And How To Know What Suits You
Contraception has been part and parcel of modern life for a long time. The first diaphragm was manufactured in the United States in 1937.
Since then, contraceptives have been used increasingly all over the world. With increased sexual activity comes increased use of contraceptives.
Contraception has two main roles to play in the lives of modern adults. The first is to prevent the contraction of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The second is to prevent unwanted pregnancies in females.
Both are very important considering how they could affect the life of both partners involved. Therefore, it is not an understatement to say that contraception has been important in shaping the world the way it is today.
There are currently about fifteen methods of contraception available in the UK and most other parts of the world. The type of contraception that suits you will depend on factors such as age, health, lifestyle, and side effects among others.
Types of Contraception
There are five main types of contraception available today. The first includes the barrier method of contraception which means a barrier is used to prevent harmful materials from entering the body. They include condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, and contraceptive sponges.
The second type of contraception is the short-acting hormonal method. You have to use them frequently (daily, weekly or monthly) for them to be effective. They include birth control pills, vaginal rings, and contraceptive injections.
The other type of contraception is the long-acting hormonal methods which last for between three and ten years. They include IUDs (intrauterine devices) and contraceptive implants.
The fourth type of contraception is sterilization which means a permanent method of contraception. For men, it will be a vasectomy whereas for women it is tubal ligation.
The fifth type of contraception is known as fertility awareness methods. It involves becoming aware and knowledgeable about your reproductive system to know when you are most likely to be pregnant. You may also use other methods of contraception around this time.
There are also emergency contraception methods for example the morning after pill, but they are not a main category on their own.
The following is how to know which contraception method is right for you:
Effectiveness
The first way to evaluate whether a method of contraception for you is to evaluate its effectiveness. The typical method used is to measure the success rate among 100 people that use it. Therefore, if 100 people use it, and it fails 2 of them, it is 98% effective.
There are several tools you can use to find out if a contraceptive method is right for you. There are particular online tools to use to find a contraception partner. The effectiveness of a contraception method will have much to do with it.
Contraception methods need to be used consistently and appropriately if they are to be effective. Those methods that require less work usually have higher effectiveness rates which you should consider when choosing a contraceptive method.
Reversibility
Another way you can evaluate contraception methods to find one that is right for you is to consider your reproductive goals in the long run. The main factor to consider in this regard will be whether the method is reversible.
If you plan on having a child in the future, then you should opt for a contraceptive method that is reversible. A vasectomy or tubal ligation will only do for those that are certain that they don’t want children at all in the future.
A short-acting hormonal method will be ideal for those that want an easily reversible contraception method. Long-acting hormonal methods will be better for those who want to wait a while.
Convenience and Affordability
A crucial consideration to make when choosing a method of contraception is whether it suits your lifestyle. A contraceptive will have a higher chance of being successful if it is compatible with your lifestyle.
The convenience of a contraception method means different things to different people. For some, it will mean that they do not need a prescription while for others it will mean that it is easy to use. The most convenient method is the one that is right for you.
The price of contraception matters significantly as well. The easier it is to afford, the more likely you are to use it.
Side Effects
When it comes to choosing a method of contraception, the side effects are paramount. Some contraceptives can have serious side effects that disrupt your lifestyle.
Different methods of contraception will have different side effects on different people. It is up to you to discuss with your doctor which side effects it will specifically have on you.
Common side effects of contraceptives include reduced libido and skin damage. The contraception method with the least side effect will be the best option.
Protection Against STDs
A crucial component of choosing a contraceptive method will be the protection it offers against STDs. It is especially so for those people with multiple sexual partners.
It is vital that you consider this because there are STDs that are deadly and have no cure. Therefore, the method of contraception might just save your life.
Male and female condoms are currently the only methods of contraception that offer protection against STDs. If you are not in a committed relationship, you should use a condom, and even when you are in one, a condom is still advisable.
Additional Benefits
Besides offering protection from STDs, you should also consider which other benefits a contraception method can provide you. Preventing pregnancy is a mandatory benefit of contraception and once that is addressed, check for other benefits.
There are contraceptives that offer other benefits such as more predictable and lighter menstrual cycles which are a great benefit for women. A contraception method might also reduce the risk of getting certain cancers.
Consult your doctor and find out which contraception method offers the most benefits. The more benefits a contraceptive offers, the better it is.
Contraception is an important aspect of our lives and particularly for sexually active adults. They will not only help prevent unwanted pregnancies but also offer other benefits. Use the above points to find out which contraception method is right for you. It is ultimately a personal decision that you will have to make.
