Birth control, also referred to as family planning, is an essential topic for every woman and should be taken seriously. There are various benefits as to why most women use birth control methods, including enabling them to have the number of children they can take care of and meet their needs, and prevent conception after rape or unprotected sex, among many others. Usually, various birth control options are available, each with its advantages and disadvantages. That is why your care provider begins by explaining all the available family planning methods, each with its benefits and side effects before you decide which one works for you. Therefore, if you are at a productive age and seek family planning services, Suncoast Women’s Care specialists are here to your rescue. They are experienced in offering various family planning services to ensure you walk home with the best method, which also meets your needs. Hence if you want to learn more about birth control methods, read on.

What are your options for contraception?

Family planning or contraception is an action that prevents conception. This means it prevents the male sperms from fusing with the female ova during sexual intercourse. Depending on the family planning method you opt to use, some have additional benefits, including preventing the transmission of sexually transmitted infections like HIV. Therefore, there are several factors you are supposed to consider before deciding to use a certain family planning method. Some of them include the number of children you want, your health, especially blood pressure, and the number of sexual partners you have, among many others. Usually, the initial step in deciding the best birth control method is understanding various options available to help you choose the one that suits all your needs. There are several broad categories of contraceptives, including:

  •       Barrier methods

Barrier birth control methods work by physically preventing your partner’s sperm from reaching your ovum. Examples of barrier devices available include a diaphragm, condoms, sponge, vaginal ring, intrauterine devices, and cervical cap. Condoms prevent both conceptions and the spread of STDs. Vasectomy and tubal ligation are also classified as barrier methods.

  •       Hormonal birth control

Hormonal birth control methods involve taking certain medications that contain hormones such as progesterone or estrogen to regulate ovulation. Ovulation is the process of ovum production. Hormonal birth control can be delivered in various ways, including hormonal injections, oral contraceptives, external skin patches, and implant devices that release hormones below the skin surface. Oher family planning methods such as IUDs are both barrier and hormonal methods because it also releases hormones in your uterus.

  •       Natural birth control

Natural birth control relies on your partner’s actions to prevent fertilization. Examples of natural birth control methods include coitus interruptus, abstinence, and fertility awareness, where you track your monthly cycle to determine when you are safe to engage in sex.

Even though most couples successfully use natural methods, it is not the safest and most effective in preventing pregnancy, like barriers or hormonal contraception. Therefore, if you want to plan your family and seek contraception services, you can start by booking your appointment online at Sunset Woman’s Care today.