Contraception is the various ways and techniques for preventing pregnancy. It affords individuals independence in determining their reproductive health and helps them to take informed decisions concerning when to become pregnant and raise a child. Now, with the advancement in medical technology, varied availability of contraception methods for both men and women is available. However you’ll have to take the time to consider the best method for you among the many choices. This paper will discuss with the reader the various types of contraception around and their effectiveness, accompanied by anything the reader should know of in choosing and using a birth control method.
Types of Contraception
1. Hormonal Methods
Hormonal methods of contraception involve the use of hormones, such as estrogen and progestin, to prevent pregnancy. These methods work by preventing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and thinning the lining of the uterus. The most common hormonal birth control methods include the birth control pill, the patch, the shot, the vaginal ring, and the hormonal IUD. These methods are highly effective, with a success rate of 91-99%, but they do require consistency and adherence to be effective.
2. Barrier Methods
Barrier methods create a physical barrier between the sperm and the egg, preventing fertilization. These methods include male and female condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, and spermicides. While barrier methods are readily available and have no side effects, their effectiveness can vary from 79-95% depending on proper use.
3. Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs)
LARCs are highly effective and require minimal effort to use. They include the hormonal and non-hormonal IUDs and the contraceptive implant. These methods can last from 3-12 years and can be removed at any time if the individual decides they want to become pregnant.
4. Sterilization
Sterilization is a permanent form of contraception for both men and women. For men, this involves a vasectomy, where the vas deferens, the tubes that carry sperm, are cut and sealed. For women, this involves tubal ligation, where the fallopian tubes are cut, tied, or blocked. These methods are over 99% effective and are a good option for those who do not want any more children.
Effectiveness of Contraception
The effectiveness of contraception methods can be measured by their perfect use and typical use rates. Perfect use refers to using the method correctly and consistently every time. Typical use refers to the effectiveness of the method in real-life situations, where human error and other factors can affect its success rate. Below is a table showing the effectiveness rates of different contraceptive methods:
Method Perfect Use Typical Use
Hormonal Methods 99% 91%
Barrier Methods 98% 82%
LARCs 99% 99%
Sterilization 99.9% 99.5%
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Contraception Method
There are several important factors to consider when choosing a contraception method, including effectiveness, convenience, side effects, and personal preferences. It is essential to discuss these factors with your healthcare provider to determine which method is best suited for your individual needs.
Effectiveness: Effectiveness is one of the most crucial factors to consider when choosing a contraception method. Hormonal and Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptive (LARC) methods are the most effective methods as they do not rely on human error for their success. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hormonal methods such as the pill, patch, and ring have a failure rate of 6% to 12% per year, while LARC methods such as intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants have a failure rate of less than 1% per year (CDC, 2021).
Convenience: Convenience is another essential factor to consider when choosing a contraception method. Some methods, such as the birth control pill, require daily use and can be easily forgotten, reducing their effectiveness. On the other hand, LARC methods and sterilization require little effort and are long-lasting. The CDC reports that LARC methods have a failure rate of less than 1% per year, making them a highly convenient option. Additionally, individuals who prefer a method that does not require daily attention may find LARC methods appealing.
Side Effects: Hormonal methods can have potential side effects, such as weight gain, mood changes, and decreased libido. These side effects can be uncomfortable and may affect an individual’s decision to continue using hormonal methods. If an individual has concerns about side effects, they may want to consider non-hormonal methods like barrier methods or LARCs. However, it is essential to note that non-hormonal methods may have their own set of side effects. For example, barrier methods such as condoms and diaphragms may cause allergic reactions or discomfort during intercourse.
Personal Preferences: Personal preferences, such as an individual’s comfort level with using a method and their religious or moral beliefs, should also be taken into consideration when choosing a contraception method. For instance, some individuals may not be comfortable using hormonal birth control methods and may prefer non-hormonal options like condoms or natural family planning. Moreover, some individuals may object to certain methods based on their religious or moral beliefs. In such cases, it is essential to consider alternative options that align with their beliefs and comfort level.
Conclusion
Contraception is a very important aspect of reproductive health, and it is important for a method to be chosen according to what a person’s individual needs or likes are. There are quite a good number of options available, and you should be comfortable with such methods and discuss them with your healthcare provider. Remember, no method is perfect and thus some level of trial and error might be needful. This entails an understanding of types of contraception and some key considerations that would enable one to make an informed decision and take control of one’s reproductive health.
