Choosing The Right Contraceptive

Choosing the type of birth control that is right for you is an important decision to make. It should be a decision which should not be taken lightly. Not only will it involve research and a lot of thinking on your part about the pros and cons but it’s also about the comfort level on your part. Women of any ages, it can be 20s, 30s and 40s, need to make the smart choice regarding choosing the right contraceptive. It is something all of the women (sexually active adults), from California to Calicut and Tanzania to Timbuktu have faced at some point or the other, that is the fear of an unwanted pregnancy. This is completely avoidable. All you need to do is to take a close look at all the contraceptive choices available and zero in on one that is most suitable for you and your partner. The type of birth control you choose depends on your needs. Some people only need to prevent pregnancy. Other people may also want to protect themselves or their partners from diseases that can be passed by having sex. There are many different options for birth control, and it is important to know which method will work best for you. Contraceptive techniques can be natural or artificial. The former requires no external means, unlike the latter. Consider the choices available. It will be determined by your age and whether you are done with having children.

1. Natural Means:
a. Pregnancy Rx: Safe Periods –
How it works: Also known as the calendar or rhythm method, this natural family planning method involves abstaining from sex during the fertile period. A woman usually ovulates 14 days before her next period. Once ovulation occurs, the sperm has around 24 to 48 hours in which to fertilize the egg. Sexual abstinence during this ‘fertile’ phase of the menstrual cycle (normally 12-16 days before the next period starts) reduces the chances of conception. Apart from this, you can also predict your ovulation day by noticing the changes in your cervical mucous which is normally clear and watery before ovulation, but gets thicker as ovulation occurs. Another commonly used way to find out ovulation time is by carefully monitoring and recording your body temperature. Your temperature goes up by about half a degree the day after ovulation takes place.
Advantages: No medicines, chemicals or devices are required. It costs nothing and carries no health risk or side effect. The added benefit is that you get educated about the nuances of the reproductive cycle.
Disadvantages: It is a natural method but not altogether a foolproof method. Success depends solely on your ability to predict ovulation correctly, which is tough especially if your periods are irregular.
Tip: If you cant keep a track of your cycle and monitor your body temperature meticulously, go for the home kits which are very easy to use. You can detect ovulation. You can easily get them in a pharmacy.

b. Pregnancy Rx: Coitus Interruptus –
How it works: Also known as the ‘withdrawal’ method, Coitus Interruptus (Latin for ‘interrupted intercourse’) is popular, especially amongst young couples who cant be bothered with the nitty gritty of contraceptive methods. It involves a voluntary and conscious interruption of sexual intercourse at a certain stage with the intention of preventing pregnancy.
Advantages: Again a no-cost, no-side effects natural method that has been practiced for centuries. Though highly unreliable, it is the best option in situations of unplanned sex. Consistent and successful use of the withdrawal method is psychologically indicative of high levels of self control in men.
Disadvantages: The constant worry of the withdrawal at the right time can mar your pleasure. Also, the method is not very reliable as the pre-ejaculatory fluid (Cowper’s fluid) is also known to contain viable sperm.
Tip: People who follow this method should have the male partner urinate after ejaculation to clear the urethra of sperm and wash any ejaculate from objects that might come near the woman’s vulva to avoid chances of an unwanted pregnancy.