Birth control is a process, a practice or technique to prevent or avoid pregnancy, by preventing the fertilization of female ovum by the male sperm or preventing uterine implantation (popularly known as contraception).Birth control becomes essential for family planning and also for avoiding unwanted pregnancy in sexually active women, abstinence from sexual activity or even withdrawal before ejaculation, is not always possible.
Contraception is the most accepted option as compared to abortion, for obvious reasons. The methods of contraception may range from using a barrier such as a condom, to hormonal contraception in the form of oral pills.
Barriers like condoms can be used by both male and female. Male condoms consist of a latex or polyurethane sheath placed over the male penis, usually placed before intercourse.
Female contraceptive barriers consist of different options like vaginal rings, sterilization, cervical caps, IUD (inserted by doctors) or chemical spermicides.
The other popular method is using hormonal contraception which essentially contains synthetic estrogens and progestin, and are available as pills, the ‘patch’ or intra-muscular injections and even implantations, depending on the requirement.
The latest option, to hit the markets are the emergency contraceptive pills or the ‘morning after’ pills, which are effective when used within 3 days after unprotected intercourse.
In case of males, many options exist, a popular one for family planning being – vasectomy, where the vas deferens (the tubular structure through which the sperms enter the penis) is surgically disturbed.
There is no best contraceptive method, since each comes with its own advantages and disadvantages. Moreover, the nature of contraception used depends on some factors like – your overall health and fitness status, age, frequency of intercourse, number of partners, in case you would like to conceive in the future, any allergies to chemicals, possible side effects and also your comfort level and usage convenience. It may also depend on which country or state you are located in, and the permitted and legal methods existing there.
Some of the effects of using contraceptives may range from additional weight gain, cramps or bleeding, upset stomach, nausea, mood swings, irregular periods, depression, head aches, hair loss, soreness of breasts, ovarian cysts, allergic reactions, urinary tract infections and serious complications like blood clots, strokes, heart problems etc.
Certain myths like, washing the vagina or urinating after intercourse avoids pregnancy, or using certain intercourse positions avoids pregnancy are not to be believed at any time. Contraceptives definitely are the best option.
