There is no single form of birth control that is ideal for all women of all ages. The best form of birth control really depends on the individual.
For example, the priorities of women in their late teens vary greatly from women in their thirties. Women in stable relationships are usually less likely to be at risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in contrast to younger, single women, therefore their preferred method of birth control may differ.
When choosing a method of contraception, the most important aspect to be sure of is that it works well for you and your lifestyle. If your chosen form of birth control is easily integrated into your life, the risk of complications or inconveniences is greatly reduced. Often, women practice several forms of birth control throughout their fertile lives because their lifestyles change.
It is always recommended to speak with your doctor, family planning consultant and partner before starting any new form of contraception.
Barrier methods of contraception refer to objects which put a physical impediment between the sperm and the female reproductive track. Of all the barrier methods available, male condoms are most popular. Condoms are latex or polyurethane sheaths which are placed over the penis prior to intercourse. The less popular female version of the condom is also made of polyurethane and has one flexible ring at each end. One of these secure behind the pubic bone to hold the condom in place and the other stays outside the vagina.
Other forms of female barrier contraceptives are cervical barriers, contraceptive sponges and cervical caps. Cervical barriers are contained within the vagina and contraceptive sponges are kept in place over the cervix.
The smallest cervical barrier is the cervical cap. Normally, the cap stays in place by attaching itself to the cervix or vaginal walls using suction. Diaphragms fit behind a woman’s pubic bone. They have a flexible ring which helps keep it in place against the vaginal walls. For extra protection, spermicide may be placed inside the vagina before intercourse when using diaphragms. Spermicide may also be used alone, without a diaphragm, to create a chemical barrier or in conjunction with another physical barrier.
Other forms of hormonal birth control only contain a progestin (synthetic progestogen). The progesterone only pill (also know as POP or ‘minipill’) is one of the most popular among these types of birth control. The progesterone pill differs from the ‘the pill’ in that it must be taken at much more precise times in order to be effective. Other common forms of progestin contraceptives include tri-monthly injections (Depo Provera, which is a depot formulation of medroxyprogesterone acetate adminstered as an intramuscular injection), Noristerat (Norethindrone acetate administered as an intramuscular injection every 8 weeks) and contraceptive implants. These forms of progestin-only contraception may cause irregular bleeding.
Because there are ten types of copper IUDs in the UK and only one in the US, the terminology to describe these devices differ between the two countries. In the United States, all devices placed in the uterus to prevent pregnancy are referred to as intrauterine devices (IUDs) or intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCDs). In the UK, only copper containing devices are referred to as IUDs (or IUCDs). Hormonal intrauterine contraceptives are called Intra-Uterine System (IUS).
According to a Planned Parenthood study conducted in 2005, for women who meet the following criteria, LAM is 98% - 99.5% effective during the first six months after pregnancy.
When a women measures her basal body temperature in combination with an additional indicator of fertility, she is implementing what is known as the ‘symptothermal’ method of contraception.
Many women choose to employ the assistance of contraceptive monitors when practicing this form of contraception. Contraceptive monitors are tiny computers which identify the fertile and non-fertile phase of a woman’s cycle by measuring body temperature or analysing urine.
Contraception is also practiced using calender-based methods such as the standard days method and the rhythm method. These practices use the length of past menstrual cycles to predict the likelihood of fertility.
In order for FAM to work as an effective form of contraception, many people choose to abstain from unprotected sex or use physical barrier methods of contraception, such as condoms, during their fertile periods.
Natural Family Planning (NFP) is often associated with FAM, and specifically refers to forms of contraception permitted by the Roman Catholic Church.
FAMs are often used by those practicing NFP in order to identify their fertile and non fertile phases of their cycle.
No comments:
Post a Comment