Over the years, the choice of contraceptive methods increased largely and it is important to use contraception to avoid unplanned pregnancies and enables people to plan on when they want to have a baby. Contraception also helps prevent you from getting STIs, which is known as Sexually Transmitted Infections at the same time. Below are some methods of contraception that you should know.
There are 4 simple methods of contraception, including:
- hormonal contraception, such the pill or the Depo-Provera injection
- barrier methods, such as condoms
- fertility awareness
- permanent contraception, such as vasectomy and tubal ligation.
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1) Hormonal contraception
These are contraceptives that use hormones to prevent pregnancy. Hormonal contraceptives include the pill and the Depo-Provera injection.
There are two types of pill:
You have to take one pill each day. The pill is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy if you take it correctly.
2) Barrier methods
Barrier methods are the methods which stop sperm from entering the vagina. There are two barrier methods available which are:
- condoms
- internal condoms
Condoms protect against sexually transmissible infections (STIs) as well as unintended pregnancy. You can buy internal condoms from pharmacies.
3) Fertility awareness
Fertility awareness is learning the signs of fertility in your menstrual cycle to help you plan or avoid a pregnancy. We strongly recommend you consult an experienced doctor before using fertility awareness as a method of contraception.
You need to know how to:
- understand your menstrual cycle
- check your cervical mucus
- take your temperature
- recognise other signs of your fertile phase
- use this information to plan or avoid a pregnancy.
You can then use this knowledge and some tools to identify the fertile and infertile phases of your cycle. While you are learning this method it is recommended you do not have sex unless you use a condoms or diaphragm.
4) Permanent contraception
Permanent contraception also known as sterilisation, prevents all future pregnancies. It is very difficult or impossible to reverse.
For male: Vasectomy
When a man is sterilised, the operation is called a vasectomy. When you ejaculate (cum) the fluid or semen from your penis contains sperm. Sperm are made in your testicles (balls) and travel up your vas deferens (tubes) to mix with your semen. These are the tubes that are cut and tied when you have a vasectomy.
After a vasectomy there are no sperm in your semen. Your testicles still make sperm but they are absorbed by your body.
For female: Tubal ligation
When a woman is sterilized, the operation is called a tubal ligation. It is a procedure to close both Fallopian tubes which means that sperm can’t get to an egg to fertilize it.
So, parents, what do you think about these contraception methods? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.
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