Contraception or birth is designed to prevent fertilization and pregnancy. Each month an egg is released
from the female ovary. If the egg is met by a sperm, the egg can become fertilized and attach to the inside of the womb or uterus. Pregnancyoccurs when the fertilized egg is implanted.
Birth control methods work in a number of different ways. These include:
- Hormonal contraception: These include birth control pills, hormonal injections, hormonal patches, the vaginal contraceptive ring or a skin implant such as Implanon.
- An intrauterine device (IUD): Sometimes in the shape of a “T,” and is placed in the uterus by a doctor or health care professional. An IUDcan stop pregnancy in the following ways:
- Prevents the sperm from fertilizing the egg
- Decreases the chance the sperm will enter thecervix (opening of the uterus)
- Thins the lining of the uterus making it harderfor a fertilized egg to attach
- Barrier devices: These work by preventing sperm from entering the cervix. Barrier devices include
the following contraceptives:- The condom (male or female)
- The diaphragm (a floppy rubber circle that covers
the cervix) - The cervical cap (a smaller rubber circle that sits
right on the cervix). - The sponge (a donut-shaped foam sponge that is
inserted into the vagina)
- Spermicide: This is a chemical placed in the vagina that kills sperm.There are foam, cream, film, and suppositories that contain spermicides. These should be used with a condom.
- Surgery: Tubal ligation or tubectomy (also known as having one's "tubes tied") is a surgical procedure in which a woman's fallopian tubes are clamped and blocked, or severed and sealed, either method of which prevents eggs from reaching the uterus for fertilization. Tubal ligation is considered a permanent method of sterilization and birth control.
- Minimally Invasive: Adiana and Essure are two procedures that are done without incisions and provide permanent birth control
The choice of what type of birth control to use is not only a personal choice, but depends on factors such as a person's overall health, age, frequency of sexual activity, number of sexual partners, the desire to have children, and family history of certain diseases. You should speak with your doctor about which choice of birth control is best for you.
Helpful Links
