5 Effective Birth Control Methods for Women

Many women use various birth control methods in order to avoid pregnancy as a result of sexual lovemaking. If one wants to prevent fertilization or interrupt pregnancy, birth control techniques are used. Prevention of fertilization can be done using contraception method, prevention of implantation of the blastocyst can be done using contragestion and removal of embryo can be done using abortion method.

Birth control methods for women may be perfect for one woman, but may not work for another. Therefore one has to choose from the following methods to see which works for you. These methods may be permanent or temporary or reversible. Reversible methods are which can be stopped any time and which do not have any effect on the ability to become pregnant in future. Permanent methods are permanent and cannot be reversed. The different types of birth control methods for women include either barrier, natural, mechanical or hormonal methods. The main purpose of the methods is to stop the sperm from fertilizing the egg in the woman's body which causes a pregnancy. Other than that no birth control method can offer 100 percent effectiveness and none can offer perfect protection against the sexually transmitted diseases.

The various methods are as listed below:

1. Barrier Methods: This method put up a barrier to prevent the sperm from reaching the egg. Contraceptive Sponge may be used by wetting it and placing it inside the vagina so as to cover the cervix. It should be taken out within thirty hours after it has been inserted. The other device that can be used is a diaphragm or cervical cap. They come in various sizes and you need to see which one fits you. They need to be placed in the vagina before having sexual lovemaking. Female condom is worn by the woman inside the vagina and is made of flexible thin rubber. This creates a barrier and prevents the sperm from reaching the egg. Male condoms are used by men on the erect male organ to keep the sperms from entering the woman's body.

2. Hormonal Methods: This birth control method for women keeps pregnancy away by interfering with ovulation, fertilization or implantation of the egg. Oral contraceptive pills are of two types, one being a combined pill and another mini pill. The combined pill contains estrogen and progestin and is taken daily. This keeps the ovaries from releasing an egg and it changes the lining of the uterus. Many types of oral contraceptive pills are available in the market and doctor's advice should be taken before taking these pills. The mini pill contains only one hormone which is the progestin. This pill is also taken daily at the same time. Another method is the Patch which is worn over the buttocks, lower abdomen or outer arm. This Patch releases the hormones and prevents the ovaries from releasing eggs. It also thickens the cervical mucus. Injections of the progestin hormones are also available. Another hormonal birth control device is the Vaginal Ring that releases progestin and estrogen.

3. Implantable Devices: In this method the devices like Implantable rods, Copper IUD or Hormonal IUDs are inserted into the woman's body and left inside for few years.

4. Permanent Method: This is for people who do not want to get pregnant ever and is done by surgical sterilization or sterilization implant.

5. Emergency Contraception: This method is used only if the woman's birth control method fails and not as a regular birth control method. Emergency Contraception Pills are taken as 2 doses and they work by preventing the sperm from joining the egg. It should be taken as soon as possible after having sexual lovemaking.

Choose one of these above Birth Control Methods for women which suit you best.