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Also known as contraceptive methods, birth control methods help to prevent pregnancy when a couple is not ready to have a baby. However, none of the birth control methods are fully effective, and there is always a chance of failure. Consult your healthcare provider and go for the best method for your relationship.

This article discovers the various categories of birth control, the OTC birth control devices, and some essential details related to it.

Birth Control includes several methods that prevent the fertilisation and formation of a new life. Couples who have children and don’t want more or couples that don’t want children usually go for these methods. Some birth control methods are long-acting, and some are short-acting.

Birth control methods are divided into specific categories based on their way of working:

1. Hormonal Methods

These alter your body's hormonal levels and intervene with the ovulation process. The commonly used hormonal methods are explained below:

• Implants: These are small rods placed under your arm's skin, which provide a basal level of progestin. It is viable for up to 3 years.
• Intrauterine Devices(IUD): These are T-shaped devices put inside the uterus. They make the uterus hostile and prevent pregnancy.
• Pills: Pills are composed of progestin that thickens the cervical mucus to block the entry of the sperm.
• Injection: These are progestin shots to be injected every 12 weeks. This stops ovulating and thickens the cervical mucus.

2. Fertility Awareness

Fertility awareness is a birth control method that includes keeping track of the fertile window of a woman. The options under fertility awareness are:

• Rhythm Method: In this method, the couple abstains from having sex during the fertile period of the woman.
• Sexual Abstinence: The couple refrains from having sex throughout their life. However, this is quite impractical.
• Cervical Mucus Method: In this, the vaginal discharge is tested for fertility and the couple is advised to avoid having sex during the fertile period.

3. Barrier Methods

These methods build up a barrier between the ovum and sperm and prevent the process of fertilisation. Some of the barrier methods are:

• Condoms: Condoms are latex coverings that are rolled over a penis when it is erect. However, they may rip easily when put in a lot of force.
• Diaphragm: It is a dome-shaped cup that is used in the vagina to stop the sperm from entering the uterus.
• Spermicide: These are available as gels, tablets, or creams and work by damaging sperm motility.
• Cervical Cap: It is a silicone cup coated with spermicide that fits in the cervix. It has to be inserted as early as 6 hours before coitus.
• Sponge: It is a doughnut-shaped device that is loaded with spermicide and builds up a barrier between sperm and the cervix.

4. Sterilisation

These are surgical procedures of birth control that are most effective and have a permanent effect. The sterilisation procedures are:

• Tubal Ligation: This is a surgical procedure in females where a part of the fallopian tube is tied and blocked to prevent pregnancy.
• Vasectomy: In this, the vas deferens are sealed in men to prevent the sperms from reaching the urethra.
• Salpingectomy: This refers to the surgical removal of fallopian tubes to prevent the ovum from reaching the uterus.

The most effective form of birth control is abstaining from sexual intercourse. However, it is a challenging thing for couples to achieve. Therefore, couples should always think of a backup plan for birth control in their mind. Only the correct and consistent use of birth control methods can produce results.

Other than sexual abstinence, the other effective forms of birth control are implants, intrauterine devices, and sterilisation. Using barrier methods can also prevent infectious diseases such as STIs. The least effective methods include coitus interruptus and fertility awareness.

When going for a birth control method, it is very crucial to consider the following points:

• Acceptability: The birth control method must be equally acceptable to you and your partner. Your partner should feel comfortable with your choice of birth control and not feel otherwise.
• Side Effects: The chosen birth control should have minimum side effects. Birth control should in no way cause severe harm and hamper the body’s physiological process.
• Consistency: It is essential for both the male and the female partner to use birth control consistently to produce results. Skipping or ignoring them may not produce the desired results.
• Effectiveness: Before adopting any birth control method, always learn thoroughly about its effectiveness because that is the most critical cause behind using one. Also, learn how to use it as well.

STI stands for Sexually Transmitted Infections. Barrier birth control methods such as condoms and femidoms prevent the mixing of body fluids and hence are fully effective in the prevention of STIs such as gonorrhoea or HIV.

Not all of the birth control methods are available to people without the prescription of a doctor. The following birth control devices can be bought without a prescription:

• Male Condoms: They should be worn by the male partner throughout the session to achieve the desired effect.
• Female Condoms: These are not as efficient as male condoms, but when in dire need, they serve the purpose.
• Spermicide: Spermicidal agents should be used 10 to 30 minutes before having sex. However, it is not very reliable.
• Contraceptive Sponge: For it to work efficiently, the vaginal sponge should be in the vagina for at least 6 hours and at most 24 hours.
• Emergency Contraception: If you had unprotected sex or the birth control failed, emergency contraception comes in handy in that situation.

Out of the methods mentioned above, the rhythm method and the sexual abstinence method are the only natural birth control methods. However, coitus interruptus is also known to be another natural birth control method that has the least amount of success rate.

Knowledge about different types of birth control methods gives you the privilege to choose the best one that suits you. Your decision should also align with your partner, and it should in no way make your partner uncomfortable. However, getting a professional opinion always helps and eases the process for a couple.