Contraception: Explore Your Safest Birth Control Option

People may choose to take contraception for a variety of reasons but it’s primary purpose remains the same; to prevent pregnancy. Choosing the right kind of birth control is a personal decision and with so many choices available, it must be an informed one. Read more on the different kinds of contraception and which would we be the best option for you!

Hormonal Methods:

It combines hormonal methods like birth control pills release two hormones (estrogen and progestin) to prevent pregnancy. This type of contraceptive prevents pregnancy by stopping ovulation. Birth control pills should be taken same time every day for it work most efficiently. Shots are more convenient since they last longer (1 month or 3 months). So, if you are somebody who is likely to forget to take the pill on time, go for the shot. With proper use, the effectiveness is 99%.

Barrier methods:

These type of contraceptive methods include condoms, spermicides, diaphragm, cervical cap, and sterilization.

1- Condoms:

Condoms are the most commonly used method of birth control and the only method of that protects you against the STDs. It is recommended to use condoms with another birth control method to protect yourself from unwanted pregnancy and STDs.

2- Diaphragm:

A diaphragm is a soft, thin, dome-shaped rubber cup with a flexible rim. Spermicidal jelly is placed inside the dome. The diaphragm is placed high in the vagina to hold the spermicide against the cervix. It acts as a barrier between the opening of the cervix and semen which contains sperm. The fit may not be tight enough to stop all the sperm from getting past the diaphragm; therefore, the spermicide is used to kill the sperm.

3- Sterilization:

Sterilization is more of a permanent kind of birth control method, can be done for both men and women. Sterilization for men is called a vasectomy where the tubes leading from the scrotum that join with the urethra are cut and sterilization for women is called a tubal ligation, where the tubes from ovaries to the uterus are tied.

Intrauterine Device (IUD):

An IUD is a small T-shaped device that is put into a person’s uterus by a doctor, nurse practitioner, or midwife in their office. The IUD stays in place for 3 -10 years or until it is removed by a health care provider. IUDs work well and people like them because they are highly effective for prevention of pregnancy without needing to take a pill every day or to rely on a partner to wear a condom. They are an excellent choice for people who cannot take hormones.

Natural methods:

The most famous natural method is the pull-out, or the “coitus interruptus” method.  It is when the man  doesn’t ejaculate inside the vagina.

Emergency Contraceptives:

Emergency Contraception (EC) can be used AFTER unprotected vaginal intercourse (sex without effective birth control) to reduce the chances of an unintended pregnancy. EC pills (also known as “the morning-after pill”) are moderately effective, whereas the copper intrauterine device (IUD) is the most effective form of EC. A progestin-only pill that can be taken by mouth up to five days (120 hours) after unprotected vaginal intercourse. However, it should not be taken as a regular method of birth control.

Discuss your options with your health care provider to understand what method suits you the best and remember that emergency contraceptives should not be used as the regular method of birth control. You can also book an appointment with a Top Gynecologist in Karachi, Multan and Rawalpindi through oladoc.com, or call our helpline at 042-3890-0939 for assistance to find the RIGHT Doctor for your concerns.