doesn't interfere with having sex and it is simple to take. In addition, many women notice a reduction in menstrual cramps, lighter periods and less acne when taking the pill. Lastly, the pill often reduces pre-menstrual symptoms, such as headache and depression.
Barrier Method
The barrier method of family planning employs a physical barrier to prevent sperm and egg from meeting. The barrier can be worn by the male, such as a condom, or by the female, such as a diaphragm or cervical cap. The barrier method is simple to use and inexpensive. In addition, it is not necessary to remember to take a pill at a certain time each day. Since the barrier method employs a physical device instead of a medication, there are fewer possible side effects compared to hormonal methods of birth control. In addition, the barrier method is immediately effective. A device worn by the woman, such as a cervical cap or diaphragm, is not usually felt by either the user or her partner once inserted.
Intrauterine Device (IUD)
An IUD is a T-shaped device made of plastic that is inserted into a woman's uterus by her doctor to prevent pregnancy. The shape of the IUD affects the movement of sperm, preventing the sperm from meeting the uterus. Some IUDs also release hormones such as progestin to prevent pregnancy by preventing ovulation and thickening cervical mucus.
One main advantage of an IUD is cost--according to Planned Parenthood, the IUD is one of the cheapest and longest lasting forms of birth control on the market. Unlike oral birth control pills, there is no need to remember to take a pill at a certain time. However, IUDs that release hormones share many of the advantages of birth control pills, such as lighter periods and less severe menstrual cramps. In addition, the IUD is safe to use when breastfeeding and the ability to become pregnant returns quickly upon its removal.
Fertility Awareness Method (FAM)
The fertility awareness method, also called FAM, is a natural family planning technique that can be used both to prevent pregnancy and aid in trying to conceive. The FAM method involves recording your daily waking temperature, known as your basal body temperature, and your cervical mucus. A sustained temperature shift indicates ovulation. The presence of fertile cervical mucus is used to determine when a woman is most likely to be fertile and, therefore, when conception is most likely to take place. The major advantages of this method are that it is natural and costs no money. In addition, a woman can learn valuable information about how her body works while trying to prevent pregnancy that can later be used to aid her in conception efforts while trying to conceive. Some women choose to combine FAM with other methods of birth control, such as the barrier method.
