Birth control methods allow women to enjoy sexual intercourse without the worry of an unplanned pregnancy.
Contraceptives have come a long way now, it is not just limited to pills and condoms. Along with hormonal birth control methods, there are also non-hormonal methods.
For women who do not want any side effects of hormonal birth control methods, these non-hormonal birth control methods give them an option to still have control over their birthing plans. We are presenting to you a few options which the sexually active youth can use.
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Copper T IUD (intrauterine device)
- It is a small T-shaped plastic device around which a fine copper wire is wrapped around and a nylon thread is attached in the end. The thread can help one know that the device is in place.
- The copper present in the device releases Copper ions which create a nonconducive atmosphere for sperms in the vagina. Thus either the sperm cannot swim up and reach the egg or if in fact a determined sperm does reach the egg and fertilize it, the inhospitable environment in the uterus makes sure the fertilized egg does not implant on the uterus.
Pros:
- Once inserted, you are sorted out for the next 10 years for unprotected sex and is considered as an effective Long-acting reversible contraception. Reversible because once you have the device removed, you can conceive within a short period.
- It is also quite effective as an ‘emergency contraception’ because if one inserts into the vagina within 120 hours of unprotected sex then there is less than 1% chance of getting pregnant.
Cons:
- Does not provide protection from STIs.
- There is a small risk of getting an infection in the urinary tract.
- Some might experience heavy bleeding and severe cramps which may also lead to anemia.
- Some experience discomfort during the insertion, however, when inserted correctly by a doctor, there is little to worry about.
Chances of getting pregnant:
It is quite rare to get pregnant after using IUD since 99% of the time it is effective.
Read: Copper IUD: 7 Things to Know to Help You Decide Better!
Spermicides
- It is available in different forms such as foams, gels, cream, vaginal suppositories etc.
- Spermicide is applied into the vagina before sexual intercourse.
- The chemical nonoxynol-9 present in the spermicide works on the sperms and prevents it from swimming up the vagina to enter the uterus.
- After applying the spermicide you should not rinse the vagina for the next 6 hours at least.
- Considered to be more effective when used with other contraceptive methods such as a condom, diaphragm or sponge.
Pros:
- It does not require a prescription.
- It increases lubrication during sex.
Cons:
- Doesn’t give protection from STD.
- Needs to be inserted at least 20 minutes before sexual intercourse. This is quite a feat when you need to apply spermicide every time before sex.
- Cannot clean up immediately after sex as you will need to wait for a few hours to make sure spermicide has worked on all the sperms inside the vagina.
- Can cause allergy and vaginal irritation in some people.
Chances of getting pregnant:
It is 70 to 80% effective. However, when used with barrier methods such as condoms, it is 97% effective.
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Male condom (External condom)
- It is considered to be the safest and easiest option when it comes to any contraception.
- It is a thin cover made of Latex rubber which should be put into the erect penis.
- It prevents any exchange of fluids between the couple during sex. So there is no question of sperm even entering the vagina.
- There are numerous options for condom users in the market. For those allergic to latex condoms, there are other options as well.
Pros:
- The best protection from STDs.
- Readily available without a prescription.
- Inexpensive.
Cons:
- Some might be allergic to latex.
- Some have the opinion that using a condom reduces sexual pleasure as it prevents direct sensations in the genitalia.
- You have to wear it everytime before having sex.
Chances of getting pregnant:
It is 98% effective if used correctly.
Read: Condoms: 10 FAQs that Will Make You Give a F**K about Condoms!
[Sexually Transmitted Disease (STDs) and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are very common among sexually active youth. The thing is, most of you do not get help, out of fear or shame. Our doctors understand the youth and they will treat you with dignity and kindness. If you need help to get a consultation and treatment talk to us now by clicking on the Whatsapp chat button: ]
Female Condom (internal condom)
- It is a strong, thin sheath made of soft polyurethane or nitrile polymer and has flexible rings on both ends to help to hold it in place inside the vagina.
- One end of the condom is sealed so that sperm has no entry into the vagina.
- There are not as many options in female condoms as there in male condoms. Consumer behaviour is yet to catch up to make female condoms a widely used one.
Pros:
- It gives protection from STDs
- Available easily from stocked pharmacies and online sellers
- It is safe for people who are allergic to latex.
- Lubricants can be used without the fear of condom breaking
Cons:
- It costs much more than the male condoms
- Has to be worn everytime before having sex
- The rings can cause irritation in some people.
- Some are of the opinion that just like the male condom, the female condom also reduces direct sensations and thus affects sexual pleasure
Chances of getting pregnant:
If used correctly it is 95 % effective in preventing a pregnancy
Do watch how to insert a female condom:
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The Pull Out Method
- Long before contraceptives were prevalent in the commercial market, it was the pull-out method which many people resorted to avoiding a pregnancy.
- Many sexually active teenagers continue to use this method when they have no option of getting a contraceptive.
- In this method, a man pulls out the erect penis from a woman’s vagina just before he ejaculates. The timing is thus very important!
Pros:
- No cost or product involved. Simplest and most convenient method.
Cons:
- High chances of contracting an STD
- If the timing of pull-out is wrong, then there are high chances of getting pregnant.
- In some men, even the pre-ejaculatory fluids have motile sperms. Thus it does not matter where the man has ejaculated inside or outside the vagina, as long as the pre-ejaculatory fluids with the motile sperms are already present inside the vagina.
Chances of getting pregnant:
If done correctly it is 78 % effective in preventing a pregnancy
Conclusion
Birth controls are aplenty, especially if it is hormonal. However, you are in no position to use hormonal options because of certain health conditions, you still have choices in non hormonal birth controls. For some of you, even if you have no pre-existing medical conditions, you still opt out of hormonal birth controls as they can cause mood swings and weight gains. Different bodies react differently to hormonal birth controls. So, there is nothing to feel limited about being unable to use them. You have choices in non-hormonal birth controls. Your sexual, reproductive health and well being is in your hands.
[If you have any other questions or doubts about pregnancy, abortion, or your sexuality, please talk to us. We will immediately help you. Talk to us by clicking on this Whatsapp chat button: ]
About the Author: Fiza Rehman
A second year BA student from Sophia College for Women. She is very fond of cats, squirrels and passionate about giving people and animals a safe space.
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