Adopting an effective birth control method is natural. We all know that at some point, birth control methods hold value in a couple’s life. There are many birth control methods available. The best one to go for is the one that effectively prevents pregnancy and goes well with your lifestyle. The trend of using a male condom along with an effective birth control method works the best. It is very difficult to come up with a single birth control method that may be termed the best for everyone. What may work well with one may be unfeasible with the other. Also, as a human, needs may change over time. In this piece, Zafa Pharmaceutical will walk you through all the available birth control methods. You can then choose what is best for you.

How to choose the perfect birth control method?
Like taking every big decision, choosing the right birth control method also involves considering a few key factors.

• How fail-prone can you afford your protection plan to be?
• How much does the cost matter?
• How important is your privacy?
• Does your interest resonate with your partner’s interests too?
• Do you need to protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?
• How much effort can you make to prevent pregnancy?
• If you’re a woman, does it matter if your period is affected?
• Do you want the birth control method to be reversible when the need be?

1. Behavioural: this method is carried out with mutual consent. It requires self-control and barring activities that may result in pregnancy; commonly called abstinence. Another way that falls under this category is keeping a track of the ovulation cycle and going in rhythm with it.
2. Hormonal: This method involves changing the woman’s body chemistry. For example, depending on the hormones, it stops the ovaries from releasing eggs, thickens the mucus around the cervix to restrict sperm from reaching the egg, or thins the lining of the uterus.
3. Barrier: this method is all about forming a barrier that inhibits egg fertilization.
4. Medical: this method involves medical procedures that change one’s body.

Birth control methods:
Here is a list of the birth control methods according to their effectiveness, starting from most to least.

1. Sterilization for women
   In this method, the doctor twists, cuts, and ties a woman’s fallopian tubes. It is these tubes that connect a woman’s ovaries to the uterus. Since the connecting channel between the two is blocked, there are no chances of the egg moving out of the ovaries and fertilizing. It’s also known as tubal ligation or “getting your tubes tied.”
   This method does not provide STD protection. It requires proper medical facilitation from certified personnel. It means that hospitalization, general anesthesia for surgery, risks of pain, bleeding, infection, and ectopic pregnancy afterward are there. This is known to be a permanent birth control method that is irreversible.
2. Sterilization surgery for men:
   In this method, the man’s tubes are blocked which ensures that sperms are blocked. Just like sterilization surgery for women, this method also involves medical supervision, hospitalization, general anesthesia, risks of pain, bleeding, and infection. It is a permanent method; however, a short wait before testing its effectiveness is required. It is irreversible.
3. Birth control implant:
   It is a hormonal method. In this method, a doctor puts a matchstick-sized rod with progestin under the skin on the patient’s arm, using a needle. This method’s effectiveness lasts for three years and it does not protect against STD.
   This method is known to provide long-term protection against pregnancy. The good news is that this method can be reversed easily.
   However, this method may cause weight gain and changes in the bleeding pattern. Some possible side effects are breast and stomach pain.
4. Progestin IUD:
   In this method, a small T-shaped device containing progestin goes into the uterus. It is effective for 3-5 years. It is a hormonal method and requires a doctor’s supervision.
   The good thing is that once it’s removed, pregnancy is possible. It can be used while breastfeeding. However, it may cause lighter periods or no periods.On the darker side, this method may cause irregular periods, pain, or ovarian cysts. In some unusual cases, it can make pelvic infections worse. In the worst possible scenario, the IUD may get stuck in or on the uterus or cause a serious infection. But this is rare.
5. Birth control pill:
   This method falls in the hormonal category. It requires that one pill containing estrogen and progestin is taken daily. Anyone can use this method from 3 months to a year without repeated consultation with the doctor. It does not provide STD protection.
   The pill may cause fewer or no periods and can make menstrual cramps and acne less severe.However, the setbacks include that one must take a pill at the same time every day. It may cause more spotting between periods than regular birth control pills. Fewer or no periods make it harder to know if you’re pregnant. May cause changes in your period, nausea, breast tenderness, headache, high blood pressure risks, and higher chances of blood clots, heart attacks, and stroke.

Last word:
These are just a few birth control methods. The main idea of discussing this is to bring awareness regarding different methods. It is best to consult a trusted medical practitioner before taking your chances with any birth control method. Since the market is full of all sorts of fake medical stuff, please buy from a trusted and reliable medicine like FAMILA. But wait FAMILA is just used after consulting your doctor.