Source: LifeUnfold
Female Contraceptives – Pregnancy Prevention
Pregnancy can be happiness, responsibility, achieving a special place in the world that is Mom, if both partners are prepared for such big responsibility. On the other hand Pregnancy can be anger, fear, loneliness or shame if it happens in teenage due to ignorance about the facts of life.
Planning for a baby or unwanted pregnancy both are such crucial times for every women. We are living in the 21st century but still women do not decide the most important issues affecting their lives. The Planning for a baby can become happier only if it is decided with mutual understanding of both partners.
It is better to avoid pregnancy when a couple does not agree or when it is unwanted. You have to take the correct decision at the correct time. Contraceptives are the best and safer option to avoid pregnancy. There are huge varieties of contraceptives available in the market which can help you.
A Safer Way
Birth Control Pills (BCP) is taken to prevent conception. The pill contains a combination of estrogen and progestogen which helps to inhibit female fertility. The pill works by thickening cervical mucus making it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus. It also affects lining of uterus and makes it difficult for an egg to attach n to the uterus wall. It is almost safe and effective if taken in a proper manner.
Types of Birth Control Pills
- Combination pills – It contains both estrogen and progestin.
- Progestin pills – It contains progestin only. It is also called Minipill.
As there are several types of combination pills like monophasic, multiphasic and extended regimens. While choosing birth control pills you have number of options. It is not necessary that every type of pill is appropriate for you. Talk to your doctor first, which option would work best for you.
Affects of BCP
- It makes periods lighter, regular and more manageable.
- It is easier to use than other contraceptive methods.
- It does not affect fertility
- It can be used at any age
- It is good to reduce acne.
- It lowers the risk of developing ovarian cancer, anemia, ectopic pregnancy, endometrial cancer, and pelvic inflammatory disease.
Side Effects of BCP
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Breast tenderness
- Weight gain
- Irregular bleeding
- Mood swings
- Dark Spotty pigmentation of the skin
- Decrease sex drive
- A single miss resulted Pregnancy
- No protection against sexually transmitted diseases
BCP – how and How Much?
You need a prescription to use birth control pills. Combination pills come in a variety of schedules, including monthly packs, where you might have 21-, 24-, or 28-day cycles. Take one pill each day at the same time of the day. You will get your period during the week you are not taking hormones. Progestin-only pills come in packs of 28.
Apart from contraceptive pills there are also many options to avoid pregnancy
- Depo-Provera – It is a hormonal contraceptive injected into a muscle on the arm or buttock. The injection must be repeated every 3 months. The menstruation can become irregular and sometimes even absent.
- IUD – which is intrauterine device. This T-shaped device inserted into uterus and can be conveyed for 5-10 years. It is very effective in stopping an unplanned pregnancy.
- Diaphragm and Sponge with Spermicide – You can avoid pregnancy by using a a diaphragm, a flexible cup in the vagina to block sperm from entering the uterus, use with spermicide. The sponge is soft foam coated with spermicide and safe birth control. It looks like a donut, and covers the cervix when you insert it into your vagina.
- Birth control ring – It is soft, flexible ring that has to be inserted into the vagina and works by giving off hormones that prevent your ovaries from releasing eggs. There is no need to change it every day as it is effective for 3 weeks.
- Depot contraceptive injections – It is an injection containing medroxyprogesterone and very effective for 150 days. No periods occur while using this method.
- Female Sterilization/ tubectomy – It is a permanent form of contraception. It is done surgically. It blocks the fallopian tubes and prevents future pregnancies.
- Condoms – Last but not least condoms not only help to prevent pregnancy, but diseases and infections, too. If there is any risk your sexual partner could pass on an STD (sexually transmitted disease), condoms are a must. Now both male and female condoms are available. It is advisable to use a condom before every intercourse.
