Types of Birth Control - Methods and Procedures

If you don't want to get pregnant, don't have intercourse! J/K, birth control is almost always thought of as a pill that controls pregnancies, when in fact there are many forms of birth control that can offer a woman more than that. Condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, spermacides, rings, patches and pills are also forms of birth control many people can experiment with.

The most common form of BC are pills. There are different types of them but most women choose the one that consists of a synthetic estrogen and synthetic progestin and is taken daily for three weeks, skipping the week of menstruation. There is also what is called the Morning After Pill, which contains a high dosage of progestin. If taken within 72 hours of intercourse the drug transfers with ovulation. If ovulation has already occurred the drug will eventually block or stop implantation from happening.

Either partner can be sterilized by simple medical procedures such as vasectomy, tubal ligation or QS (Quinacrine Sterilization). Sterilization procedures can be reversed in most cases. Spermacides are chemicals such as nonoxynol 9 that inactivate sperm. They're inserted into the vagina prior to intercourse.

Cervical caps are fitted over the cervix and can be removed if desired or left in place until menstruation occurs. Skin patches can be applied and left on skin for up to one week. They are designed to release hormones through the skin to divert pregnancy from happening. Vaginal rings are small plastic rings that are inserted into the vagina. They release estrogen and progestin that lasts for 3 weeks. Other vaginal rings that only contain progestin block the menstrual cycle for up to 3 months. Implanon is a tiny flexible rod that releases progestin and is inserted under the skin that prevents pregnancy for 3 years.

Condoms are highly effective in preventing pregnancy and also protect against most STD's. Everyone should know where they go and how they get there, and if you don't know how to use this basic birth control method then maybe you shouldn't be having sex. Diaphragms are a rubber dome placed at the upper end of the vagina and may be used along with spermicidal chemicals. Always talk with your doctor to make sure steps you take with controlling birth doesn't interfere with each other.