The 12 Methods to Prevent Pregnancy

However, studies have shown that the most commonly used method of contraception is the male condom and the “morning pill” or “morning after pill”. Each one represents 25% of the most used contraceptive methods .

Emergency contraception is, as a matter of fact, a curative method. It is used to prevent an unplanned pregnancy after having sex without using contraceptives. The “morning pill” or “morning after pill” are examples of emergency contraception. Check out  the 12 Methods to Prevent Pregnancy:

Male Condom:  As mentioned above, this is the most used method to prevent pregnancy  , this means of contraception used by men forms a barrier preventing sperm from being expelled into the vagina . Made from a thin rubber or latex sheath, a condom needs to be rolled over the erect penis before intercourse to prevent unwanted pregnancy or STD transmission.

Female Condom: The female condom is a thin bag with a structure that fits snugly in the vagina , much thinner than latex condoms that are made from a material called nitrile. It is a great ally to prevent pregnancy.

Emergency Contraceptive Pills : These are also called “morning pills” or “morning after pill” and must be consumed within 72 hours of unprotected sex (in some cases, within 48 hours) to Prevent Pregnancy . They mainly prevent a fertilized egg from implanting in the walls of the uterus.

Birth Control: People often get confused between a “morning pill” and a “birth control pill”. While the “morning pill” can come to your rescue just after an episode of unprotected sex, birth control pills are prescription drugs, which, when taken regularly, can prevent the release of an egg from the ovaries.

Tubal Ligation:  This is a method of contraception to prevent permanent pregnancy, offered to women in whom the fallopian tubes are tied or blocked through a surgical procedure to prevent a fertilized egg from entering the uterus for implantation.

Tubectomy : A method to prevent pregnancy in which the fallopian tubes are removed in whole or in part.

Spermicide: Spermicide is a substance that can be in gel, cream or tablet, which must be introduced into the vagina before intimate contact to cause the death of sperm when they contact thewoman’s vagina to prevent pregnancy .

However, spermicide should be used in conjunction with another method, such as a condom or diaphragm, because it is one of the least effective contraceptive methods. The spermicide must be applied even before intimate contact begins and in some cases it can cause discomfort and irritation of the vagina . birth control pills or have a lot of vaginal infections and cannot use a ring or IUD.

Vasectomy: A vasectomy is the ligation (closing) of the vas deferens in men. It is a small surgery performed with local anesthesia on top of the scrotum (sack), in which the channel that takes sperm from the testicle to the other glands that produce male sperm (liquid) is cut to   Prevent Pregnancy . After a vasectomy, ejaculation remains normal, except that it will occur without the presence of sperm.

Vaginal Diaphragm: The diaphragm is a ring-shaped rubber contraceptive method that prevents sperm from entering the uterus , preventing egg fertilization to Prevent Pregnancy. To be effective, the device must be placed about 30 minutes before intimate contact and removed 12 hours after intercourse, and it must be repeated every time there is intimate contact, otherwise it is not effective.
The diaphragm can be used several times for about 2 years, so after using it should be washed and stored in a clean place.

Injectables: A contraceptive injection, such as Depo-Provera, should be given into the muscle of the arm or leg once a month or every 3 months by a nurse at the Pregnancy Prevention clinic . The injection slowly releases hormones that prevent ovulation, but its prolonged use can cause delayed fertility, increased appetite, which can lead to weight gain, as well as headaches, acne and hair loss, for example. It’s a great method for women with mental illness, tuberculosis or epilepsy who can’t take birth control pills or have a lot of vaginal infections and can’t use a ring or IUD.

Vaginal Ring:  Once inserted into the vagina , it can prevent pregnancy for up to 21 days. Composed of a soft plastic, it is placed inside the vagina and releases estrogen and progesterone that prevent ovulation. It also makes the lining of the uterus thinner, making it harder for an egg to implant into the wall. You will need to replace the ring every 21 days.

Stop-Start Method: This method of Preventing Pregnancy simply means stopping the act when the man is on the verge of reaching climax. This ensures that he doesn’t ejaculate inside the woman, so the sperm don’t reach deep into the vagina and won’t fertilize the eggs.