#HealthBytes: 5 effective contraceptives, other than the male condoms
Talking about contraceptives, the first thing that might strike your mind would be a (male) condom. But the popular birth control method isn't foolproof- a male condom may burst out during the act, may not fit well sometimes, or may cause skin issues to some men. So, here are 5 effective contraceptives, other than the male condoms.
The lady counterpart to the (male) condom!
Yes, a condom, again! But it's not your regular penile condom- a female condom goes inside the vagina to protect a woman's inners from sperm contact, and transfer of STIs. Quite like the male condom, a female condom, too, can be bought at pharmacies and stores, without a prescription. Additionally, female condoms are much more effective, they avoid risk of pregnancy in about 95% cases.
Birth Control pills can be as much as 95-99% effective
A common birth-control tool, The Pill is often used by women as a post-sex contraception method. The Pill can be as much as 95-99% effective. Broadly, there are two-types of pills- The Combined contraceptive pill (containing the hormones estrogen and progestin) and the mini-pill (containing only progestin). However, one needs a doctor's prescription to get it. Obviously, it provides zero safety from STIs.
For long-term pregnancy prevention, go for IUDs
An Intrauterine Device (IUD) is a highly effective (99% effectiveness rate), long-term contraception tool. There are generally two types of IUDs- Hormonal IUDs and Copper IUDs. The effective duration of these devices usually ranges from 5 to 10 years. An IUD would require you to visit a doctor frequently- for insertion, follow-up, and regular check-ups. However, IUDs provide no protection against STIs.
A highly effective, long-term birth-control tool
The Contraceptive Implant is a highly effective, long-term contraceptive method, lasting for 3 years, on average. It releases the hormone progestin into your body at a slow and steady pace, bringing the same birth-control effect as the pill. The Implant is inserted in the arm, and because the chance of human error is ruled out, Implants have an effectiveness rate of almost 100%.
The Contraceptive Diaphragm can be used a number of times
The Diaphragm is a barrier birth-control tool placed inside the vagina, so that it prevents sperms from entering the uterus. A diaphragm needs to be coated with spermicide each time before sexual encounter, should be inserted at-least six hours prior to sex, and must be removed after 24 hours for cleaning purpose. The Diaphragm doesn't provide any protection against STIs.
