Birth control, or contraceptives, are preventative measures used to avoid unwanted pregnancies. They work by either preventing sperm from reaching the eggs or by keeping a woman’s ovaries from releasing eggs that could be fertilized. There are various types of contraceptives and the main types differ from each other based on reliability, duration, and effectiveness. The following are the main types of contraception/birth control methods:
1. Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC)
This type of contraception/birth control method is very effective and can prevent pregnancy from 3 to 12 years. Intrauterine device (IUD) and contraceptive implant are the two reversible methods used in LARC. The intrauterine device is a T- shaped device that is inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. Whereas in the case of contraceptive implant a matchstick-sized plastic flexible rod is implanted under the woman’s arm and can last up to 5 years.
2. Short-acting hormonal method
Here, hormones are used to prevent the ovary from releasing the egg for fertilization. Some methods involved in this type of contraceptive are:
- Injectable birth control
A shot of progestin is injected every three months to prevent pregnancy. The progestin makes the mucus on the cervix thick, which prevents the sperm from getting through and thus prevents pregnancy. This type of contraceptive does not prevent one from sexually transmitted infections.
- Progestin-only pills (POP)
Instead of getting injection shots, one can opt for progestin-only pills that function the same way as injectable birth control. To be effective, these pills needed to be taken every day.
- Contraceptive patch
Easy to use, one can stick a contraceptive patch to the skin. This patch releases hormones through the skin into the bloodstream after using the patch consecutively for three weeks. This patch needs to be replaced every week and can be applied anywhere on the body.
- Vaginal ring
A thin and flexible ring is placed in the vagina. The ring releases hormones for three weeks, after which it is removed and a new one is inserted after a week’s gap.
3. Barrier methods
In this type of contraception/birth control method, a barrier between the sperm and the egg is created. This barrier is of the following types:
- Male condoms
This type of contraceptive, is worn by men over the penis before intercourse to prevent sperm from entering the vagina. It also prevents the spread of STDs.
- Female condoms
Made of plastic and shaped like a pouch, it is inserted into the vagina before intercourse to prevent the sperm from entering the uterus.
- Cervical cap
A latex rubber cap that covers the cervix and prevents the sperm from entering the uterus. It is safe to leave the cap in the cervix for up to 48 hours after intercourse.
A diaphragm is a soft cup-shaped contraceptive that is inserted into the vagina before intercourse to block the sperm from entering the vagina. It should be inserted before intercourse and removed at least 6-8 hours later to prevent pregnancy.