Different Types Of Birth Control

Different Types Of Birth Control

Family planning has a lot of added benefits other than just avoiding an unplanned pregnancy. Studies have often reflected the fact that proper family planning has a number of positive effects for families.

Some of these include:

• Reduces the risk of maternal mortality
• Reduces the risk of infant mortality
• Reduces the number of unsafe abortions
• Promotes social and economic security for the family
• Increases the chances for the child to grow up in a properly nurturing environment

What Are The Different Types Of Contraception?

You can classify birth control in two ways;

1. Barrier Contraception: as the name implies, barrier contraception physically impairs the ability of the sperm to reach the egg, preventing fertilization and hence pregnancy. This is the most commonly used birth control in the form of condoms and copper IUDs.
2. Hormonal Contraception: this type of contraception uses hormones that influence the female reproductive cycle to prevent fertilization and avoid pregnancy.

Common Types Of Birth Control

1. Birth Control Pills

These pills contain a combination of estrogen and progesterone hormone or they can contain estrogen only. They prevent pregnancy by preventing body’s natural sex cycle to take place, which in turn prevents ovulation.

These pills are prescribed by a healthcare provider and need to be taken regularly for them to be effective.

2. Birth Control Shot

These work the same way birth control pills do by preventing ovulation but need less compliance since you can get them weekly and don’t have to adhere to a strict daily schedule.

3. Birth Control Patch

Birth control patch is another type of hormonal contraception that avoids pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation. It can be placed on the arm and decreases the chances of compliance issues in women who don’t want to take a pill daily.

4. Intrauterine Device

IUD is a long-term reversible birth control option for women who want longer-term birth control. It can be one of two types. First, the copper IUD prevents fertilization by physically blocking the sperm from getting to the ovum and by creating an unfavorable environment for fertilization.

The second type is a hormonal IUD. It releases hormones that prevent fertilization. Women who choose an IUD like it because it is 99% effective, can last for up to 10 years, so they don’t have to remember to take a pill every day, and fertility returns to normal once the device is removed. 

5. Vaginal Ring

Vaginal rings work in a way similar to that of hormonal IUDs. They prevent fertilization by releasing hormones that prevent fertilization.

6. Phexxi

Phexxi is a relatively new method of birth control; it uses a spermicidal gel that is inserted into the vagina just before intercourse. It helps by decreasing the sperm’s ability to reach the egg. It does so by lowering the vaginal pH which decreases the motility of the sperm.

Finding the right birth control option for you is important! They all have different advantages to them, and it all depends on what will work for your lifestyle and your future. At Charleston Birth Place, we are here to take care of women throughout their whole life, and our midwives can help you with your family planning needs. Give us a call at 843-818-1123 or send us a message to get started!