Ways To Prevent Pregnancy

Top 15 Ways To Prevent Pregnancy

If you are sexually active but not quite ready to have a baby yet, then you should think about ways to prevent pregnancy. With so many options available today it is hard to understand why there are still so many unplanned pregnancies.

Abstinence – Obviously, refraining from sexual intercourse completely eliminates your chance to become pregnant. This, however is not usually the solution that people are looking for.

Copper T IUD – This is one of the most effective ways to prevent pregnancy. It is a flexible, small device that is made from copper and plastic and is inserted into the uterus and can last for up to 12 years. It blocks the sperm from reaching the egg and can also be inserted up to five days after unprotected sex for an emergency contraception.

Hormonal IUD – This is a small, flexible device made from soft plastic that contains progestin which is a type of hormone. This hormone stops your ovaries from releasing eggs, it creates a mucus that blocks the passage to your uterus and stops sperm from moving toward the eggs.

Implant – When looking for ways to prevent pregnancy, the implant is very effective. It is about the size of a matchstick and it contains a hormone that effectively prevents pregnancy. The implant is inserted under your skin in your arm and lasts for up to three years.

Patch – This is a square patch that is worn on the skin and contains a hormone that will prevent pregnancy. You can wear it showering, bathing, exercising or participate in any other daily activity you normally would and you change it every week. It is very safe and effective and actually causes you to have a lighter period.

Birth Control Pills – Probably one of the most common ways to prevent pregnancy is the birth control pill. The pill contains progestin and estrogen and you take one a day, preferably at the same time everyday, not only for it to be more effective but so that you do not forget. The pill can take several days to begin working so when you start them you should use a back up form of birth control as well.

Shot – The shot contains progestin and it is an injection that lasts for three months. It is pretty effective but 3 out of 100 women can get pregnant on the shot. Just like the pill, it takes a few days to become effective so a back up birth control method must be used.

Vaginal Ring – This flexible, small ring is inserted into your vagina once every month. It is very easy to put n and it contains progestin and estrogen like the pill. The ring will stay in place for three weeks and when you remove it on the fourth week you then will get your period.

Diaphragm – This is used with a spermicide and it is a rubber cub that is flexible and it fits over the cervix after inserting into your vagina. This can be inserted up to sex hours before having sex and you should leave it in for at least six additional hours after.

Condom – The male condom is one of the more common ways to prevent pregnancy. It works as a barrier between the sperm and the vagina. It is important that there is space between the tip of the condom and the penis for the semen to go into.

Withdrawal – Also commonly called “pulling out” happens when the male pulls out before ejaculation. This can be fairly effective however there is still some semen that can leak out prior and also, many couples find it frustrating because it lessens the pleasure but it is a good method to use when needing a little extra protection to another form of contraception.

Cervical Cup – This is a small silicone cup shaped like a bowl and it fits over the cervix and it even comes equipped with a strap for handy removal. It comes in three sizes and should be left in for six hours after sex.

Morning After Pill – If you did not use and contraception or you think your birth control may have failed or you were forced to have sex then the emergency contraception can be taken up to three days after. It is safe but has its minor side effects and should only be used as a last resort. The morning after pill will not work if you are already pregnant.

Rhythm Method – many women have great success using this for ways to prevent pregnancy. You simply keep track of when you are fertile and then you know when to avoid sex or use a back up contraceptive. There is the temperature, calendar or mucus method.

Sponge – This covers your cervix and blocks the sperm from reaching your uterus. It is effective for 24 hours after you insert it but you should not leave it in for more than 30 hours.

There are so many optional ways of preventing pregnancy that it should be easy to find something that works for you and that you are comfortable with.