There are many different forms of birth control that people may use as a contraceptive in order to prevent getting pregnant. The most common types are diaphragms, cervical caps, birth control pills, Depo-Provera, nor plants, intra-uterine devices, vasectomy, and female sterilization.
Diaphragm are covered with spermicide and usually placed within the vagina prior to sex so that it can cover the neck of the womb. Diaphragms come in different sizes so there has to be a visit to the doctor in order to ensure the proper size is used. It can stay in place for no more than just 24 hours. Adding more spermicide prior to having sex is very important if you keep using it.
Cervical caps are made of a soft rubber cup which has a round rim that can fit over the neck of the womb. It is generally smaller than diaphragms, but usually harder to insert properly. This also requires a visit to the doctors in order to get the right fitted cap. The advantage with this is even though it is used with spermicide, a woman can leave it in for nearly 48 hours.
Birth control pills are a type of oral contraceptives, having two different classes. Combined oral contraceptives generally have two hormones that prevent pregnancy, estrogen and progestin. The main concept is that they keep the ovaries from releasing an egg, and the pills have to be induced daily. Minipills usually consist of just one hormone, progestin. It thickens the cervical mucus to stop sperm from entering and reaching the egg. Some even stop the ovaries from releaxing eggs. They also have to be taken daily.
Depo Provera’s are a form of progestin which relates very closely to minipills, but they have to be injected in with a needle by a doctor. It must be done every three months in order for it to keep working as a contraceptive. Another form of progestin is norplant which is placed right beneath the skin. It is made of rubber rods that look like matchsticks. Doctors have to place the rods into the skin at the point where women release progestin. They can be an effective contraceptive two years to five years.
The last three have to be performed by a doctor. Intra-Uterine devices are inserted into the womb which can release either copper or progesterone to be a contraceptive for up to 10 years, with replacements every year. Vasectomy is the way doctors make a man sterile to prevent the man from producing sperm. Female sterilization is an option which is done by blocking the fallopian tubes so the eggs cannot reach the womb.
