A look at different birth control options
Raising a child is a big responsibility for both men and women. A couple should always be mentally prepared for a child. If you are not prepared for a child for the time being, you should look for different and effective contraceptive methods available in order to prevent unplanned pregnancy. Most of the people get confused about the best suitable birth control option for them. Having knowledge about the various options available will make you more confident in your approach.
Birth control pills
Birth control pills, also known as contraceptive pill, consist of a synthetic form of female sex hormones which influence your reproductive cycle to prevent the risk of pregnancy. These oral pills are categorised as combination pills and mini-pills. The active ingredient of combination pills are both oestrogen and progestogen, whereas the mini-pill only contains a synthetic progestogen hormone. It acts as a suitable option for women who are likely to develop intolerable side effects because of oestrogen hormone, or women who are over 35 years or smoke regularly. This is the reason it is also known as ‘progestogen only pill’. Some of the common combination pills are Yasmin, Microgynon, Cilest, Marvelon and Dianette.
The combination pills work in three unique ways to protect you against accidental pregnancy. It tricks your body to think that ovulation has already occurred due to which an egg is not released from ovaries. Subsequently, it helps in making the cervical mucus viscous so that a sperm is unable to enter the womb and fertilise an egg. It also modifies your womb lining which makes the implanting and growth of an egg next to impossible. You need to take the oral contraceptive pills for 21 days of your 28 days menstrual cycle after which there is a break of seven days.
Birth control ring
Women who find it annoying to take a single pill every day can opt for another effective contraception method known as the contraceptive ring. NuvaRing is a hormonal ring which is widely recommended by doctors. It is positioned in the vagina from where it releases synthetic oestrogen and progestogen into the bloodstream for three weeks of your cycle in order to prevent pregnancy. It provides almost 100% protection from the risk of pregnancy. This contraceptive ring works in the similar three ways as birth control pills to prevent you from conceiving.
Birth control patch
A Contraceptive patch is a skin patch which prevents pregnancy by releasing synthetic hormones into the bloodstream through your skin. It regulates your reproductive cycle effectively just like a pill or ring for giving almost 100% results. This skin patch should be replaced only once a week and therefore, they are highly popular owing to its ease and convenience. If you apply this patch on the first day of your period, you get immediate protection. You can also start on the fifth day of your period if you forget to take it on first day, but then you would have to use an extra barrier method like condoms for the next seven days.
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