Finding the best types of birth control can be challenging for couples and other sexually active men and women. As attempts to avoid pregnancy have been common since the dawn of mankind, numerous techniques and devices have been developed over the centuries to assist with family planning.

There are many aids and medications which aim at preventing the fertilization of ova by conception-seeking sperm.

There are some types of birth control which can be obtained without a prescription from a doctor. These usually don't produce side effects, although there may be some who have an allergic reaction to their use and may develop a rash when they are used.

* CONDOM. One of the earliest birth control methods, that is still in use today, is a condom. This is a sheath that covers the penis and provides a barrier to the sperm, preventing it from making any contact with an ovum. Because condoms prevent any exchange of secretions - blood, semen or vaginal fluids - condoms also provide good protection from sexually transmitted diseases (STD).

* BIRTH CONTROL PATCH. This is a small adhesive patch about the size of a half dollar that attaches to the skin and slowly releases hormones into the bloodstream through the skin. Like the pill, these hormones effectively prevent pregnancy.

* BIRTH CONTROL PILL. Also known as the pill, it has been widely used since first made available in the 1960s. The pill contains specific dosages of one or more hormones and is taken daily throughout the month. The hormones it contains are disruptive to the process of conception.

* BIRTH CONTROL SHOT. This is given as an injection to the woman and is a form of progesterone which has contraceptive properties that last for about three months. A booster shot is required near the end of the protection period. This injection is usually given in the buttocks or arm.

* CERVICAL CAP. A form of birth control that uses a barrier method by placing a small, cup-shaped rubber cap over the entrance to the cervix. By this means, it effectively places a physical obstruction to the passage of sperm into the uterus. Sperm are thus unable to make contact with the female egg.

* DIAPHRAGM. Similar in principle to the cervical cap, this is a larger, rubber, cup-shaped device that covers the entrance to the womb, or cervix, and is inserted into the vagina before engaging in intercourse. The diaphragm normally has a spermicide added before insertion and needs to remain in place at least six hours after coitus. Spermicide can be obtained over the counter from a drugstore.

* IUD. The intra-uterine device (IUD) requires a consultation with a doctor to have it inserted. There are two types of IUD available in the U.S. One releases copper and the other releases progesterone. The Copper T may stay in place for up to ten years but the Progestasert needs to be replaced by a doctor every year.

There are many factors which need to be taken into account when deciding which types of birth control are best for you. These include age, general health, frequency of intercourse, whether children are desired at some future date, and how many partners are likely to be involved.

A very good way to get more detailed information about the best types of birth control and the Finding the best types of birth control can be challenging for couples and other sexually active men and women. As attempts to avoid pregnancy have been common since the dawn of mankind, numerous techniques and devices have been developed over the centuries to assist with family planning.

There are many aids and medications which aim at preventing the fertilization of ova by conception-seeking sperm.

There are some types of birth control which can be obtained without a prescription from a doctor. These usually don't produce side effects, although there may be some who have an allergic reaction to their use and may develop a rash when they are used.

* CONDOM. One of the earliest birth control methods, that is still in use today, is a condom. This is a sheath that covers the penis and provides a barrier to the sperm, preventing it from making any contact with an ovum. Because condoms prevent any exchange of secretions - blood, semen or vaginal fluids - condoms also provide good protection from sexually transmitted diseases (STD).

* BIRTH CONTROL PATCH. This is a small adhesive patch about the size of a half dollar that attaches to the skin and slowly releases hormones into the bloodstream through the skin. Like the pill, these hormones effectively prevent pregnancy.

* BIRTH CONTROL PILL. Also known as the pill, it has been widely used since first made available in the 1960s. The pill contains specific dosages of one or more hormones and is taken daily throughout the month. The hormones it contains are disruptive to the process of conception.

* BIRTH CONTROL SHOT. This is given as an injection to the woman and is a form of progesterone which has contraceptive properties that last for about three months. A booster shot is required near the end of the protection period. This injection is usually given in the buttocks or arm.

* CERVICAL CAP. A form of birth control that uses a barrier method by placing a small, cup-shaped rubber cap over the entrance to the cervix. By this means, it effectively places a physical obstruction to the passage of sperm into the uterus. Sperm are thus unable to make contact with the female egg.

* DIAPHRAGM. Similar in principle to the cervical cap, this is a larger, rubber, cup-shaped device that covers the entrance to the womb, or cervix, and is inserted into the vagina before engaging in intercourse. The diaphragm normally has a spermicide added before insertion and needs to remain in place at least six hours after coitus. Spermicide can be obtained over the counter from a drugstore.

* IUD. The intra-uterine device (IUD) requires a consultation with a doctor to have it inserted. There are two types of IUD available in the U.S. One releases copper and the other releases progesterone. The Copper T may stay in place for up to ten years but the Progestasert needs to be replaced by a doctor every year.

There are many factors which need to be taken into account when deciding which types of birth control are best for you. These include age, general health, frequency of intercourse, whether children are desired at some future date, and how many partners are likely to be involved.

A very good way to get more detailed information about the best types of birth control and the birth control method that is right for you is to obtain the information at Many Weeks Pregnant.birth control method that is right for you is to obtain the information at Many Weeks Pregnant.

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Gaurav