At every time of the day, two lovers or admirers of opposite sexes or same sexes are somewhere having sex. Sexual activity has become part of humans and this has both teens and adults involved as many choose to have unprotected type sex.
According to a new report from the AAP, sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies are “significant public health problems” among teens. Comprehensive sex education and access to barrier protection methods can help, hence, I strongly believe teens need access to free condoms and sex education.
People who are sexually active and want to avoid pregnancy should be aware of their options when it comes to birth control. There are many types of contraception available to help avoid pregnancy. However, the only completely reliable method for avoiding pregnancy is abstaining from sex.
How hard is it to get pregnant? The chances of conception depend on various circumstances, ranging from your menstrual cycle to your birth control.
The Family Planning Association (FPA) in the UK, claims that up to 90 percent of sexually active women will become pregnant in 12 months if they do not use contraception. A person risks becoming pregnant every time they have sex without contraception, including the first time they ever have sex.
Some methods are available without a prescription, but most require one. Each form of birth control has advantages and disadvantages.
Many women spend the better part of their fertile years actively trying not to get pregnant, so it might be a surprise to learn that conception isn’t that easy. Indeed, there’s a relatively short window during a woman’s cycle (about 48 hours long) that’s ideal for conceiving, whether or not she’s on birth control or actively trying, says Anate Brauer, M.D., a reproductive endocrinologist at the Greenwich Fertility and IVF Centers and assistant professor of OB-GYN at NYU School of Medicine.
According to the American Pregnancy Association, a healthy 30-year-old has a 20 percent chance of pregnancy each month with frequent unprotected sex. Of course, every woman is different, and you should always use protection if you’re not trying to conceive. Here, experts share the scenarios where you’re least likely to conceive. Read on to learn more about the different types of contraception designed to help people avoid pregnancy.
Barrier methods prevent sperm from reaching the egg. They include:
Male and female condoms are the only types of contraception that protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
When used correctly, male condoms are more than 80 percent effective against pregnancy, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
To use a male condom correctly:
Most male condoms are made of latex, but other types are available for those with a latex allergy. If using a lubricant, check that it is compatible with the kind of condom being used. For example, latex condoms can only be used with water-based lube.
Condoms are available over-the-counter (OTC), without a prescription, from supermarkets, drugstores, or online. Latex-free condoms are also available to buy online.
Female condoms are also available without a prescription. They can be used instead of a male condom, but should never be used with one.
According to the CDC, female condoms are about 79 percent effective for contraception.
Many drugstores now sell female condoms, but if local stores do not stock them, they are available online.
A diaphragm is a barrier method of contraception that a person places inside the vagina. It is important to apply spermicide to the diaphragm before each use.
When used with spermicide, the CDC estimates that the diaphragm is close to 90 percent effective.
A person must insert the diaphragm a few hours before intercourse, leave it in place for 6 hours after sex, and remove it after 24 hours. Diaphragms do not protect against STIs.
A cervical cap (sold as FemCap in the United States) is a soft silicone cup that is placed deep inside the vagina. It covers the cervix to stop sperm from reaching an egg.
The effectiveness of the cervical cap varies according to sources, but Planned Parenthood estimates that its effectiveness ranges from about 70 to 85 percent. It does not protect against STIs.
Cervical caps are available in drugstores and online.
The contraceptive sponge is a method of birth control that a person can buy without a prescription. Made of polyurethane foam and containing spermicide, the sponge is placed deep inside the vagina to block entry to the uterus.
Used alone, the sponge is 76 to 88 percent effective, but using it with a condom further reduces the risk of pregnancy and STIs.
Contraceptive sponges are available to buy online.
Spermicide is a chemical that inactivates sperm. It is available to buy without a prescription and is used with forms of barrier contraception, such as condoms, but not with the sponge.
If used alone, spermicide should be inserted close to the cervix at least 10 minutes before sex. It remains effective for 60 minutes and is approximately 71 percent effective.
Spermicide gels can be found at drugstores or purchased online. Talk to a doctor about the most effective ways to use spermicide as a contraceptive.
Hormonal forms of birth control prevent conception by stopping ovulation, which is the release of an egg from the ovaries. This type of contraception does not protect against STIs.
Most hormonal contraceptives are only available with a prescription from a doctor and, except for emergency contraception, it is not usually available online.
Birth control pills are one of the most commonly used methods of contraception in the U.S.
There are various brands of pills available, and according to the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK, they are over 99 percent effective if taken as prescribed.
However, with typical use, they are approximately 95 percent effective.
There are two forms of the pill:
According to the NHS, the contraceptive patch is 99 percent effective when used correctly. With typical use, it is closer to 90 percent effective.
A person can place a contraceptive patch on the:
A person must wear each patch for 3 weeks, before removing it for 1 week to allow for a menstrual period. There is a small risk of skin irritation.
The contraceptive shot (Depo-Provera) is usually given by a doctor every 12 weeks. According to the CDC, when used correctly, and assuming that a person gets their shot on time, it is over 90 percent effective at preventing pregnancy.
According to Planned Pregnancy, it may take up to 10 months, or sometimes longer, for fertility to return to normal after a person stops getting the contraceptive shot.
According to the NHS, the birth control ring known as the NuvaRing is over 99 percent effective when used correctly, but is typically less than 95 percent effective due to human error.
This small, plastic ring is placed in the vagina for 3 weeks. It releases hormones into the body to prevent pregnancy.
The ring must be removed for 7 days to allow for a menstrual period before inserting a new ring.
Intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants are long-term contraceptive devices. The NHS state that they are over 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy because there is little room for human error. However, they do not protect against STIs.
An IUD is a small device that a doctor inserts into the uterus. There are two types of IUDs:
Adverse reactions include spotting between periods, irregular periods, and menstrual cramps.
Implants are another form of hormonal birth control. A nurse or doctor inserts a matchstick-sized rod into a person’s arm to protect against pregnancy.
Implants work by releasing the hormone progestin into the body, which prevents ovulation. The CDC estimate that implants are also greater than 99 percent effective for contraception.
Implants must be replaced about every 3 years.
The natural method of contraception involves tracking the menstrual cycle and avoiding sex when a person is in the fertile phase of the menstrual cycle.
An individual’s “fertile window” lasts for around 6 to 9 days per month and coincides with ovulation, which is the release of the egg.
Several methods are possible for natural family planning. Many people use the following signals to work out whether they are ovulating or are in their fertile window:
Each person’s fertile window is different, so a person should pay attention to their body’s signals. According to the CDC, natural family planning methods are about 76 percent effective when followed accurately.
In the case of unprotected sex or failed birth control, such as a broken condom or a failure to take the contraceptive pill, it is possible to use emergency contraception to reduce the risk of pregnancy.
Emergency contraception should not be used in place of regular birth control methods.
There are two forms of emergency contraception:
Both women and men can undergo procedures to reduce their fertility permanently. The NHS state that these procedures are typically over 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy, but they do not protect against STIs.
Men can get a vasectomy, which involves snipping the tubes that carry sperm. It is a minor procedure that does not require hospitalization. A vasectomy reversal is possible in some cases. However, fertility after reversal is not always fully restored.
Women can have a sterilization procedure known as tubal ligation. It involves clamping or sealing the fallopian tubes. The effects are usually permanent. In rare cases, tubes can reconnect and result in pregnancy.
A woman can take a pregnancy test if she suspects she is pregnant, especially if her usual method of contraception has failed recently.
Signs of pregnancy include:
Home pregnancy tests are inexpensive and available in pharmacies, drugstores, and from reputable websites online. It is a good idea to have the results confirmed by a doctor.
There are many contraceptive options to help avoid pregnancy, ranging from barrier methods to hormonal pills, patches, and IUDs.
Different methods may work better for different people, and a person may try several options before working out the contraceptive strategies that work for them.
Methods of contraception vary in terms of their effectiveness. People who are sexually active should speak with their doctor about the available options, so they can choose the method that is best for them.
Finally, remember that male and female condoms are the only types of contraception that prevent STIs.
Credit: MedicalNewsToday
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