In modern society, where everyone has a freedom of choice, prevention of an unwanted pregnancy became a part of our everyday life. Although some people do not believe in birth control due to their religious or moral believes, for those who rely on it, choosing the right birth control method can be challenging. Here are the top 10 most effective birth control methods.
1. Sexual abstinence- “is the practice of voluntarily refraining from some or all aspects of sexual activity.” Although most people in a modern world do not believe in reality of refraining from sexual pleasures, it it the only 100% method of preventing an unwanted pregnancy as well as STD.
2. Sterilization- is a surgical procedure, during which the fallopian tubes are either cut, tied, clamped or blocked. Once operation performed, the sperm is unable to meet the unfertilized egg. This birth Control method is 100% effective; however, it should not be taken lightly, for in most cases it’s considered irreversible.
3. IUD- stands for contraceptive device consisting of a piece of bent plastic or metal that is inserted through the vagina into the uterus. As IUD is inserted into a uterus through a cervical opening, the lining of the uterus changes which prevents a fertilized egg from implanting into the uterus. However, it is one of the birth controls that require a health care professional to implant it, as well as the regular follow-ups to make sure it stays in place. When inserted properly IUD provides 99.2-99.9% effectiveness rate.
4. Avoiding vaginal intercourse- risks of getting pregnant from anal, oral or non-penetrative sex are very small, however small percents comes from the possibility of semen leaking onto the vulva (with anal sex) or coming into contact with an object, such as a hand, that later contacts the vulva
5. Birth Control Pills- also known as hormonal contraception, “is a combination of an estrogen (estrogen) and a progestin (progestogen), taken by mouth to inhibit normal female fertility.” When taken daily and correctly, this popular birth control method had between 92-99% effectiveness rate.
6. Fertility awareness- is a practice used to determine the fertile and infertile phases of a woman’s menstrual cycle. Its effectiveness largely relies on the observation of these major fertility signs- basal body temperature, cervical mucus, cervical position, records of menstrual cycle and its lengh. Most of the studies suggest that when used correctly and consistently with ongoing coaching, fertility awareness has a rate of 99% effectiveness.
7. Diaphragm contraceptive- is a latex cap made out of latex or silicone and covers the cervix to prevent sperm from getting inside. In order to make this birth control effective a woman has to see her health care professional in order to measure her and find the right fitting diaphragm. Diaphragms are most commonly used in combination with spermicidal creams to increase its effectiveness to 94% rate.
8. Spermicide- is a chemical used to reduce a number of living sperm during an inter-course. It comes in a form of cream, gel, foam, film, and suppositories. Spermicides are rarely used on it’s own, but in combination of condoms or/and diaphragm. In order to work spermicides have to be inserted deep into vagina prior to intercourse, if following the instructions correctly effectiveness rate is 93%.
9. A Male Condom –“is a thin sheath that covers the penis during intercourse and is made of either rubber or plastic”. If used properly, this method has an 86% percent effectiveness rate against unwanted pregnancy.
10. Coitus interruptus- literllay means, “interrupted sex”, or withdrawal method of ending a sexual intercourse, by withdrawing a penis out of vagina prior to ejaculation. It is one of the least reliable methods of birth control, which largely depends on the fact that very few men can actually predict and control a timing of their ejaculation. However, if performed properly withdrawal method has 80% rate of being effective.
Condoms were produced in 1840. They were used to prevent venereal diseases, rather than for birth controls. The earliest forms of condoms were made of animal intestines. It has now evolved to prevent STDs, pregnancies and various other diseases.
This method was used by the Hindus throughout history and was recommended in various Sanskrit texts. It required a force to be applied on the forepart of the testicles with a touch of a finger. The force of the finger would obstruct the urethra and force the semen into the bladder.
A pessary is the utilization of vaginal suppository to kill sperm or obstruct the sperm’s passage through the cervix. Pessaries usually included: a base of crocodile dung, a mixture of honey and natural sodium carbonate.
In the 19th century many people tried to understand women’s fertility period by calculation. This was really ineffective as the fertility cycle was only discovered in the 1920s.
This method was also popularly utilized in the ancient times. Vinegar was popularly applied to the penis. This was not an effective method whatsoever and should not be tried by anyone unless a doctor recommends it.
