Birth control refers to any medication, device, or method used to prevent pregnancy. Pills, intrauterine devices (IUDs), vasectomy, and condoms are all examples of birth control methods. Some methods of birth control are more effective than others.
What Exactly Is Birth Control?
Birth control also known as contraception is a method of preventing pregnancy. There are numerous methods of birth control available. Birth control is only effective when used correctly. Take the time to learn about each type of birth control and how to use it.
If you're sexually active but don't want to have a child, use birth control. Pregnancy can occur at any time when you have unprotected sex. Because of the many options available, deciding on the best birth control method can be difficult. The best method is one that will be used on a regular basis and has no negative side effects. Other things to think about are:
METHODS OF BARRIERS
What Exactly It Is?
A condom is a thin layer of latex, plastic, or any other materials wrapped around an erect penis. The covering prevents sperm-containing semen from entering your vagina. Condoms can tear or rip easily, making them less effective than other methods of birth control.
How Does It Work?
Before sexual intercourse, a condom is rolled over an erect penis. Every time you have sex, use a new condom.
How You Can Get?
Condoms are available at most drug and grocery stores.
How Efficient Is It?
Condoms are about 85% effective if worn prior to intercourse and do not rip.
What Else Should You Be Aware Of?
Condoms are one of the best options for STI protection, even though they do not provide 100% protection. With condoms, only use water-based lubricants. Condoms can break when exposed to oil-based lubricants or baby oil. If the condom ruptures, consider emergency contraception.
Since we are here to discuss birth control methods other than Condoms here are a few of the options that every person who is sexually active should be aware of.
What Exactly It Is?
Spermicide is a gel, cream, or suppository that blocks the passage of sperm to an egg. It contains chemicals that harm sperm, preventing them from swimming up to an egg. To be effective, the spermicide must be used exactly as directed. A prescription-only vaginal gel that acts as a spermicide is also available. It works by lowering the pH in your vagina, making it difficult for sperm to swim.
How Does It Work?
You should use spermicide and vaginal gels at least 15 to 30 minutes before sexual intercourse. Most spermicides are effective for about an hour before needing to be reapplied. Use spermicide every time you have sex and don't wash it off.
How You Can Get?
Spermicides are widely available in drug and grocery stores. The pH-lowering vaginal gel is only available with a prescription.
How Efficient Is It?
Spermicide is only 70% effective in preventing pregnancy when used alone. When combined with another barrier method of birth control, spermicide can be 94% effective. A prescription-only vaginal gel is about 85% to 93% effective.
What Else Should You Be Aware Of?
Spermicide provides no STI protection. In fact, it could increase your risk. This is because the chemicals in spermicide irritate your vagina and allow infection to enter your body more easily.
What Exactly It Is?
A vaginal diaphragm is a reusable, flexible dome-shaped cup that you insert into your vagina to prevent pregnancy. It prevents sperm from entering your uterus by blocking your cervix. You must use a water-based spermicide or a diaphragm contraceptive gel.
How Does It Work?
A diaphragm resembles a small hat or cup. You fold it in half and insert it into your vagina to cover your cervix. Insert your diaphragm one to two hours before sexual activity. Remove it six to twenty-four hours after having sex. For maximum protection, apply spermicide around the rim of the diaphragm before intercourse.
How You Can Get?
Some diaphragms are available in various sizes. It is necessary to visit a healthcare provider for a pelvic exam in order for them to fit you for a diaphragm. It is critical to obtain a properly fitting diaphragm. If you lose or gain more than 10 to 15 pounds, your diaphragm may need to be refitted.
How Efficient Is It?
Vaginal diaphragms are approximately 87% effective, but they can be as effective as 94% when used correctly (with spermicide) and consistently.
What Else Should You Be Aware Of?
Some STIs, including HIV, are not protected by using a diaphragm and spermicide (the virus that causes AIDS).
What Exactly It Is?
A cervical cap is a thimble-shaped silicone or soft rubber cup that fits snugly over your cervix.
How Does It Work?
To begin, coat the cap in spermicide. The cap should then be inserted into your vagina and up against your cervix. The cap closes your cervix while the spermicide paralyzes it. You can put on the cervical cap up to six hours before sexual activity. Keep your cervical cap on for at least eight hours after sex. The cap can be worn for up to 48 hours. Use the spermicide exactly as directed.
How You Can Get?
You must see your doctor and have a pelvic exam before being fitted for a cervical cap. It, like a diaphragm, is only effective when properly fitted.
How Efficient Is It?
A cervical cap is approximately 78% effective at preventing pregnancy, but it can be 85% effective when used in conjunction with a spermicide.
What Else Should You Be Aware Of?
Using a cervical cap and spermicide does not provide the same level of protection against STIs as condoms.
What Exactly It Is?
A vaginal sponge is a small, donut-shaped spermicide device. It serves as a barrier between the sperm and the cervix.
How Does It Work?
You wet the sponge and insert it into your vagina to cover your cervix. When wet, it releases spermicide. The sponge has enough spermicide to last approximately 24 hours. This means you can use it up to 24 hours before having sex. After sex, always leave it on for six hours. A sponge should not be left in your vagina for more than 30 hours.
How You Can Get?
Most drug and grocery stores sell the sponge without a prescription.
How Efficient Is It?
A birth control sponge is effective at preventing pregnancy in 76% to 91% of cases depending on if you use it correctly. If you've never given birth, the sponge is even more effective.
What Else Should You Be Aware Of?
The sponge is linked to an increase in vaginal infections and does not protect against STIs.
These are some of the barrier or birth control methods that we have discussed, we will discuss many other types and factors to be considered while adopting any of the birth control method in our upcoming blog. Till then stay tuned, stay safe and always connect with your sexual experts without any hesitations.
We have Health Experts who can easily connect with you and discuss your sexual concerns. You can consult your family doctor first to get the most accurate diagnosis, or you can contact our Health Expert or connect with us at +919867667699.
