The important decision of contraception and birth control

Contraception is a medium that prevents a woman from falling pregnant after having unprotected sex or because of failure of contraception that they used. Teens who indulge in sexual activities just for fun or out of curiosity do not want to take the responsibility of pregnancy and raising a child. Similarly, couples who are not mentally prepared for a pregnancy would benefit from a convenient form of contraception. This is when they choose to take the help of a reliable contraceptive method. The different birth control options prevent fertilisation of an egg, either by a barrier method or hormonal method. The barrier methods, such as the condom, physically prevent the sperm from reaching the uterus and fertilising an egg. The hormonal contraceptive method modifies a woman’s menstrual cycle to prevent conception.

Different methods of contraception have their own unique benefits and shortcomings. It is best to determine the most suitable way and then choose your method of contraception. There is always a contraceptive option that works for you in every situation. There are many people who settle for barrier methods of contraception as they not only prevent pregnancy but also prevent harmful sexually transmitted infections. However, contraceptive accidents such as condom tear or slip have led to an increase in the use of hormonal contraceptives. The contraceptive pill, also known as the birth control pill, contains a synthetic form of naturally occurring female sex hormone, oestrogen and progestogen. A woman needs to take a pill every day for 21 days of her menstrual cycle after which there is a break of seven days. If taken correctly, the risk of getting pregnant is almost nil.

The effectiveness of the pill may get reduced if you do not start taking it on the first day of your period or you forget to take a pill. Oral contraceptive pills do not provide any protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Hence, the usage of birth control pills along with a condom gives complete protection from pregnancy as well as STIs. Nowadays, women also have the option of a unique hormonal injection known as the Depo-Provera injection. It contains the primary ingredient medroxyprogesterone acetate, a synthetic progestogen. It is popular as a long-term form of contraception that is administrated in the muscle of the buttock or upper arm. The injection stores medroxyprogesterone in the muscle, from where it is released into the bloodstream over a period of 12 weeks.

After having unprotected sex, women also have the option of the ‘morning after pill’ – an emergency contraceptive that can prevent you from conceiving. The name can be a bit misleading, as it is not obligatory to take it the morning after having sex. It can be taken up to 72 hours after you have had sex. However, it works best when taken within 24 hours of having sex. The hormonal contraceptive pills are prescription medications and should not be taken without consulting a licensed doctor. You can get an online consultation with a certified doctor or medical professional at the registered online clinic mybirthcontrol.co.uk.