Best Birth Control Options - Get the Facts and Avoid an Unwanted Pregnancy

There are many times when women choose not to use birth control or when the method they choose ends up failing. Pregnancy may still be able to be prevented as long as you act fast with the best birth control method. Contraception is another word for birth control. Any method that is able to prevent pregnancy is contraception. There is always a good chance you will become pregnant if you choose to not use birth control. Unplanned pregnancy is very common with women even if you no longer are having a menstrual cycle or transitioning toward menopause.

Out of 100 women, 85 will get pregnant due to it being unplanned and with no contraception method. The only way you can guarantee you will avoid pregnancy is to not engage in sexual activity. The next best thing in avoiding pregnancy is finding the best method that will work for you. There are a variety of options. They all have their unique pros and cons. Getting educated about all the methods will help you to determine what is right for you.

Hormonal methods - These methods are one of the best and the most common for preventing pregnancy. Some of these methods include the following: The skin patch, vaginal ring, Depo-Provera shots, birth control pills, the Mirena IUD w/ Levonorgestrel, and the implant.

Barrier method - This method does not prevent a woman from getting pregnant like the hormonal methods. They must be used each time you have sex. These methods include the following: condoms, sponges, and diaphragms.

IUD's or Intrauterine devices - This apparatus is placed in the uterus. They can work from 5 to 10 years very well and is a very safe method to use. The Mirena IUD is included in this group and has a hormone that is able to lessen menstrual symptoms, such as, cramping and heavy cycles.

Sterilization - Women go through a procedure called tubal ligation where the fallopian tubes are tied and blocked. Men can be sterilized by a vasectomy; a tiny incision is made with the vasa deferentia. These methods are permanent forms of birth control.

Natural method - This method is also called fertility awareness and works only if you are very careful. It's not always considered the best birth control method. Keeping good records and documenting the days in which you are most fertile is a must with this method. A barrier method or abstinence will need to be used on days when you are most fertile.

Emergency treatment (morning after treatment) - This is a medication that is only used when a contraception method has failed knowingly.

In order for the hormonal and barrier methods to work well, you will need to use them just as they are prescribed or directed in regards to the package instructions; however, these methods are still not foolproof and accidents are bound to happen.

Emergency birth control is good if used as a backup. Morning after pills (plan B) can be purchased in most pharmacies only if you older than 16 years old. The best method is one that you have thought about in advance. Remember, this is a very important decision... starting a family should be planned, and not an accident.