EASY WAYS TO AVOID PREGNANCY

EASY WAYS TO AVOID PREGNANCY

The only completely reliable method for avoiding pregnancy is abstaining from sex.

However, people who are sexually active and want to avoid pregnancy should be aware of their options when it comes to birth control.

A person risks becoming pregnant every time they have sex without contraception including the first time they have sex.

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Some methods are available without a prescription, but most require one. Each form of birth control has advantages and disadvantages.

BARRIER METHODS

Barrier method is used to prevent sperm from reaching the egg. They include;

1. DIAPHRAGM

A diaphragm is a barrier method of contraception that a person places inside the vagina.

Insert the diaphragm a few hours before intercourse,leave it in place for 6 hours after sex and remove after 24 hours.

KNOW THE DOS AND DON’TS OF YOUR DIAPHRAGM

-Apply Spermicide first.                          

-Avoid oil- based creams

-Check it for holes,tears and leaks often

– After inserting it,check the placement

a. If you can feel your cervix through the dome, its out of place. Take it out and insert it again.

b. If it’s above your pubic bone,redo it.

c. If it falls out when you cough,sit down or walk,redo it.

2. MALE CONDOMS

Male and female condoms are the only types of contraception that protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Male condoms are more than 80 percent effective against pregnancy when used correctly.

To use correctly:

a. Choose the correct size

b. Place the condom on the head of the erect penis

c. Pinch the tip of the condom to remove air

d.Unroll the condom down the penis

e. After inter course,hold the base of the condom in place before pulling out of the vagina.

f. Remove and dispose. Never reuse a condom

3.CERVICAL CAP

A cervical cap is a soft silicon cup that is placed deep inside the Vagina. It covers the cervix to stop sperm from reaching an egg.

Its effectiveness ranges from about 70-85 percent. It does not protect against STIs.

4. FEMALE CONDOMS

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 CDC,female condoms are about 79 percent effective for contraception.

5.SPONGE

The contraceptive sponge can be bought without a prescription. Made of polyurethane foam and containing spermicide,the sponge is placed deep inside the vagina to block entry to the uterus.

HORMONAL METHODS

Hormonal forms of birth control prevents conception by stopping Ovulation,which is the release of an egg from the ovaries.

They include:

6. CONTRACEPTIVE PILLS

There are various brands of pill available and according to the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK,they are over 99 percent effective if taken as prescribed.

There are two forms of the pill:

a. The combined pill which contains Estrogen and Progestin. When taking these pills,a person will have a monthly period.

b. The mini pill which contains only progestin. A person must take this pill at the same time every day without a break.

7. IMPLANTS

A Nurse or Doctor inserts a match stick rod into a person’s arm against pregnancy.

Implants work by releasing the hormone progestin into the body,which prevents Ovulation. It must be replaced every 3 years.

8. VAGINAL RING

This small,plastic ring is placed on 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.

9. PATCH

A patch can be placed on the back,buttocks,stomach, upper arm. It puts progestin and estrogen into the bloodstream. You’ll put a new one on every 3 weeks before removing it for 1 week to allow for a menstrual period.

10. INJECTIONS

The contraceptive shot 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 although it may take up to 10 months or sometime longer for fertility to return to normal after a person stops getting the shot.

FEW FACTS ABOUT EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION (EC)

– EC can give you a second chance to prevent pregnancy after sex

-EC will not cause birth defects if you are already pregnant.

-EC may cause some unpleasant side effects like headache, nausea

-EC will not hurt you or stop your ability to get pregnant in the future.

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