Five common birth control options you must know

What happens if you forget to take the ‘morning after pill’? Panic mode kicks in and all over sudden you start imagining yourself as a mother, right?

Although we all agree that babies are a blessing no matter the circumstances they are born in, at times unexpected pregnancies can derail all aspects of our life.

Let’s explore some of the few available but effective birth control options.

1. Abstinence.

Yes, it had to be the very first one. Abstinence is a self-enforced restraint from indulging in sexual activities.  Abstinence is a great way to avoid the risks that come with intercourse including STDs.

2. Birth Control Pills

This is the most popular way of birth control. Pills have been used since time in memorial. How do they work? They make cervical mucus thicker, which prevents sperm from getting to the eggs and therefore stopping ovulation.

However, not all can have the pill. Some women experience side effects such as nausea and weight gain.

3. Pull Out Method (Withdrawal)

This involves removing the male organs from the female organs before ejaculation occurs in order to prevent insemination from taking place.

4. Male and Female Condom

Condoms form a barrier. When used correctly, sperm and pre-ejaculate are caught by the condom and never make direct contact with the female organs.

This prevents sperms from fertilizing the egg, therefore eliminating the possibility of becoming pregnant.

5. Vasectomy and Sterilization for Women

A vasectomy is a permanent birth control option for men. It eliminates completely the risk of the man ever impregnating a woman.

Getting a vasectomy can be reversed but the reversal procedure is very expensive and there is also no guarantee that the reversal will work.

Tubal Sterilization or Sterilization for women, is a permanent procedure that women undergo to prevent pregnancy. During this procedure, a health care professional will close or block a woman’s fallopian tubes.