Safe Contraceptives for Women

Choosing the right contraceptives for women is a personal choice. It is therefore helpful to know about the various kinds of contraceptives available today. Each method has its own technique of preventing pregnancy. Some are used only on occasion, others are implanted, worn or ingested for a slightly longer term while there is sterilisation that is permanent in nature. Most of these are safe and adaptable to any woman.

Let’s look at the most popular and safe contraceptive options for women:

1 . Birth Control Pills

Contraceptive or birth control pills can be purchased at any pharmacist but most require a prescription. These pills contain hormones and are almost 99% effective if taken every day at the same time. They stop ovulation restricting the chances of egg release and fertilisation while also creating a guard of mucus on the cervix and blocking sperm from getting to any stray eggs.

2 . Diaphragm

The diaphragm is one of the most effective barrier techniques under female contraception. It can be inserted at home prior to sexual intercourse. The diaphragm creates a wall between the vagina and uterus, stopping sperm from entering. It is more effective when the diaphragm is covered with a spermicide.

3 . Intrauterine Devices

The Intrauterine device, known popularly some time back as the Copper T, is available today in a hormone format. This contraceptive device is inserted into the woman’s uterus by a doctor and can be kept there between five and ten years if need be. The earlier version is made of copper and once inserted, has spermicidal effects to keep pregnancies at bay. The hormonal IUD, on the other hand, is mostly made of plastic and it releases progestin which thickens the cervical mucus and minimises ovulation. Both these techniques are highly effective.

4 . Spermicides

Spermicide is available easily and can be applied without any trouble. It can be in gel, foam or some sort of cream form. It is required to be applied as close to the cervix as possible for maximum effectiveness. The spermicide may be used just before sex as a good blocking agent but works best when teamed with another preventive technique such as the diaphragm or condom.

5 . Contraceptive Patch

The contraceptive patch is a hormonal patch that can be worn anywhere such as the arm, stomach, back etc. It keeps releasing oestrogen and progestin into the body. These hormones stop ovaries from releasing eggs and thus preventing pregnancy. The contraceptive patch is required to be changed every week and regular use can result in 99% safety. However, women with blood pressure, cholesterol or blood clotting issues are not recommended to use this method. It’s safe for all others but a doctor’s consultation should be taken before use.

You may choose any of these methods as long as they suit you after consulting your doctor.