Types Of Birth Control

Certain Types of Birth Control may be prescribed by a doctor while others may not be prescribed and may be bought over the counter. However, it is still safest to have a physician's advice before taking any one of these available types of contraception. The following are the most commonly used types of birth control.

Prescribed Methods

1. Oral Contraceptive Pills - this is by far one of the most popular prescribed types of birth control. Today, more than 19 million American women use birth control pills. They come in small tablets that are to be taken once every day. When taken correctly, it gives a woman 99% assurance (since nothing is really a hundred percent effective) of not getting pregnant. These pills may carry health risks but birth control pills today have been designed to carry fewer hormones, thus resulting to fewer side effects. All women who do not smoke may use pills as their method of contraception.

2. Birth Control Shots - this is a progestin shot or injection that is given to a woman by a doctor once every three months. It should be done in between the first five days of a normal menstruation. It thins the uterine lining and thickens the cervical mucus which makes it difficult for the sperm to mate with the egg, thus preventing ovulation. Since this method makes women not worry about taking pills every day (especially women in the metropolis), it is preferred birth control by many and the number of use has increased in the past years.

Non-Prescribed Methods

1. Male Condoms - this is one of the most commonly used types of birth control all over the world. It does not only prevent pregnancy but sexually transmitted diseases as well. In fact, it is the only contraceptive option that prevents STDs. Unlike pills, it only has to be used every time a person does sexual intercourse with another person which makes it most convenient to use. This is most common among young adults and teenagers who are sexually active. Condoms are usually made from polyurethane and animal tissue. It comes in different colors and flavors.

2. Birth Control Patch - also called the Evra, the birth control patch is a small beige plaster attached discreetly to the skin (most commonly on the buttocks, shoulders, upper arm, lower abdomen, etc.) to protect women from pregnancy. It is most effective when the first patch is used during the first day of menstruation (otherwise the woman has to use other contraceptive options such as condoms for the first seven days of patch use). On the eighth day, the patch should be removed and replaced with a new one. This should be done for three consecutive weeks. On the fourth week the woman will start bleeding like she does during a normal menstrual period (this will be the seven patch-free days). A new patch is applied at the end of the fourth week and the cycle is repeated. Since this type of birth control does not interrupt sexual intercourse and is easy to use, it is preferred by an increasing number of women nowadays.

Whether you choose types of birth control that either require or don't require any prescription, it is always important to seek advise from your doctor first.