A woman should be able to choose from various contraceptives that are effective, convenient and affordable.
The type of birth control method that’s right for you will rely on your requirements and objectives. Your doctor can help you decide which way will work best for you.
Hormonal IUDs
Hormonal IUDs discharge a small quantity of progestin hormone into the body regularly. These hormones prevent pregnancy by stopping the ovaries from releasing eggs and preventing sperm from attaching to the uterine lining, which makes it impossible for an egg to implant and develop into a pregnancy.
They are low-cost, long-lasting contraceptives. They are available through various methods, including private insurance and government health care programs.
In addition to the more common T-shaped IUD, several other designs exist. Some are ring-shaped, and others are trapezoidal loops.
Most IUDs are inserted during a routine office visit and take less than 30 minutes. Family doctors have the required training to insert the device by placing it on your uterus. You may experience pain or cramping during insertion, which should disappear after a few minutes.
Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraception is a method to control pregnancy when your birth control method has failed. For example, a condom has broken, or you’ve missed a pill.
EC can also be used if your ovulation is not regular. It works by preventing or delaying the release of an egg (ovulation).
A few types of emergency contraception include the morning-after pill, which you take within three to five days after unprotected sex. Some of these pills have a hormone called levonorgestrel, which blocks ovulation and prevents pregnancy.
Another type of EC is a copper intrauterine device (IUD) placed into your uterus up to five days after unprotected ovulation. It’s not as effective for preventing pregnancy as other emergency contraceptives, but it can still help reduce the risk of pregnancy.
Some emergency contraceptives are available over the counter at drugstores and health centers for people 17 years or older without a prescription. You can get Plan B One-Step, Next Choice, EContra EZ and generics at these places.
Natural Family Planning
Natural family planning (NFP) is a set of methods that use biological signs to determine when you are fertile and to space or avoid pregnancy. It is a non-chemical method that does not involve drugs or devices, and a wide variety of people can use it.
NFP methods use ovulation days, basal body temperature fluctuations and cervical secretion to predict fertility. They can be a great alternative to birth control methods that use pills or other devices, such as IUDs and implants.
They also do not have the same side effects.
They are practical and safe if used properly. One survey reported that 95% of women using NFP methods could avoid or postpone pregnancy.
Sterilization
Sterilization is a surgical procedure that permanently blocks fallopian tubes so eggs can’t travel to the uterus. It is a very effective method of contraception.
Generally, a woman should not get sterilized unless she is sure she does not want to have children. However, a woman should also carefully consider her decision and not let anyone pressure her.
When women decide to get sterilized, they must receive accurate, clear and balanced information about the procedure.
