What Are the Methods of Birth Control?

Preventing pregnancy is a need that has been carried from ancient times to the present day with many different methods. Choosing a birth control method can be difficult, and some birth control methods are risky and can harm your health. Today, many birth control methods are available thanks to modern medicine. When choosing a birth control method, the options can be divided into various groups according to the risks they carry. Methods of preventing pregnancy should be chosen individually, taking into account a person's age, other medical conditions, family planning, health status and even lifestyle. You can decide on the most suitable method for you together with the obstetricians and gynecologists at Can Hastanesi.

What Methods Are There to Prevent Pregnancy?

If you are thinking about using birth control (contraception), you have several options. You can consider the following questions to help you choose the right birth control method for you and your partner.

Barrier methods: Examples include male and female condoms, as well as the diaphragm, cervical cap and contraceptive sponge.

Short-acting hormonal methods: Examples include birth control pills, as well as the vaginal ring, skin patch and contraceptive injection. These are considered short-acting methods because you need to remember to use them daily, weekly or monthly.

Long-acting reversible methods: Examples include the non-hormonal copper IUD, the hormonal IUD and the contraceptive implant. These are considered long-acting methods because once inserted, they last three to 10 years or until you decide to have them removed.

Sterilization: This is a permanent method of birth control. Examples include tubal ligation for women and vasectomy for men.

Spermicide or vaginal gel: These are nonhormonal birth control options. Spermicide is a type of birth control that kills sperm or stops it from moving. A vaginal pH-regulating gel keeps sperm from moving so they cannot reach the egg to fertilize it. You insert these products into the vagina just before sexual intercourse

Fertility awareness methods: These methods focus on knowing on which days of the month you can get pregnant (when you are fertile), usually based on basal body temperature and cervical mucus. To avoid pregnancy, intercourse is avoided or a barrier method of birth control is used on or near your fertile days.
It is also important to be aware of emergency contraception methods, such as the morning-after pill, which can be used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex.

How Do Birth Control Methods Work?

Different birth control methods work in different ways. In general, birth control methods work by:

• Preventing sperm from reaching the egg
• Inactivating sperm
• Preventing the release of an egg each month
• Changing the lining of the uterus so a fertilized egg does not attach to it
• Thickening the cervical mucus so sperm cannot pass through easily

How Effective Are Birth Control Methods?

For any birth control method to be effective, it must be used consistently and correctly. Contraceptives that require very little effort on your part, such as IUDs, contraceptive implants and sterilization, are associated with lower pregnancy rates. In contrast, methods that require fertility tracking or periodic abstinence are associated with higher pregnancy rates.

In contrast, methods that require fertility tracking or periodic abstinence are associated with higher pregnancy rates.

Are Birth Control Methods Permanent?

The birth control method you choose depends on your reproductive goals. If you are planning a pregnancy in the near future, you may prefer a method that can be easily stopped or quickly reversed, such as a short-acting hormonal method or a barrier method. If you want to prevent pregnancy for a longer time, you can choose a long-acting method such as an IUD, and if you are sure you do not want to become pregnant at any time in the future, you can choose a permanent method such as sterilization. You may find that different birth control methods suit you at different stages of your life, depending on your expectations at the time.

Are Birth Control Methods Expensive?

It is important to choose a birth control method that suits our lifestyle. For some people, the most suitable method may be one that is easy to use, has no bothersome side effects or does not interfere with the sexual experience. For many people, convenience means not needing a prescription. When choosing a birth control method, you should consider how willing you are to plan ahead or follow a strict medication schedule.

Some birth control methods are relatively inexpensive, while others cost more. You can take the costs into account when making your decision by checking what your insurance provider covers. When you consult the obstetricians and gynecologists at Can Hastanesi, you can get expert support in choosing the method of preventing pregnancy that suits you best, taking your personal life and preferences into account.

What Are the Side Effects of Birth Control Methods?

Every method may cause side effects, depending on the method you choose and your health history. You can consider your tolerance for the possible side effects associated with a birth control method and get expert support on this matter. You can talk to your doctor about your medical history and how it may affect your choice of birth control.

Does It Protect Against Sexually Transmitted Infections?

Male and female condoms are the only birth control methods that provide reliable protection against sexually transmitted infections. If you are not in a mutually monogamous relationship or have not been tested for sexually transmitted infections, a new condom should be used every time you have sex, in addition to any other birth control method you use.

In addition to preventing pregnancy, birth control methods can provide benefits such as shorter menstrual cycles, a lower risk of sexually transmitted infections or a lower risk of certain cancers. If these benefits are important to you, they may influence your choice of birth control.

How Do You Choose a Birth Control Method?

The best birth control method for you is one that is safe and that you can use comfortably, consistently and correctly. The birth control method you prefer may change throughout your life. Factors to consider when choosing a birth control method include:

• Your age and health history
• Your reproductive goals, such as how many children you want or how soon you want to become pregnant
• Your relationship factors, including marital status, number of sexual partners, how often you have sex and your partner's preferences
• Its effectiveness in preventing pregnancy, side effects, cost and ability to prevent infection

Knowing your available options for preventing pregnancy will be an important part of your decision-making process. It is equally important to make a realistic assessment of yourself and your relationships when deciding which birth control is right for you.

Is Preventing Pregnancy Compatible With Religious Beliefs or Cultural Practices?

Some birth control methods may be considered a violation of certain religious rules and cultural traditions. You should weigh the risks and benefits of a birth control method against your personal beliefs and preferences.