There are various contraceptive choices for women which are available now. Contraceptive or Birth Control can be referred to as a mechanism of reducing the chances of sperm fertilizing the egg. Ingestion of herbs, cottius interrupts are the oldest form of contraceptive used. Every contraceptive has a unique characteristics of its own.
Women contraceptives are pretty common these days but there are few myths about them too. I have debunked few of those myths in my previous article Know Contraceptives before using.
Contraceptives for women or female contraceptive have various ways and usages but depending on the body one should choose. Ideally, one choice may work for you and another don’t so choose wisely. In case you are not sure about which contraceptive choice would work best for you please consult your gynecologist.
Choices Of Female Contraceptives
There are various contraceptive choices which are listed below:
Birth Control Pills
Birth control pills are made of estrogen and progesterone hormones which work by preventing ovulation. These pills should be taken daily without fail. These pills helps in reducing PMC (pre menstrual syndrome ), cramping in periods and also reduce number of bleeding days. The side effect could be headache, acne, increased blood pressure, weight gain and depression. These side effects are not applicable to aal women and differ from individual to individual.
Inter-uterine Devices ( IUD)
IUD is a T shaped device made of flexible plastic inserted in women uterus. Two types of IUD are available :
- – Paragard CopperT 380A– It protect pregnancy for 10 years.
- – Progestasert Progesterone T – It protect pregnancy for 1 year and should be replaced every year.
Past experience of IUD is not good. Nowadays, it is made safer, but still have some risk. Thus doctors advice women to use IUD after having their first baby. The side effect of IUD is heavy bleeding and stronger cramps during periods.
Injectable Projestines
The injection of depo-provera prevent pregnancy for three months. They work by inhibiting ovulation by producing changes in two ways :
- – prevent sperm from reaching the egg by changing the cervical mucus.
- – Making the fertilized egg unable to implant by changing the uterus lining.
These are good for women who are suffering from high blood pressure , headache or they are breast feeding. The inject able progestins may causes weight gain, breast tenderness and menstrual changes.
Vaginal Contraceptive Ring
The NuvaRing ( vaginal ring ) is inserted in the vagina and is a thin flexible ring. This ring is left in the vagina for 3 weeks. After 3 weeks the ring is removed and the period starts. After your periods you have to put a new ring. The contraceptive ring works by releasing hormones which prevent pregnancy. The hormones are similar as of birth control pills. Women who smoke should not use IUD.
Tubal Ligation
Tubal ligation is also called getting your tubes tied and is a form of sterilization. This is done by using Essure ( a metal coil ) which closes the women fallopian tubes so that the eggs cannot reach the uterus. It is done by a permanent operation, so those who doesn’t want more children can opt for it.
Cervical Cap
A cervical cap is a soft rubber cup with a rounded rim and is fitted tightly around cervix by a professional. It protect pregnancy for 48 hours and a spermicide is required with it. Used for more then 48 hours, it can cause urinary tract infections allergic reaction, discharge and a foul odor.
The Diaphragm
The diaphragm is a dome shaped rubber disk with a flexible rim available by prescription and is sized by a health care professional. A spermicide is applied before inserting the diaphragm to kill sperms. It is left for 6 hours. For repeated intercourse or intercourse after 6 hours spermicide used be applied before intercourse keeping the diaphragm in place. Diaphragm if left for more than 24 hour s can cause infection and urinal allergies.
The Sponge
A sponge is inserted in vagina and is left for 12 hours after intercourse. Sponge releases a spermicidal gel over the vagina forming a barrier to kill or immobilize the sperm to reach uterus. Women subjected to vaginal infections or allergy should not use it. Women allergic to nonoxyl-9 should not use it.
Female Condom
A female condom is a thin sheath or pouch which lies in vagina. There are two types of condoms available – FC /F2 condom and VA w.o.w condom. The outer ring or frame of condom remains visible from outside thus making it uncomfortable. The failure rate is high. Moreover, it is not easily available and safe.
Which of the above female contraceptive do you use? I would love you to leave me a comment and let me hear your opinion. If you’ve got any thoughts, comments or suggestions for things we could add, leave a comment.
