With numerous contraceptive methods available, it’s essential to select one that aligns with your health, lifestyle, and preferences. Making this choice is easier with expert guidance.
Contraception, also referred to as birth control or family planning, helps prevent pregnancy and allows individuals to plan their families effectively. With a range of contraceptive methods available, each varies in effectiveness and how it works. Choosing the right option depends on your lifestyle, health, and preferences. For personalised guidance, consider scheduling an online consultation with the best gynaecologist in Chennai via Apollo. Read ahead to explore the most commonly used contraceptive options and their benefits.
How Do Contraceptive Options Work?
Different contraception methods work through various mechanisms to prevent pregnancy. These include:
- Disabling or harming sperm
- Blocking sperm from reaching the egg
- Suppressing the release of eggs during the menstrual cycle
- Increasing the thickness of cervical mucus hindering sperm movement
- Modifying the uterine lining to prevent implantation of a fertilised egg
Common Contraceptive Methods to Choose From
When selecting a contraceptive method, it’s essential to have an open discussion with your partner and consult a medical specialist for expert advice. Connecting with the best doctors in Chennaithrough Apollo can provide valuable insights tailored to your needs. Here’s a list of commonly used contraception methods to help you make an informed choice:
- Birth Control Pills: These are hormone-based medications taken on a regular schedule. There are two types: combination pills (containing estrogen and progestin) and progestin-only pills.
- Condoms: Worn on the penis during sex, these are made from latex and offer protection against both pregnancy and STDs. They must be used every time during intercourse.
- Internal Condoms: Also called female condoms, these are placed inside the vagina before sex to prevent pregnancy and protect against STDs.
- Birth Control Patch: A transdermal patch applied to specific areas of the body, releasing hormones through the skin to prevent pregnancy.
- Diaphragm: A flexible, shallow silicone cup inserted into the vagina to cover the cervix and block sperm during intercourse.
- Birth Control Sponge: A soft, round sponge containing spermicide, placed deep inside the vagina before sex to cover the cervix and prevent pregnancy.
- Birth Control Implant: A matchstick-sized rod placed under the skin of the arm, releasing hormones to prevent pregnancy.
- Intrauterine Device (IUD): A small device inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy by altering sperm movement. Options include hormonal and copper IUDs.
- Birth Control Shot: A progestin hormone injection administered every three months to prevent ovulation and pregnancy.
- Birth Control Ring: A flexible vaginal ring that releases hormones to prevent pregnancy.
- Spermicide Gel: A chemical-based gel that immobilizes sperm, inserted into the vagina before intercourse to prevent pregnancy.
- Cervical Cap: A small, silicone cup shaped like a hat that covers the cervix when placed inside the vagina before intercourse.
- Fertility Awareness: A natural method involving tracking menstrual cycles to identify fertile days and plan intercourse accordingly.
- Pull Out Method: Involves withdrawing the penis from the vagina before ejaculation to avoid pregnancy.
- Sterilization: A permanent surgical procedure for women that blocks, cuts, or removes parts of the fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy.
- Vasectomy: A minor surgical procedure for men, blocking or cutting the tubes that carry sperm to prevent it from leaving the body.
How to Choose the Best Contraceptive Option for Yourself?
The ideal birth control method for you is one that is safe, aligns with your comfort level, and can be used consistently and correctly. Your preferences may evolve over time due to various factors, such as:
- Your age and medical history.
- Your reproductive goals, including how many children you wish to have and the timing of pregnancy.
- Relationship dynamics, including marital status, sexual activity frequency, number of partners, and partner preferences.
- Key differences among methods, such as effectiveness, costs, side effects, and protection against sexually transmitted infections.
Exploring your options is an essential step, but consulting a specialist, like the best gynecologist in Chennai, can provide valuable guidance in choosing the most suitable method for your needs.
With a variety of options available, understanding their mechanisms and benefits is crucial. Consulting with a healthcare provider ensures that your choice aligns with your needs and circumstances. If you’re seeking expert advice, the best doctors in Chennai are available for online consultations via Apollo, offering personalised recommendations to help you make an informed decision.
