Contraceptives, better known as birth control, refer to the use of devices, medicines, or surgical procedures to prevent pregnancy. There are many different types of contraceptives available today, including hormonal methods like pills and patches, barrier methods such as condoms and diaphragms, long-acting reversible options like IUDs and implants, and permanent solutions like sterilization. Some methods, like condoms, can also protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), making them a dual-purpose option for sexual health. Choosing the right contraceptive depends on your lifestyle, health needs, and whether you’re looking for a short-term or long-term solution. It’s important to speak with a healthcare provider to understand the benefits and limitations of each method and find the one that’s best for you.
For more information about the different types of contraceptives, you can talk to the best GYN in Brownsville at Doral Health and Wellness – Women’s Health Center.
Types Of Birth Control or Contraceptives
Barrier Methods
- Condom – there are two types of condoms, male and female condoms. The male condom is a thin sheath that covers the penis to prevent the sperm from entering the woman’s body. While the female condom is a thin and flexible pouch that is inserted into the vagina before intercourse and prevents the sperm to enter the uterus.
- Contraceptive sponge – this is a small sponge that is put into the vagina to cover the cervix, this also contains a spermicide that kills the sperm
- Spermicide – this is a substance that is put inside the vagina to kill the sperm
- Diaphragm and cervical cap – this cup comes in different sizes, used and put inside the vagina to cover the cervix. This can be used alongside spermicide.
Hormonal Methods
- Contraceptive pills or oral contraceptives – this is a pill that a woman takes every day to help her prevent getting pregnant
- Contraceptive patch – a patch that a woman puts on her skin, this patch releases hormones into the woman’s bloodstream.
- Vaginal ring – this is inserted into the vagina, where it releases hormones. This ring is changed every 3 weeks.
- Injectable birth control – a woman can get an injectable hormone every three months to help her prevent getting pregnant
- Implant – a GYN or surgeon can insert a thin rod into a woman’s upper arm that can last up to four years, this also releases hormones into the woman’s bloodstream
Long-acting reversible contraceptives
- Intrauterine device (IUD) – this is a T-shaped device that is inserted into a woman’s uterus. There are 2 types of IUD: the hormonal IUD and the copper IUD. Both IUDs can last from 3 to 10 years.
Sterilization
- Tubal ligation – this is a surgical procedure where a woman’s fallopian tube is blocked by clipping or removing the tube. This procedure will prevent the fertilization of eggs by sperm. This procedure is considered as a permanent type of birth control.
- Vasectomy – this is a form of male birth control, a surgical procedure where the tube that carries the sperm will be cut off. This is also considered a permanent form of birth control for men.
On choosing a birth control method, it is best that you discuss it first with your GYN or medical provider. You can ask them the pros and cons of each method and what works best for your situation. There are lots of things to be considered upon deciding on a birth control method, talk to your medical provider so they can give you answers to all your queries.
At Doral Health and Wellness – Women’s Health Center, we have the best GYN doctor in East New York, and we provide women with quality healthcare services. To schedule an appointment, you can visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212, or call us at 1-347-384-5690. You can also visit our website at http://www.gynecologistbrooklyn.com/.
