Birth control, also known as contraception, is anything that is used to prevent pregnancy from occurring. Family planning is the planning of the number and timing of children, this may include efforts to prevent or delay pregnancy at times when a pregnancy is not wanted. The term family planning is often used to encompass a variety of sexual and reproductive health services for both men and women. Family planning is considered to improve the lives of women and families because access to reproductive health care reduces maternal and infant mortality and improves a family's economic outlook, according to Engender Health.
Barrier Methods
Barrier methods of birth control prevent pregnancy by preventing sperm from reaching an egg. Male condoms, female condoms, Paragard Intrauterine Contraception (IUC, also known as an intrauterine device, IUD), cervical cap, spermicides, the sponge, female sterilization, vasectomy, and the diaphragm are barrier contraceptives. Barrier methods of birth control create a physical barrier for the sperm (condoms, cervical cap, diaphragm, female sterilization, vasectomy, and sponge), alter how sperm move (copper IUC), or kill sperm (spermicides, sponge). Condoms prevent sperm from entering a woman's body entirely. The diaphragm, cervical cap and sponge block sperm's entry into the uterus, these methods are combined with spermicides that kill sperm, adding an additional layer of protection. Female sterilization is any surgical procedure that closes or blocks a woman's fallopian tubes, this prevents sperm from reaching an egg; similarly, vasectomy is a surgical procedure that blocks the vas deferens, preventing sperm from entering the seminal fluid and leaving the body. If sperm does not leave man's body it can not join with a woman's egg. The copper IUC uses copper ions to alter how sperm move; without the ability to move normally, sperm can not reach a woman's egg. The copper IUC also alters a woman's uterine wall, which may prevent a fertilized egg from implanting.
Hormonal Methods
Hormonal methods of birth control are used only by women and use hormones to prevent a woman from releasing an egg, thicken cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to travel to an egg, and altering the uterine lining, which may make it more difficult for a fertilized egg to implant. Hormonal methods may use only the synthetic hormone progestin, or both estrogen and progestin. Oral contraceptive pills, emergency contraception, Mirena (IUC), NuvaRing, Depo Provera, Ortho Evra patch and Implanon are hormonal methods of birth control.
Behavioral Methods
Behavior methods of birth control are methods that require action by the user and do not involve devices or hormones. Methods in this category are: abstinence from penile-vaginal sex, withdrawal and fertility awareness methods. There are multiple methods that fall under the fertility awareness methods title. Basal temperature, cervical mucus and calendar methods can all be used to determine the most fertile days of a woman's menstrual cycle, and then avoiding sexually activity or using a barrier method during that time to period to prevent pregnancy. Note that fertility awareness methods can also be used to plan a pregnancy. Sexual activity during a woman's most fertile time can be used to increase the likelihood of pregnancy. Withdrawal requires a man to remove his penis prior to ejaculation.
Effectiveness
The effectiveness of any method depends greatly on its correct use. The most effective methods are those that rely less on the individual user such as IUCs, the implant, female sterilization and vasectomy. The method of withdrawal relies entirely on the user and is therefore, on average, much less effective.
Finding a Method
If you wish to prevent pregnancy there are many things to consider before choosing a birth control method such as how important it is for you to prevent pregnancy, if you have any health conditions that would prevent you from using a method, and your ability to use the method consistently and correctly. You can research your options at a website such as My Method (see Resources). Speak to your healthcare provider to determine which option is right for you. If you are unsatisfied with a method you should try another one until you find what works best for you.
