Birth Control Methods

Birth Control Methods for Women

Women have more options than ever for birth control methods. Which method to choose depends on what you're comfortable with, whether you're in a monogamous relationship, and how important it is that you not get pregnant.

Birth control methods for women include:

• Hormonal methods such as the pill, patch, ring, or shot
• Barrier methods such as the condom, diaphragm, or contraceptive sponge
• Intrauterine Devices (IUD's)
• Spermicides such as gels, foams, suppositories, or films
• Natural family planning
• Permanent sterilization

Hormonal Birth Control

Hormonal birth control methods use hormones to prevent ovulation, the release of an egg from a woman's ovary. If no egg is released, you can not become pregnant. Most forms of hormonal birth control involve taking hormones for three weeks at a time and then stopping for a week so that you will have a period. Hormonal birth control must be prescribed by a doctor.

The birth control pill must be taken every day. Pills are provided in monthly packs. The first three weeks of pills contain the hormones. The fourth week's pills don't contain any medicine, but they're provided to help keep you on schedule.

The birth control patch is a smooth, thin piece of plastic which sticks to the skin. You put on a new patch each week for three weeks, and then go one week without a patch.

The birth control ring is a flexible ring which is placed in the vagina. Hormones from the ring are absorbed into the body. The ring is worn for three weeks at a time. Most people say the ring does not interfere with sexual intercourse.

The birth control shot is given every three months. Many women stop getting periods after using the shot for a while. The shot is considered a short-term option, because it can cause bone thinning which could lead to osteoporosis.

Barrier Methods of Birth Control

Barrier methods prevent a man's sperm from reaching a woman's egg. If the sperm can not fertilize the egg, the woman can not become pregnant.

A diaphragm is a rubber dome-shaped device that covers the entrance to your uterus. The diaphragm must be inserted before intercourse, along with a spermicidal gel, and left in place for several hours afterward. A diaphragm must be fitted by a doctor.

The birth control sponge is a small, disposable sponge treated with spermicide. It must be inserted before intercourse. Sponges are available at the drugstore.

Other barrier methods which work similarly to the diaphragm may be available. A family doctor or gynecologist can help you learn about those.

Intrauterine Devices (IUD's)

An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small plastic device that is inserted into the uterus. In general, an IUD helps to prevent sperm from reaching and fertilizing an egg. An IUD must be placed by a doctor. It can be left in place for years at a time. Although not popular in the U.S., IUD's are very popular in other countries because of their convenience.

Spermicides

Spermicides contain chemicals to kill sperm. Spermicides are available at the drugstore. They come in foams, creams, gels, films, and suppositories. Spermicide must be inserted into the vagina before sexual intercourse.

Spermicides increase the effectiveness of condoms, diaphragms, and other birth control methods. Doctors generally do not recommend using a spermicide as your only method of birth control, because it is not effective enough on its own.

Natural Family Planning

Natural family planning is best for couples who would be able to accept an unintended pregnancy. A woman's body can be unpredictable. Ovulation can occur at unexpected times, putting the woman at risk of becoming pregnant in spite of careful precautions.

Methods of natural family planning include:

• Keeping a calendar to determine fertile days
• Watching for changes in body temperature which signal ovulation
• Examining vaginal discharge for signs of ovulation
• Using a urine test to predict ovulation

Permanent Birth Control

Permanent birth control for women is often called "having your tubes tied." It involves cutting or blocking the fallopian tubes, which carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. For men, a vasectomy is the usual form of permanent birth control.

You can learn more about permanent birth control methods at the LoveToKnow articles on Vasectomy and Permanent Sterilization.

Birth Control Methods for Men

Men have only two options if they choose to take responsibility for birth control:

• Condoms
• Vasectomy

Condoms

Condoms are inexpensive and available at the drugstore. A condom is a thin sheath that is placed over the man's penis before intercourse. Latex and polyurethane condoms are the only forms of birth control which protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

Vasectomy

A vasectomy is a simple operation to cut the tubes which carry a man's sperm. It does not affect a man's ability to have sex or to ejaculate. Vasectomy is considered a permanent method of birth control.

For More Information

You can find more information about birth control methods from experts at:

• Planned Parenthood
• The National Women's Health Information Center
• The Mayo Clinic
• eMedicine.com