WebMD Parenting: Pregnancy and Birth Control Methods
Pregnancy is a beautiful and life-changing experience, but it’s important to be prepared for the responsibilities and challenges that come with it. One of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing a birth control method that’s right for you.
There are many different types of birth control available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each method carefully before making a decision.
Types of Birth Control
- Barrier methods: Barrier methods physically block sperm from reaching the egg. These methods include condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps.
- Hormonal methods: Hormonal methods use hormones to prevent ovulation or thicken cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching the egg. These methods include birth control pills, patches, rings, and injections.
- Intrauterine devices (IUDs): IUDs are small devices that are inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. They can be either hormonal or non-hormonal.
- Implants: Implants are small rods that are inserted under the skin of the upper arm to release hormones that prevent pregnancy.
- Sterilization: Sterilization is a permanent method of birth control that involves surgically blocking the fallopian tubes or vas deferens.
Choosing a Birth Control Method
The best birth control method for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a method:
- Effectiveness: The effectiveness of a birth control method is measured by its failure rate. The failure rate is the percentage of women who get pregnant while using the method correctly and consistently.
- Convenience: Some birth control methods are more convenient than others. For example, birth control pills must be taken every day, while IUDs can last for several years.
- Side effects: All birth control methods have potential side effects. It’s important to discuss the side effects of each method with your doctor before making a decision.
- Cost: The cost of birth control can vary depending on the method. Some methods, such as birth control pills, are relatively inexpensive, while others, such as IUDs, can be more expensive.
Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraception is a method of birth control that can be used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or if your regular birth control method fails. Emergency contraception is most effective when taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex.
There are two types of emergency contraception:
- Levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step, Next Choice One Dose): This type of emergency contraception contains a progestin hormone that prevents ovulation or thickens cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching the egg.
- Ulipristal acetate (Ella): This type of emergency contraception contains a different progestin hormone that works by delaying ovulation.
Pregnancy
If you’re trying to get pregnant, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of conception.
- Track your ovulation: Ovulation is the process by which an egg is released from the ovary. You can track your ovulation using a variety of methods, such as ovulation predictor kits, basal body temperature charting, or cervical mucus monitoring.
- Have sex regularly: The more often you have sex, the greater your chances of getting pregnant.
- Eat a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet can help to improve your overall health and fertility.
- Get regular exercise: Regular exercise can help to improve your circulation and increase your chances of getting pregnant.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol: Smoking and alcohol can both damage your fertility.
Conclusion
Choosing a birth control method or trying to get pregnant are important decisions. It’s important to talk to your doctor to discuss your options and make the best decision for you.