Online Pharmicies |

The first question that hits most couples after marriage is ‘when to become parents?’ For some the choice is simple, while for others it can be baffling. Contraception can help control pregnancy till one feels that the time is right. Birth control methods incorporate the various modes of preventing pregnancy. Some even provide additional safety from sexually transmitted diseases such as AIDS, herpes, syphilis etc.

One of the age-old methods of birth control is natural family planning. This means periodic abstinence from intercourse during the fertile days for the woman. These are approximately the 12th to the 20th day of the menstrual cycle, counting day 1 as the first day of periods. For this method to work, one requires a lot of planning and commitment. Another natural method is the withdrawal in which the man tries to pull out before ejaculating. This can prove to be risky as sometimes the pre-ejaculation fluid that contains sperms leaks before the withdrawal.

Next is the category of barrier methods that include the condom, diaphragm, the cervical cap and contraceptive sponges. These methods prevent pregnancy by blocking sperm from getting into the uterus. Male condoms can be procured from any drug store. They are very affordable but can be used only once. As for the female condom, there is only one by the name of Reality, available so far. This needs to be inserted 24 hours prior to the intercourse. For the usage of a diaphragm or a cervical cap, one requires a doctor’s assistance to fit it into the body of the woman. However, the usage of a diaphragm, cervical cap or contraceptive sponge may increase the risk of urinary tract infections in some women. Some women have allergic reactions with these methods.

Oral contraception pertains to women taking the birth control pill containing estrogen and progestin. The pill aids contraception by preventing ovulation. There is availability of the mini pill as well, which only contains the hormone, progestin. This pill thickens the cervical mucus and thus, prevents the sperm from reaching the egg. It also prevents the implantation of a fertilized egg on the uterine wall. Hormone injections or shots also work on the lines of the pill to prevent pregnancy. These injections can prevent pregnancy up to 3 months but it is advisable for women not to take them for more than 2 years in a row because they are known to cause a temporary loss of bone density. Yet another methodology working on a similar principle is the hormonal birth control patch, which is applied either to the buttocks, abdomen, upper torso or outer arm; thus, releasing the hormones into the bloodstream. IUD or the intra uterine device is a small structure inserted by a doctor into the uterus of a woman. The principle behind the working of the pill and IUD is the same but doctors prefer to use the IUD on women who have already had a baby. The vaginal contraceptive ring is a thin, flexible ring that can be inserted into the vagina by the woman herself and requires a change in 3 weeks. It releases hormones that prevent pregnancy.

Permanent method of birth control involves sterilization. Tubal ligation in women closes the fallopian tubes so that the eggs are unable to travel through them to reach the uterus, whereas vasectomy in men closes off the vas deferens so the sperm cannot travel through.

Despite an array of family planning methods, one thing is sure that none are fool proof. Also, there is no best method as each one has its pros and cons. Any birth control method can fail so the only way to ensure no pregnancy is abstinence.