Birth control helps couples prevent unplanned pregnancies, and achieve protection against sexually transmitted diseases in some cases. While in the past birth control used to apply mainly to women, men also have choices. The condom is definitely the most common form of birth control, particularly when you are not involved in a stable relationship. Before moving on to have a brief look over the main birth control possibilities, we need to emphasize the fact that they ought to be chosen considering several factors
Are you involved in a stable relationship?
How frequently do you change partners?
When do you plan to have a baby?
Have you you evaluated your health condition?
How often do you have sex?
What is the efficiency level of method? Are there adverse reactions?
People who have occasional sex partners should always use condoms not only for birth control but also for protection against sexually transmitted diseases. Only discuss other birth control methods with your partner if you are involved in a long term relationship.
The advantages and disadvantages of a birth control methods should be analyzed together with the health care provider. In some cases, there are major health benefits in some and high risks in others. The effectiveness of the method often comes into discussion. Abstinence or the decision not to have sex is the one that provides the best birth control, otherwise no method offers 100% efficiency. Some people would even go to the length of combining several birth control methods to be certain that no unwanted pregnancy occurs.
The choice of a birth control method proves difficult difficult for women in more peculiar conditions. Age could be an impediment if the woman is too young or if she approaches menopause. Then, there is chronic disease that reduces the number of birth control choices as well as various physical disabilities.
Emergency contraception should also be mentioned as a form of birth control although it cannot be used on a regular basis. Two pills taken twelve hours apart can prevent unwanted pregnancies if used within maximum five days after the unprotected intercourse. The effect is similar with that of regular hormonal birth control, although the efficiency rate is between 75% and 85%. There are limitations and a higher risk of side effects associated with emergency contraception.