Contraception or birth control is method adopted to prevent pregnancy. It can be emergency, temporary and permanent depending upon the need. Every method has its own pros and cons. But it is important to select any of these to prevent undesired pregnancy.
Temporary contraception
Temporary contraceptive are helpful in maintaining spacing and delaying conceiving. These birth control methods are temporary in nature which means conception occurs once you stop using it.
Various temporary contraceptive are:
- Combined oral contraceptives: Contains hormones estrogen and progestogen that prevents ovulation. This pill should NOT be taken while breastfeeding.
- Progestogen-only pills: Contains hormones progestogen only and can be taken while breastfeeding..
- Progestogen only injectable : Injected into the muscle every 2 or 3 months.
- Vaginal contraceptive ring
- Intrauterine device (IUD) : Copper containing T-shaped plastic device inserted into the uterus that steadily releases small amounts of levonorgestrel each day.
- Implants: Flexible rods or capsules placed under the skin of the upper arm that contains progestogen hormone.
- Male condom
- Female condom
Permanent contraception
Permanent contraception is sterilisation and does not allow conception and hence pregnancy. Generally this process is irreversible.
- Male sterilization (vasectomy): In this method vas deferens tubes that carry sperm from the testicles are blocked or cut which keeps sperm out of ejaculated semen.
- Female sterilization (tubal ligation): In this method of contraception fallopian tubes are cut which prevents eggs meeting sperms.
Emergency contraception
Emergency contraceptive( levonorgestrel 1.5 mg) are taken to avoid unplanned pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse. These pills must be taken within 72 hours to avoid pregnancy.
You can select contraception based on your need and by consulting a doctor.