Birth Control

 

Sexuality is normal to human beings but the capability to express it to the fullest with a partner is sometimes overlapped with the fear of unwanted pregnancy. Birth control has been practiced since the very early years. With the development of new technologies, the available methods offer a great range. The quest is for high effectiveness at a low cost with the minimum side effects. Religions, scientists, women are all involved in this everlasting research.

Birth control methods available are:

1. Contraceptive Pills: Highly effective if taken as indicated, contraindicated if there is a history of blood clots, heart conditions, liver disorders, cerebro-vascular incidents, among others. It has to be taken constantly, if not, the risk of pregnancy will become higher and if it's taken randomly may cause a hormonal imbalance. Among the side effects that have been reported are headaches, acne, weight gain, water retention, spotty darkening of the skin, mood changes, hair overgrowth, blood clots, cholestatic jaundice, cerebro-vascular incidents, eye problems, myocardial infarction and severe depression.

1. Monthly Intramuscular Contraceptives: Effectiveness is in overall higher than that for the contraceptive pills. Since its administration is intramuscular, it skips the gastrointestinal degradation that usually diminishes the potency of some medications. Its contraindications and side effects are similar to the ones for the contraceptive pills, since the hormones that are used are synthetic estrogen and progesterone. Getting a monthly injection is something to be considered.

1. Depo-Provera: Applied every three months, highly effective, can be used in the post-partum (6 weeks after giving birth); delay in fertility return have been reported after discontinuing it's use. Side effects such as headaches, weight gain, decreased libido, menstrual irregularities and menstrual cramps, mood changes, breast tenderness, acne, hair loss and loss of bone density have been reported. The contraindications are similar to those of the contraceptive pills. The three months period for application is a positive point, but the delay in fertility is a high risk to take if you want to be able to get pregnant again. Also the hormonal imbalances caused by extended use could be too much for many women to handle.

1. Contraceptive Patch: The reports on this method give it a high effectiveness percentage. It has to be changed weekly and it can't be used by women who weigh more than 199 pounds. Side effects are similar to oral contraception and there are also local reactions. Skin oils and other products can’t be used with it because it could prevent it from sticking to the skin hence disabling it's effectiveness.

1. Hormonal Vaginal Ring: It's a ring that is collocated in the vagina and releases estrogen and progesterone. It has a low unwanted pregnancy percentage when used properly. Side effects are similar to contraceptive pills with the addition of vaginal irritation. It can be used for three weeks - beware in case it falls out.

1. Contraceptive Barriers: The barriers block the passage of the sperm to the uterus or vagina. In this group we classify the male condoms that are effective if used properly. Local reactions due to the latex or the spermicidal fluids have been reported. One problem is that it can be torn. Women’s condoms are less reliable. The Cervical cap has to be fitted in a clinic, it has medium effectiveness that decreases with childbirth and it can tear and slip. The Diaphragm needs clinical fitting and will usually need refitting. It has adverse reactions involving vaginal irritation and other allergic local reactions. Bladder infections have also been reported as side effects. The Contraceptive sponge has been associated with Toxic Shock Syndrome. Its effectiveness is relatively low and it decreases with child birth; side effects are various local reactions and a vaginal discharge.

The condoms are the only barrier method that fully protects against sexually transmitted disease; these methods are usually used with spermicidal fluid to enhance their effectiveness.

1. Intra-Uterine Device (I.U.D.): They are two types, one serving as a barrier that prevents the egg from nidation and the other one releases progesterone having the same effect of preventing nidation but through a mechanical way of hormonal regulation. It can be used for 5 years with periodic check-ups with effectiveness. The side effects are menstrual cramps and heavy menstrual bleeding. The device that also releases hormones is associated with weight gain, headaches, depression, and amenorrhea. It can't be used by women with history of pelvic infections and it has to be positioned in a clinic. Uterine rupture during the positioning procedure is rare, but it has happened.

1. Spermicidal fluids, when used alone, are not very effective; some users may experience local allergic or irritation reactions.

1. Natural Methods: The couple has to be highly motivated and committed, to be able to use these methods. The women need to know their body and menstrual cycles and they also have to be meticulous and perceptive. The methods described as natural are the Creighton model which combines the basal body temperature with the Billings (Vaginal Mucus) method. The Rhythm method consists of knowing the days that the woman is fertile. During those times the couple is using a barrier method or they are being abstinent. Success with the withdrawal method requires the man to be fully conscious of his body and to know when he is going to ejaculate so he can withdraw in time and ejaculate out of the vagina.

1. Lactational Amenorrhea method only effective if done in the first months after child birth provided that the baby feeds six times during the day and four at night.

1. Permanent Contraception: like tube ligation and vasectomy should only be considered if no further fertility is wanted.

1. Abstinence: Is 100% effective but would be stressful for the relationship.

1. Herbs: Were used in ancient years but they are starting to become popular again. Lack of medical studies that could back up their effectiveness has made it hard for them to become widely used. Some herbs’ contraceptive effects are displayed through blocking implantation, and blocking hormones. Some herbs used as contraceptives are:

· Wild Yam

· Neem

· Queen Anne's Lace seeds

· Pomegranate

· Rue

· Smartweed leaves

· Apricot Kernels

· Cotton Root Bark

· Vitamin C-Ascorbic Acid

Birth control is a very important issue so you must be cautious when choosing a method, because it's not just about preventing pregnancy but also you have to consider which method won't interfere with your fertility in long round. It should also cause a few side effects as possible and also one which will not interfere with the pleasure that lovemaking delivers.

Individualized attention about birth control and answers to specific questions is available in the online courses section.