Overpopulation is a very serious condition of India that is affecting both resources and nature. Every year a large percentage of people end up having children that they did not plan for. However, there are many different types of birth control methods that can help to control unwanted pregnancy. All of these methods are very different from each other. Some of the common ones are given below:
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IUD
IUD (Intrauterine Device) is considered to be a more effective method than the patch, ring, pill, and shot. Less than 1 out of 100 people have a chance of getting pregnant every year. In this method, healthcare specialists put a T-shaped device in the uterus With the help of the cervix, it stays inside the uterus. You will not be able to feel anything once it is placed successfully. IUD comes with two different types such as hormonal-levonorgestrel IUD, non-hormonal copper T IUD. It stays and works perfectly for up to 10 years without any maintenance or pain. Also, you can remove it anytime with the help of health care professionals.
Contraceptive Implant
The contraceptive implant is one of the very common birth control methods. The contraceptive implant is a thin plastic rod sized like a matchstick that is placed under the upper arm skin. With the help of this method, you will be able to prevent pregnancy for up to 3 years. The same hormone that is used in birth control pills named progestin is released from these implants. The progestin hormone prevents sperms from reaching the eggs by thickening the cervical mucus and thinning the lining of the uterus. You can replace the implant after 3 years with the help of a healthcare professional. Just like IUD, you do not need to do any maintenance or take care of anything, be worry-free for 3 years.
Birth Control Shot
You might have heard of the birth control shot where progestin hormone is injected in the body to prevent pregnancy. This hormone is also used in many other birth control methods and is very effective. Among 100 women using this method, the chance of getting pregnant is around 6. These shots prevent the ovaries from releasing any eggs and thicken the lining of the uterus. Birth control shots are injected by healthcare professionals and last for around 3 months. Make sure to take the shots from time to time, or you might become pregnant.
Birth Control Pills
Birth control pills are one of the most commonly used birth control methods used by women. Chances of becoming pregnant are higher in this method as 5 to 8 women might get pregnant among 100 others who are using this method. However, women who take birth control pills regularly at the same time have a very lower chance of getting pregnant. Mainly, these birth control pills are taken by women to prevent pregnancy but there are many other reasons for taking it. There are two different kinds of birth control pills available in the market such as the combined pill and progestin-only pills. They both contain the progestin hormone but the combined pill uses estrogen along with it. You will need to take a pill daily for three weeks and one week without pills. The whole package contains 21 active pills for daily three weeks and inactive pills without hormones for the rest of 7 days as a reminder.
Birth Control Patch
The birth control patch is similar to the adhesive bandage, which is thins, square of beige plastic of 2 inches. These patches contain hormones that help to prevent pregnancy. These patches are placed under the stomach, upper outer arm, back, buttocks using the sticky side. Using the transdermal patches, these patches deliver the hormones through the skin. Just like birth control pills, this birth control method is also used for 4 weeks with both on and off schedule. You will need to put 1 new patch each week for 3 weeks and stop wearing it in the 4th week. It will start the period again and the next week after 4th, repeat the 4-week cycle.
Vaginal Ring
As the name suggests, the vaginal ring is a flexible and small ring of plastic that is entered in the vagina. Chances of getting pregnant are as low as 9 women among 100 who are using this birth control method. However, if you follow the whole procedure correctly, then chances of pregnancy next to none. This ring contains both progestin and estrogen hormones to prevent pregnancy like most of the other methods. These hormones are absorbed by the bloodstream using the vaginal walls. You will need to replace the ring every month to make it work perfectly. Just like most other methods, you will need to use the ring for 3 weeks and keep it removed for 1 week and repeat the same procedure next month again.
Male Condom
The male condom is a thin cover that covers the penis and prevents the sperm from entering the female body. People with skin allergies or irritations have different choices like condoms made of latex, rubber, polyurethane, and others. Using water-based lubricant helps to prevent the condom from breakage, but make sure not to use any oil-based lubricant as it can make the condom break. Compared to all the other birth control methods, the risk of getting pregnant using this is very high. 18 women out of 100 might get pregnant who are using this method.
Diaphragm and Cervical Cap
Diaphragm and the cervical cap are made of silicones, which are used with special cream and gel known as a spermicide. These cups are inserted into the vagina over the cervix to prevent the sperm from meeting the eggs. These cups come in different shapes and sizes that help to fit perfectly. Make sure not to use any type of lubricant as it can damage the cervical cups. Also, 12 women out of 100 that use this method have the chance of becoming pregnant. If the cervical cap has any holes, then it should not be used as it can be failed as a birth control method.
Consult with your healthcare provider before using any of these methods. They will help you to know which is the best one of all of these.