What is Birth Control?

Birth Control (also known as contraception or fertility control) is a method to prevent pregnancy. It has been used since ancient times, but more effective and safe methods have come up in last 20 years.

What are Birth Control methods?

Birth Control methods are hormonal/non-hormonal methods which prevent pregnancy by interfering with ovulation, fertilization, and/or implantation of the fertilized egg. Below are some of the methods used to avoid pregnancy.

What are the types of Birth Control methods?

PATCH - It is a 4cm x 4cm thin, beige patch that you wear on your body. The patch sticks to a woman's skin and continuously releases the hormones estrogen and progestin into the bloodstream.

PILLS - taken by mouth daily to prevent pregnancy, however, the pill does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.

RING - Ring is a small, flexible vaginal ring used to prevent pregnancy. You put it in for 3 weeks, take it out, then put a new one in a week later.

IUD Copper T - A type of intrauterine device, long-acting reversible contraception and is one of the most effective forms of birth control. It is inserted in the uterus by a medical practitioner and can be used for many years based on the brand

FEMALE CONDOM - A pouch inserted into woman’s vagina during intercourse to prevent pregnancy. It does reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infection. It can be used for vaginal and anal intercourse.

MALE CONDOM - A fine barrier which is rolled on to a man’s penis before sex. It is used as a barrier to stop sperm and infection passing between sexual partners. It is usually made of rubber. It can be used for vaginal and anal intercourse.

SPERMICIDES - Contains chemicals that stop sperm from moving and are available in different forms, including creams, film, foams, gels, and suppositories. Spermicide can be used alone, or it can be used with other birth control methods to make them more effective.

TUBAL LIGATION - A surgical procedure for sterilization in which a woman's fallopian tubes are clamped and blocked or severed and sealed, either of which prevents eggs from reaching the uterus for implantation.

VASECTOMY - A Surgical procedure for male sterilization or permanent contraception. During the procedure, the male vas deferens are severed and then tied or sealed in a manner so as to prevent sperm from entering into the ejaculate and thereby prevent fertilization.

SHOT - It's a shot that a doctor gives you in the arm or buttocks. Each shot works for up to 12 to 14 weeks, but you must get the injection once every 12 weeks to get its full protection. It’s made of a hormone similar to progesterone.

FERTILITY AWARENESS METHOD - A way to predict fertile and infertile times in your cycle. FAM is based on body signs, which change during each menstrual cycle in response to the hormones that cause ovulation (the release of an egg).

WITHDRAWAL - A pull-out method in which a man, during sexual intercourse, withdraws his penis from a woman's vagina prior to orgasm (and ejaculation), and then directs his ejaculate (semen) away from the vagina.

SPONGE - The sponge (popularly branded as the Today Sponge) is a squishy porous foam object which is inserted into the vagina before intercourse. It contains spermicide to immobilize sperm as it comes in contact with the sponge.

IMPLANT - An implant the size of a cardboard match stick is implanted underneath the skin of the upper arm. This birth control method will help protect against pregnancy for up to 3 years.

DIAPHRAGM - Thin silicone dome with a springy and flexible rim inserted into the vagina and fits over the cervix and is held in place by vaginal muscles. A diaphragm holds spermicide in place over the opening to the uterus. Spermicide kills sperm, preventing fertilization. After intercourse, it should be left in place for six to eight hours.

CERVICAL CAP - The cervical cap (FemCap) is a soft, thimble-shaped cup made out of silicone or latex. It fits snugly over the cervix (where the uterus opens into the vagina). It's designed to block sperm from reaching the woman's egg.

ABSTINENCE - Being abstinent means not having any type of sexual intercourse or sex play with a partner. Abstinence is the only birth control method that is 100% effective.