Contraception methods are used to protect ourselves against unwanted pregnancy and STD (sexually transmitted diseases).

There are a variety of methods developed just for your protection so there are plenty of choices. The most popular contraception methods are the pills and condoms.

Birth control pills are the most popular contraceptive of all because they offer relief for girls who experience a painful menstruation, they protect against pregnancy and you can keep better track of your period. Birth control pills make the periods shorter, lighter, and they have also been proven to improve acne.

The hormones from the pills stop ovulation – so if there is no egg there can’t be any fertilization. The downside of birth control pills is that they offer no protection against sexually transmitted diseases, which are the ones we should fear most.

The common side effects of birth control pills are headaches, nausea and slight weight gain. The side effects usually go away after getting used to the pills. The rare side effects are vein clotting, heart attacks and strokes and can be triggered if you are a smoker, obese, diabetic or have high blood pressure.

This is why pills are prescription based medicine so you should consult a physician before taking any birth control pills. The physician will determine what type of pills would be appropriate for you.

condoms

Condoms

Condoms are usually made of latex. There are several sizes available on the market, some brands may even contain chemical substances that ‘kill’ sperm. The condom traps sperm inside when a man ejaculates so the sperm doesn’t get in contact with your vagina, preventing pregnancy. They offer protection against STD, but they are not 100% safe. Condoms might break or leak during sexual contact so there is a risk of getting infected or pregnant.

Female condom – Femidom

The female condom looks like a small polyurethane bin liner. The female condom is inserted into the vagina before intercourse. The package has instructions on how to insert and use the condom.

Other contraceptive methods – but not as popular as pills and condoms are:

– skin patch– contraceptive injections– the diaphragm– withdrawal method– intra uterine device– sterilization

Keep in mind that even if you are both tested and don’t have any diseases, sperm can be present in the fluid he secrets when the man becomes sexually aroused so even if he withdraws his penis before he ejaculates there is a chance you might get pregnant.