Contraception Options: What's Right for You?

Introduction

Contraception is an effective way to prevent pregnancy. There are several different types of contraception that you can use, including:

• Birth control pills (oral contraceptives)

• Condoms

• Diaphragms and cervical caps

• IUDs (intrauterine devices)

  Each type of contraception has its own benefits and risks, so it's important to talk with your doctor about what might be best for you.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Contraception

When you're choosing a contraceptive method, there are many factors to consider. These include:

• Age. Contraception options differ depending on your age and whether you have children already. If you're under 18 years old, most methods of birth control aren't safe for use without a doctor's supervision because they may affect your body differently than they would in an adult woman's body.

• Health status/medical conditions/other medications being taken at the same time as contraception (for example, diabetes or depression). Some contraceptives may interact with certain medications or conditions in ways that make them less effective at preventing pregnancy or cause side effects like weight gain or headaches--so it's important to talk with your doctor before starting any new medication!

• Lifestyle factors such as smoking habits (if applicable), drinking alcohol regularly (more than two drinks per day), eating healthy foods high in fiber content like fruits and vegetables every day instead of junk food snacks like potato chips...these things can all contribute towards helping prevent unwanted pregnancies by making sure there is enough spermicide present inside each vagina at all times so no sperm cells can reach an egg cell during intercourse if both partners decide not want another baby right now but still want sexual pleasure together without having kids yet :)

Types of Contraception

There are several types of contraception. Barrier methods include male and female condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps and contraceptive sponges. Hormonal methods include birth control pills, patches and vaginal rings (NuvaRing). Long-acting reversible contraception (LARCs) include intrauterine devices (IUDs) and contraceptive implants that can remain in place for up to 3 to 10 years depending on the type of device used. Emergency contraception can be taken after unprotected intercourse to prevent pregnancy from occurring within 72 hours after unprotected sex occurs; it's not intended as a regular form of birth control but rather as an emergency method if needed by someone who has had unprotected sex recently but did not want this outcome at all! Fertility awareness methods involve tracking one's menstrual cycle so they know when they are fertile or infertile during each month based on various factors such as temperature changes throughout the month or changes in cervical fluid discharge during different phases within each cycle where ovulation takes place every month before menstruation begins again."

Barrier Methods

Barrier methods are a type of contraception that prevent sperm from entering the uterus. They include:

• Condoms (male and female)

• Diaphragms and cervical caps, which are placed inside the vagina to cover the cervix

• Sponges inserted into your vagina before sex

Hormonal Methods

Hormonal methods are the most popular form of birth control in the United States, accounting for about half of all contraceptive use. They work by preventing ovulation and thickening cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching the uterus.
Combined oral contraceptives (COCs) contain both estrogen and progestin; these pills come in 28-day packs with 21 active pills that contain hormones, followed by 7 inactive pills (placebos). The combination of hormones prevents ovulation, thickens cervical mucus so sperm cannot reach an egg and thins the lining of your uterus so it's less likely that an egg will implant there if one does get fertilized.
COCs can cause side effects like bloating, headaches or nausea during the first few months of use but eventually go away as your body gets used to them; however if they're still bothersome after six months then talk with your doctor about switching brands or dosage amounts until you find something that works better for you!

Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARCs)

Long-acting reversible contraception (LARCs) are the most effective forms of birth control available. They're also a great choice for women who want to avoid taking a daily pill or inserting an arm implant every month.
LARCs include:

• Intrauterine devices (IUDs) and contraceptive implants--tiny devices that are inserted into your uterus by a healthcare provider and can remain there for years, preventing pregnancy by releasing hormones into your body that prevent ovulation or fertilization. The hormonal IUD releases progestin, which thickens cervical mucus so sperm cannot reach an egg; it also thins out the lining of the uterus so if an egg does get fertilized, it won't be able to attach itself to the wall of your uterus. Hormonal IUDs are effective immediately when placed within seven days after unprotected sex or after having given birth; this means you don't have to wait until your next period starts!

Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception is a form of birth control that can be used after unprotected sex or if you think your condom broke. It's not as effective as regular hormonal birth control, but it can help prevent pregnancy if you're worried about getting pregnant right away.

There are three types of emergency contraception: Plan B (the brand name), Ella (the generic version), and copper IUDs. All three methods work by preventing ovulation, so they don't affect an existing pregnancy or fertilized egg at all--they just keep sperm from entering the uterus and fertilizing an egg in the first place!

Fertility Awareness Methods

Fertility awareness methods are based on the idea that you can predict when you're ovulating by observing changes in your body. They include the rhythm method, which involves tracking your menstrual cycle to determine when you're most likely to conceive; the ovulation method, which involves monitoring changes in cervical mucus; and temperature measurements taken daily or every other day.
Fertility Awareness Methods (FAMs) are not as effective as other methods of birth control because they require careful record keeping, attention to detail and consistency over time. If used perfectly--and no one does this 100% of the time--they work about 90% of the time during any given year. However, FAMs do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so using condoms is recommended if you choose this method!

Benefits of Contraception

• Preventing unintended pregnancies.

• Reducing the risk of STIs.

• Reducing the risk of certain types of cancer.

• Reducing menstrual cramps and blood flow, acne, and mood swings associated with menstruation.
  Contraception can also help improve libido in women who are having trouble getting aroused or staying aroused during sex because they're feeling stressed out or anxious about something else in their lives (like work).

Conclusion

Contraception is an important part of your life, and it's important that you find a method that works for you. Take the time to explore all your options and make sure to discuss them with your healthcare provider. Your doctor will be able to help you find a method of contraception that suits your needs, lifestyle and health goals.