10 Top Birth Control Methods To Follow

According to the Office of Women's Health, birth control, which is also called contraception, refers to any method, device, or medicine used to stop pregnancy.

Since there are different types of birth control, women are always free to choose the one best for them. Some are proven to be more effective than others in terms of efficacy.

Medically, any selected type of birth control for use is determined by the state of your health, your interest in children now or later, and how you intend to prevent STIs (sexually transmitted infections). Notwithstanding, your doctor is in the best position to help you pick the option that suits you now. You can't make the decision on your own without professional input.

Birth Control Methods

The following are the top birth control methods commonly implemented:

1. Abstinence: Abstinence is behavioral, and it works when you completely abstain from sexual contact. It is highly effective when adopted correctly with no cost and side effects.

2. Sterilization surgery for women: This is medical in nature, and it works by blocking, tying, clamping, sealing, or cutting the two fallopian tubes connecting a woman's ovaries and uterus. Characteristically, it is a one-time procedure.

3. Sterilization surgery for men: This method is also medical, and it works by blocking the tubes from the testes to other glands to stop semen production. It is also a one-time procedure, and it needs only local anesthesia.

4. Birth control implant: This is hormonal by design, and it works by using a needle to place a matchstick-sized rod with progestin under the skin on your arm. It is characteristically a form of long-term protection against pregnancy and can easily be reversed when you decide to get pregnant.

5. Progestin IUD: This falls in the hormonal type, and it works when a small device(T-shaped) with progestin is inserted directly into your uterus. You can easily get pregnant when removed, and you can even use it while breastfeeding.

6. Copper IUD: This is medically designed, and it works when a small device (T-shaped) with copper goes into your uterus. With it, eggs may be kept from attaching to the lining of your uterus. You can easily get pregnant when removed, and you can even use it while breastfeeding.

7. Birth control shot (Depo-Provera): This option is of the hormonal type, and it works when you get a shot of progestin from your doctor. Characteristically, it is reversible and can be used while breastfeeding.

8. Vaginal ring (NuvaRing): This works based on hormones, and in use, you insert a flexible plastic ring into your vagina. It then releases estrogen and progestin. It is an easy method, and there is nothing to be done right before having sex.

9. Vaginal Gel (Phexxi): This alternative is non-hormonal, and it works when you put the gel into your vagina through an applicator right before or an hour before sex. It is characteristically easy to use and also serves as a vagina lubricant.

10. Birth control patch: This hormonal type of application requires that you insert a square patch (about 2 inches) across your abdomen, buttocks, back, or arm. Your skin gets progestin and estrogen from it. You can use it for three weeks, stop it for a week to have your period. It is an easy method and nothing to do right before sex.

These birth control methods are effective and are the most prominent alternatives available to women. With any of these methods, you can decide when to avoid getting pregnant.