What is the best way to plan your family? (Birth Control Options) Let's talk!

If you're not ready to start a family yet, or if you already have children and aren't thinking about having another child, It is very important to be aware of family planning methods , that is, birth control methods (Birth Control or Contraception). Because, let's say you are sexually active, then if you have unprotected sex, you can get pregnant at any time. Therefore, it is very important to choose a birth control method that suits you. So, let's talk about this in detail, shall we?

What is this family planning method (Birth Control)?

Simply put, a family planning method is a method you use to prevent pregnancy. We also call this contraception. There are many different types of methods. The most important thing is that these methods only work if you use them correctly. Therefore, it is worth taking the time to understand exactly how each method works and how to use it. If you are sexually active and are not currently trying to have a baby, you should definitely use a birth control method.

What method is best for you and your partner?

Before choosing the best birth control method, it's important to talk about it with your partner. It's also a good idea to talk to your doctor about it. Consider these things when choosing the method that's right for you:

• Is it easy to use? How comfortable are you with this method?
• How effective is it at preventing pregnancy ? (If used correctly)
• Does it protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?
• What is your age and overall health ?
• Do you have any plans to have a child in the future?
• What are the side effects or risks ?
• How often do you have sex? Or how many partners do you have?
• How important is privacy? (Do you want to keep the method you use a secret?)
• Are there other benefits? For example, things like less bleeding during menstruation or a more regular menstrual cycle .

How do these birth control methods work?

Each birth control method works a little differently. In simple terms, here's what happens:

• It prevents a sperm from meeting an egg.
• It prevents an egg from being released from your ovary .
• It damages sperm, making them unable to swim to an egg.
• It thickens your cervical mucus, making it impossible for sperm to pass through.
• It changes the lining of your uterus, making it impossible for a fertilized egg to implant.

What are the most effective birth control methods?

In fact, the only 100% effective way to prevent pregnancy is to abstain from sex completely. However, many people find it difficult to maintain this. Therefore, it is important to consider another form of birth control.

In general, a birth control method is only effective if you use it correctly and consistently. Therefore, methods that are easy to use and do not require frequent maintenance are most often effective. Examples of these are birth control implants, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and permanent family planning surgery (sterilization).

On the other hand, methods such as Fertility Awareness Methods or Pulling Out are among the least successful methods of preventing pregnancy.

Often, it's best to use two methods of birth control together. For example, using a condom and birth control pills. That way, you're protected against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), using a barrier method, and taking hormonal medication.

What are the types of birth control? (Types of Birth Control)

Before you choose a method, you should talk to your partner and your doctor about it. Birth control methods are only effective if you use them correctly. So, make sure you understand exactly how to use the method you choose.

There are several main types of birth control methods:

• Barrier Methods: These methods work by preventing sperm from entering your uterus. You should use this method every time you have sex.
• Hormonal Medication and Devices: These methods use hormones to prevent ovulation or to change the condition of the uterus and cervix. Some hormonal medications need to be taken daily (short-term), while others are inserted by a doctor under the skin of your arm or into your uterus (long-term).
• Permanent Family Planning Surgery - Sterilization: This is a surgery that permanently prevents pregnancy. There are sterilization surgeries that can be performed on both men and women.
• Fertility Awareness Methods: Also known as Natural Family Planning, these methods use natural methods to prevent pregnancy.
• Emergency Contraception: If your birth control method fails, you can use these methods to protect yourself from pregnancy. This is like a last resort "safety net."
• Abstinence: Abstaining from sexual intercourse to prevent pregnancy.

Now let's look at each of these types in a little more detail.

Barrier Methods

Condoms (male contraceptives)

• What is it? A condom is a thin covering made of latex, plastic, or sheepskin. It is worn over the erect penis. This covering prevents semen containing sperm from entering your vagina. However, because condoms can tear easily, they may not be as effective as other birth control methods.
• How to use it? The condom should be put on the erect penis before having sex. Use a new condom each time you have sex.
• Where can you get them? You can buy condoms at pharmacies and supermarkets.
• How effective are they? If you put them on before you start having sex and use them without tearing, condoms are about 85% effective.
• What else do you need to know? Although not 100% effective, condoms are the best way to protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Use only water-based lubricants (e.g., KY Jelly®, Astroglide®) with condoms. Oil-based lubricants (e.g., Vaseline®, Baby Oil) can cause condoms to break. If a condom breaks, consider emergency contraception.

Spermicide

• What is it? Spermicide is a gel, cream, or suppository that is inserted into the vagina. It prevents sperm from reaching an egg. The chemicals in it damage the sperm, making it difficult for them to swim to an egg. For this to be effective, you need to follow the instructions exactly. There is also a vaginal gel available by prescription (`Phexxi®`). It works by lowering the pH of the vagina, making it difficult for sperm to swim.
• How to use it? Spermicide and vaginal gel should be inserted into the vagina 15-30 minutes before having sex. Most spermicides work for about an hour, after which they need to be reapplied. Reapply spermicide every time you have sex, and do not wash it off after sex.
• Where can I get it? Spermicide can be purchased from pharmacies and supermarkets. Vaginal gel that lowers the pH level (`Phexxi®`) can only be purchased with a doctor's prescription.
• How successful is it?Spermicide alone is only 70% effective in preventing pregnancy. However, spermicide used in combination with another barrier method can be up to 94% effective. Vaginal gel, which is prescribed by a doctor, is only 85% - 93% effective.
• What else do you need to know? Spermicide does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In fact, it may increase your risk. Because the chemicals in spermicide can irritate your vagina, making it easier for infections to enter.

Diaphragm

• What is it? A diaphragm is a foldable, reusable, dome-shaped device that is inserted into the vagina to prevent pregnancy. It covers your cervix and stops sperm from entering the uterus. You should always use a water-based spermicide or birth control gel with a diaphragm.
• How to use it? A diaphragm is like a small cap or cup. You fold it in half and push it up into the vagina, covering the cervix. Insert the diaphragm an hour or two before having sex. Remove it 6 to 24 hours after having sex. For maximum protection, apply spermicide around the edge of the diaphragm before having sex.
• Where to get one? Some diaphragms come in different sizes. Therefore, you should see a doctor and have a vaginal exam to find the right size for you. It is very important to get a diaphragm that fits properly. If you lose or gain more than 10-15 pounds, you may need to have your diaphragm refitted by a doctor. However, some diaphragms, like `Caya®`, come in a "one-size-fits-most" size, so they don't need to be adjusted.
• How effective is it? The vaginal diaphragm is about 87% effective. However, if used correctly (with spermicide) and consistently, it can be up to 94% effective.
• What else do you need to know? Using a diaphragm and spermicide does not protect against some sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV (the virus that causes AIDS).

Cervical Cap

• What is it? A cervical cap is a thimble-like cup made of silicone or soft rubber that fits snugly over your cervix.
• How to use it? First, apply spermicide to the diaphragm. Then, insert the diaphragm into your vagina and place it over your cervix. The diaphragm blocks your cervix, and the spermicide kills sperm. You can insert the diaphragm up to six hours before having sex. Do not remove the diaphragm until at least eight hours after having sex. The diaphragm can be left in place for up to 48 hours. Use the diaphragm exactly as directed.
• Where can I get it?To choose the right cervical cap for you, you should see a doctor and have a vaginal exam. Like a diaphragm, it only works if it fits properly.
• How effective is it? A cervical cap is about 78% effective at preventing pregnancy. However, when used with spermicide, it can be up to 85% effective.
• What else do you need to know? Using a cervical cap and spermicide does not provide as much protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as condoms.

Female Condom

• What is this? A female condom is a lubricated plastic tube. It has two flexible rings on either side. One end of the tube is closed.
• How to use it? Before sexual activity begins, insert the condom into the vagina. The closed end of the tube covers the cervix, and the other end covers the labia. The condom prevents sperm from entering the uterus. Remove the condom after sexual intercourse.
• Where can you get it? Female condoms can be purchased from pharmacies and supermarkets without a doctor's prescription.
• How effective is it? Even with female condoms, about 21% of women get pregnant per year.
• What else do you need to know? Female condoms offer some protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), but male condoms offer the best protection.

Sponge

• What is this? A vaginal sponge is a small, doughnut-shaped device that contains spermicide. It acts as a barrier between sperm and your cervix.
• How does it work? You wet the sponge with water, insert it into your vagina, and position it so that it covers your cervix. When it's wet, it releases spermicide. The sponge has enough spermicide for about 24 hours. That means you can insert it up to 24 hours before you have sex. Always leave it in for six hours after sex. It's not a good idea to leave a sponge in your vagina for more than 30 hours.
• Where can I get it? The sponge can be purchased without a prescription at most pharmacies and supermarkets.
• How effective is it? The birth control sponge is between 76% and 91% effective at preventing pregnancy (depending on how well you use it). Also, the sponge is more effective if you've never had a baby.
• What else do you need to know? Using the sponge increases the risk of vaginal infections, and it does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Hormonal Devices and Contraception

Birth Control Implant

• What is this?Nexplanon® is a small device about the size of a matchstick. It is inserted by a doctor under the skin of your upper arm. It releases a hormone called progestin continuously. It can be left in place for about three years, after which it can be removed or a new one inserted. Some people like it because it is maintenance-free, does not interfere with sex, and can be kept secret.
• How do doctors place this? A doctor places it in the office. First, they numb the inside of your upper arm so you don't feel any pain. Then, they use a special device to place the needle under your skin. The area is covered with a bandage. A doctor also removes it (you can't remove it yourself).
• Where can I get one? A birth control pill must be prescribed by a doctor.
• How effective is it? Birth control pills are nearly 100% effective. They are the most effective reversible birth control method available.
• What else do you need to know? Birth control pills have risks, and they don't work for everyone. The most common side effect is irregular bleeding, but it's usually mild. This usually gets better after 6-12 months, but some people may stop having periods altogether. Other side effects include breast pain and headaches.

Intrauterine Device (IUD)

• What is it? An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small, flexible, 'T'-shaped device that is placed inside your uterus to prevent pregnancy. There are two types of IUDs:
• An IUD made of copper.
• An IUD made of plastic that contains hormones (progestin).
• The copper-containing IUD, called the ParaGard T380A®, can be left in place for 10 years. The copper works by blocking sperm from traveling through your vagina and uterus and meeting an egg.
• IUDs that contain progestin are:
• `Mirena®` (lasts 7 years)
• `Liletta®` (lasts 6 years)
• `Kyleena®` (lasts 5 years)
• `Skyla®` (lasts 3 years)
• These IUDs work by thickening your cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to reach an egg. They also thin the lining of your uterus with hormones, which reduces menstrual bleeding.
• How to use it? IUDs are a "get it and forget it" type of birth control. This means that once you have it inserted, you can forget about it because there is no daily or monthly maintenance involved.
• Where can I get one? After a vaginal exam, a doctor inserts the IUD into your uterus. It can only be obtained with a doctor's prescription.
• How effective is it? The IUD is almost 100% effective.
• Does it hurt when an IUD is inserted?No, it shouldn't hurt when you have an IUD inserted. You may feel some discomfort or a little backache after the doctor inserts it. The same goes for removing the IUD - you may feel some discomfort.
• What else do you need to know? Side effects vary depending on the type of IUD you use. Copper IUDs can cause painful and heavy periods. Some people prefer copper IUDs because they do not contain hormones. The most common side effect of progestin IUDs is irregular bleeding. This usually gets better after 6-12 months. Some people may stop having periods altogether. The IUD is removed by a doctor. If you get pregnant while you have the IUD, it is more likely to be an ectopic pregnancy.

IUDs can also be used as emergency contraception. That is, within 120 hours (5 days) of unprotected sex. In fact, this is more effective than the morning-after pill.

Hormonal Pills, Patch, and Ring

• What are these? The pill, patch, and ring are medicines you take to prevent pregnancy. The pill is taken daily, the vaginal ring (`NuvaRing®`) is inserted once a month, and the patch (`Xulane®`) is changed once a week. Most hormonal birth control methods contain two types of hormones (`Estrogen` and `Progestin`). All of these methods work by preventing ovulation.
• How to use it? You need to take a pill at the same time every day. There are several types of pills. Some are designed to cause your period to come every month, while others are designed to lengthen the time between periods or to stop your period altogether. You change the vaginal ring every month, allowing your period to come. A birth control patch releases hormones through your skin. You change the patch once a week. All of these methods need to be used correctly and consistently. If you forget to use them, you can have irregular periods and even get pregnant.
• Where can I get it? Hormonal birth control can only be obtained with a doctor's prescription.
• How effective are they? Combined hormonal birth control methods can be 99% effective if used correctly. However, because many people don't use them correctly, the success rate is only about 91%. Although not as effective as an IUD or implant, hormonal birth control methods like the pill are much more effective than barrier methods like condoms.
• What else do you need to know? Minor side effects may occur in the first few months after you start using the pill. Examples:
• Breast pain/tenderness
• Nausea
• Headache
• Irregular menstruation
• Birth control methods that contain estrogen increase the risk of blood clots.Therefore, talk to your doctor to see if birth control methods that contain estrogen are right for you. Hormonal birth control also has benefits. For example, regular periods with less bleeding and less menstrual pain. People who use birth control pills may also experience less acne and PMS.

Progestin-Only Pills (Mini Pills)

• What are these? These are birth control pills that contain only one hormone (progestin).
• How do they work? Minipills thicken your cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to reach an egg. The hormones in the pills thin the lining of your uterus, which reduces menstrual bleeding. For the minipill to be most effective, it's important to take the pill at the same time every day. "Minipills" that contain only progestin can be taken with a doctor's prescription.
• How effective are they? Like combination birth control pills, progestin-only pills can be 99% effective. However, they are actually only 91% effective because many people don't use them correctly.
• What else do you need to know? The most common side effect of progestin-only pills is irregular bleeding, but this is usually mild. This usually improves after 6-12 months. The minipill is a good option for women who are breastfeeding or who cannot take estrogen.

Depo-Provera® - Birth Control Shot

• What is it? Depo-Provera® is a form of the hormone progestin. It stops you from ovulating and thickens your cervical mucus to make it harder for sperm to reach an egg.
• How to use it? The birth control shot is an injection. Your doctor gives it in your upper thigh or upper arm. One shot protects against pregnancy for about 12 weeks (three months). Some doctors let you inject yourself with a low-dose version (`Depo-Subq Provera 104®`) at home.
• Where can I get it? Depo-Provera® must be prescribed by a doctor. They will inject the hormone for you in the office. If you are using the low-dose version, you may be able to inject yourself at home.
• How effective is it? The Depo-Provera® shot is 99% effective. However, about 6% of women get pregnant each year because they don't get the shot on time.
• What else should you know? Depo-Provera® can cause irregular bleeding. People who use it for more than a year may stop menstruating while taking the medication. It may be the only birth control method that can cause weight gain. Compared to other birth control methods, it can be a little harder to tell when your fertility will return after stopping Depo-Provera®.

Fertility Awareness Methods - Natural Family Planning

Rhythm Method

• What is it? The Rhythm Method teaches you to identify when you ovulate. This helps you determine your most fertile days, the days when you are most likely to get pregnant. You avoid having sex on your fertile days.
• How do you do it? You use a calendar to track your ovulation and predict it. This requires you to track and record your menstrual cycle for a few months, then you can predict your menstrual cycle.
• How effective is it? This is one of the least effective birth control methods. Even when used correctly, it is only between 75% and 88% effective.
• What else do you need to know? The calendar method won't work if you have irregular menstrual cycles. The advantages are that it has no side effects, and it's inexpensive.

Cervical Mucus Method

• What is this? Cervical mucus monitoring is a method of analyzing your vaginal discharge to determine when you are most fertile. You avoid having sex during your fertile period.
• How do you do it? You can check your cervical mucus using your finger or by looking at your underwear. Fertile cervical mucus is slippery, clear, and has an egg white-like consistency. If it's thick, pasty, you're not fertile. Learning how your cervical mucus changes throughout each menstrual cycle can help you predict when you're going to ovulate.
• How effective is it? Cervical screening can be up to 88% effective. Most of the time, it's about 75% effective.
• What else do you need to know? Tracking your cervical mucus is a time-consuming and commitment-intensive process. This can take up to two weeks and you will need to avoid having sex on your most fertile days. Sometimes it can be hard to figure out exactly when it's safe to have sex.

Basal Body Temperature Method

• What is this? Measuring your basal body temperature is another way to determine when you are ovulating. For this to work, you need a thermometer that can measure at least one-tenth of a degree.
• How to do it? Take your temperature every morning before you get out of bed (and even before you stand up). Your daily body temperature usually rises less than half a degree after you ovulate. After your temperature rises, you can have unprotected sex for about three days. It can take several cycles to determine when this rise occurs each month.
• How effective is it? It is not effective when used alone,Because this only tells you that ovulation has occurred, not that it is imminent. Since you can get pregnant up to five days before ovulation, this is a very unreliable method.
• What else do you need to know? It takes a lot of dedication to chart your temperature every morning while you're at rest. Although it's less expensive, it doesn't provide as much protection against pregnancy as barrier methods or hormonal birth control.

Abstinence from sexual intercourse

• What is this? Abstinence is the only birth control method that is 100% effective. That means you never have sex. It is also the only way to protect yourself from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

If someone is forcing you to have sex and you don't feel ready, don't give in. It's an important decision that has serious emotional and physical consequences.

Emergency Contraception

Morning-After Pill

• What is it? Emergency contraception is a form of birth control that you can use within 120 hours (5 days) of unprotected sex. It is most effective at preventing pregnancy if used within three days of unprotected sex.
• The most effective morning-after pills contain `ulipristal` (brand name: `ella®`). It can only be obtained with a doctor's prescription. There are several options available without a doctor's prescription, all of which contain `levonorgestrel` (e.g., `Plan B One-Step®`, `Take Action®`, and many other brands).
• How do they work? The pill temporarily stops egg production (delays ovulation) and prevents pregnancy.
• Where can I get it? `Levonorgestrel` pills can be purchased at your nearest pharmacy without a prescription. `Ulipristal` (`ella®`) can only be purchased with a prescription.
• How effective is it? Emergency contraceptive pills can be up to 90% effective if taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. However, no pill will work if you have already ovulated. That's why it's important to take them as soon as possible after sex.

IUDs for Emergency Contraception

• Can IUDs be used for emergency birth control? Yes, both copper-containing IUDs (Paragard®) and progestin-only IUDs (Mirena® or Liletta®) can be used as emergency birth control if inserted within 120 hours (5 days) of unprotected sex. This is the most effective form of emergency birth control. The advantage of using IUDs for emergency birth control is that you are protected from future unwanted pregnancies while you are looking for a birth control method.
• IUDs that contain progestin work by thickening your cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to reach an egg. The hormones thin the lining of your uterus, which reduces menstrual bleeding. The copper IUD works by stopping sperm from reaching an egg.
• Where can I get one? A doctor prescribes and inserts IUDs.
• How effective are they? If inserted within 5 days of unprotected sex, IUDs can be nearly 100% effective at preventing pregnancy.
• What else should you know about emergency birth control? It is normal to have irregular periods after taking emergency birth control. However, if you do not get your period within a few weeks of taking emergency birth control, you should take a pregnancy test. It is very important to use condoms or abstain from sex for five days after taking emergency birth control, or you could get pregnant. If you are taking emergency birth control pills regularly, talk to your doctor about more effective ways to prevent pregnancy. The advantage of using IUDs as an emergency birth control method is that you are taking an active step to protect yourself from future unwanted pregnancies.

Permanent Family Planning Surgery - Sterilization

Salpingectomy (removal of the fallopian tubes)

• What is it? Salpingectomy is a surgical procedure that permanently removes your fallopian tubes. This prevents an egg from reaching your uterus. It also prevents sperm from reaching the fallopian tube, where fertilization normally occurs. Doctors prefer this surgery over tubal ligation (which involves tying the fallopian tubes without removing them completely). This is because if you get pregnant after having your tubes tied, there is a higher chance of an ectopic pregnancy.
• How is it done? The doctor performs this surgery while you are under anesthesia. They make two or three small cuts in your abdomen and insert an instrument called a laparoscope. Through the laparoscope, they can seal off your fallopian tubes and remove them completely.
• How successful is it? This surgery is almost 100% successful.
• What else do you need to know? Female sterilization is permanent. You should not have a permanent sterilization if you think you may change your mind about having children in the future. Although it can rarely be reversed, the surgery has risks and can be very expensive. It does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Tubal Ligation

• What is this?Tubal ligation is a procedure that blocks your fallopian tubes. A surgeon clips, ties, or blocks your fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy. This procedure is similar to a salpingectomy, but it does not completely remove your fallopian tubes. If you become pregnant after having your tubes tied, there is a higher risk of an ectopic pregnancy.
• How successful is it? Tubal ligation is almost 100% successful.

Male sterilization surgery (Vasectomy)

• What is this? A vasectomy is a procedure that seals the vas deferens, the tube that carries sperm to the male reproductive system. Without sperm, pregnancy cannot occur.
• How is it done? Doctors usually perform this procedure in an office or operating room, under local anesthesia. Your surgeon makes a small incision in your scrotum to access the tubes that carry sperm. Then, they tie or cut the tubes.
• How successful is it? Male sterilization surgery is almost 100% successful, but it can also fail. It's important to know that it doesn't provide immediate protection against pregnancy. You'll need to use additional birth control for a few months after the surgery, until your doctor can confirm that there are no longer any sperm in your semen.
• What else do you need to know? Sterilization does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). In some cases, your doctor may be able to reverse a male sterilization procedure. Male sterilization has a lower risk of complications than laparoscopic salpingectomy.

How successful is "Pulling Out"?

The "Withdrawal Method" is the process of removing the penis from the vagina before ejaculation. Removing the penis before ejaculation is a method of preventing pregnancy, but it is very ineffective. Because it is very difficult to do. Even a small amount of semen can get a woman pregnant. Of those who use "withdrawal" as their only birth control method, about one in five (20%) will get pregnant in a year.

What is the best way to protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?

Condoms are the best way to protect against STIs. However, condoms are not the most effective way to prevent pregnancy. Condoms work best when used with another form of birth control.

Finally, I have to tell you... (Take-Home Message)

By learning more about different birth control methods, you can decide which method is best for you. Consider things like how often you have sex, your overall health, and your plans for having children in the future. Another important consideration is convenience. Some birth control methods (like the pill) require daily maintenance to be effective, while others (like the IUD) can last for years and can be "put on and forget about." Some birth control methods are easier to keep out of sight, and some are better at preserving the naturalness of sex than others.

The most important thing is to talk to a doctor about your birth control options. They can explain to you how each birth control method works, as well as the risks and benefits of each method. Remember, choosing the method that is right for you is very important for your health and your life!

` Family planning, birth control, contraception, condoms, hormonal methods, IUD, sterilization