Birth control methods

What is birth control?
Birth control are things you can do to ensure
that pregnancy only happens if and when
you want it to.If you have choosen to sleep
with your partner, you should both be
prepared to take the responsible
approach of discussing birth control.
Abstinence, is the safest method out there,
but obviously if you are reading this you
have not chosen that method.
The Rhythm Method, better known as
Russian Roulette, is generally used by
Catholic couples. It requires that couples
abstain from sexual intercourse for five to
15 days per month in an effort to avoid
the most fertile days in the woman's
menstrual cycle. This is not a precise
system, and there is a risk of pregnancy if
the couple is not accurate in judging the
"safe" and "unsafe" times.
Condoms-
A thin, formfitting sheath worn over the
man's erect penis to block sperm. Usually
made of latex rubber, but also available
in polyurethane and natural membrane,
it can be highly effective if used properly.
Protection is further increased when used
with a spermicidal contraceptive such as
foam, cream or jellies.
There is a risk of a condom tearing, breaking,
slipping or leaking, any of which can lead
to conception. Forgeting to put on the condom
before foreplay could be change your life forever.
The Withdrawal method:
Withdrawal or the Pull-Out method is when
the man expect you to trust him to withdraw
from intercourse before ejaculation. Many
times the man may not withdraw in time,
this withdrawal system is risky and unreliable.
Vasectomy:
A surgical sterilization for men usually
performed with local anesthetic during
an office visit.
The procedure is safe, highly effective
and should be considered permanent.
Permits the man to be
responsible for contraception.
Cervical Cap:
A dome-shaped latex barrier device that fits
over the cervix and blocks passage of
sperm into the uterus.
Diaphragm:
A shallow rubber cap, used with a contraceptive
jelly, which the woman places in her vagina to
cover the womb opening. This blocks and kills
sperm to prevent conception. The Diaphragm
is usually effective when used correctly.
Hormone Implants:
(Norplant®) are a long-term contraceptive
system whereby small pellets are surgically
inserted beneath the skin of a woman's
upper arm.
A progesterone-like hormone
(levonorgestrel) is released gradually
over time. The hormone blocks ovulation
and results in an effective method of
contraception during a five-year period.
Hormone Injection:
(Depo-Provera®), a progesterone injection
administered every 12 weeks, which is highly
effective, provided the woman, is consistent
and timely about subsequent injections. The
hormone blocks ovulation. Many women stop
the injections within the first year due to side
effects, including weight gain, pregnancy
symptoms, abnormal or absence of periods,
depression and nervousness.
Intrauterine Device (IUD):
A small plastic device -T-shaped, about the
size of a quarter, that is placed in the uterus.
Creates an imperceptible, low-grade
inflammation that inhibits sperm and
effectively prevents fertilized egg from being
implanted in the uterus.
Normally replaced every four years.
May pose risk of infection. And may dislodge.
Oral Contraceptive:
Better known as the Pill, taken by mouth, the pill is an
estrogen tablet that can provide a high success rate
when taken as directed. May have to try different ones
until you find one with minimum side effects.
The pill is not recomended over 35 who smokes.
The Patch is as effective as "the Pill". A simpler birth
control option. The Patch delivers a steady flow of
hormones through the skin and into your bloodstream
over a period of 7 days. A weekly form of reversible
contraception that is 99 percent effective when used
correctly.
Spermicides:
Chemical contraceptives, such as foam, cream
or jellies, which effectively kill sperm on contact
in the vagina. Are often used alone, but provide
greater protection when used in combination
with condom, diaphragm or other methods.
Generally safe, with few side effects.
Tubal Ligation:
A surgical sterilization for women, performed under
general anesthesia, which involves surgically tying,
cutting or cauterizing the fallopian tubes in order
to permanently block egg passage from the ovaries
to the uterus.
Tubal ligation generally requires a more significant
surgery; general anesthetic, greater risks, expense
and recovery time than does a vasectomy for the male.
Effective, but should be considered permanent.
Vaginal Pouch-
A barrier device, referred to as a "female condom,"
made of lubricated polyurethane, which fits inside
the vagina to block sperm from reaching the uterus.
It is wider than a male condom, but about the
same length.
These Birth Control methods MUST be used
correctly and consistently in order to provide
the greatest effectiveness.
For more information contact the nearest family
planning clinic or your doctor.
BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY!