Effective contraception is important if you are not planning to have a family or if your family is already complete. There are several different contraception options on the market that work to block ovulation or conception. Natural family planning works to prevent pregnancy through careful tracking of your menstrual cycle. Knowing what each type of birth control does and does not do will help you make the best choice for you and your partner.
Some Birth Control Changes Hormones
Birth control pills, patches, shots or vaginal rings change your hormones to block ovulation and conception. Other hormonal options include implants or hormonal IUDs that work in similar ways, reports Family Planning, an organization that created "Contraception - Healthy Choices: A Contraceptive Clinic in a Book." Birth control methods such as these help you gain control over your menstrual cycle and your ability to have children when you are ready. One additional advantage to hormonal birth control choices is that they are reversible when you are ready to start a family.
Some Birth Control Blocks Sperm
Condoms, diaphragms and female condoms work to block sperm from entering the vagina so that the eggs cannot be fertilized. These differ from hormonal birth control options because they do not alter your cycle in any way. These methods are commonly referred to as barrier methods because they create a barrier between your egg and your partner's sperm. Like hormonal birth control options, barrier methods are not permanent and you can discontinue use when you are ready to get pregnant.
Some Birth Control Is Permanent
Unlike other birth control methods or natural family planning, permanent birth control prevents you from ever getting pregnant again, reports Ian Milsom, author of "Contraception and Family Planning." You can undergo a tubal ligation procedure that essentially prevents an egg from reaching your fallopian tube or your partner can get a vasectomy to prevent sperm from entering your vagina during intercourse. Permanent birth control is 99.99 percent effective at preventing an unwanted pregnancy, but it involves serious consideration since it is not reversible.
Family Planning Is Completely Natural
The family planning method of birth control relies on your ability to detect changes in your menstrual cycle so you can avoid intercourse on your fertile days. The main drawback to using this method is that you have to be rigorous about avoiding intercourse while you are fertile, an activity that is difficult for many couples. One of the most commonly cited advantages to family planning is that it does not rely on hormonal changes or foreign materials to block pregnancy. If you choose family planning as your birth control method, you will need to pay careful attention to your cycle to prevent pregnancy, which is more difficult than taking a pill or using a condom. You will need to track changes in your temperature and cervical mucus and use a calendar to predict when your period will start.
References
- "Contraception - Healthy Choices: A Contraceptive Clinic in a Book"; Family Planning; 2010
- "Contraception and Family Planning"; Ian Milsom; 2006
