There is no ‘perfect’ or ‘best’ method of birth control as each method has its advantages and disadvantages. You and your partner need to consult with your health care provider on the best method for you as a couple. Some factors to consider include:
• Your overall health
• How often you have sex
• The number of sex partners you have
• If you want to have children someday
• How well each method works to prevent pregnancy
• Possible side effects
• Comfort and ease of using the method
Continuous Abstinence
This means not having sex (vaginal, anal, or oral) at any time. It is the only sure way to prevent pregnancy and protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV.
Fertility Awareness methods
These are also popularly known as Natural Family Planning or Rhythm Method. Fertility awareness methods are based on predicting the fertile and non-fertile phases of the menstrual cycle to achieve or avoid pregnancy. To avoid pregnancy, a couple should abstain from sexual intercourse or use a barrier method during the fertile days. To conceive, the couple will do the opposite.
To have success with this method, you need to learn about your menstrual cycle. Then you can learn to predict which days you are fertile or “unsafe.” To learn about your cycle, keep a written record of:
a.) Date when your monthly cycle starts
b.) What it is like (heavy or light blood flow)
c.) How you feel (sore breasts, cramps)
This method also involves checking your cervical mucus and recording your body temperature each day. Cervical mucus is the discharge from your vagina. You are most fertile when it is clear and slippery like raw egg whites. Use a basal thermometer to take your temperature and record it in a chart. Your temperature will rise from 0.4 to 0.8° F on the first day of ovulation. You can talk with your doctor or a natural family planning instructor to learn how to record and understand this information.
Barrier Methods
These methods put up a block, or barrier, to keep sperm from reaching the egg.
• Male Condom
Male condoms are a thin sheath placed over an erect penis to keep sperm from entering a woman’s body. Condoms can be made of latex, polyurethane, or “natural/lambskin”. The natural kind does not protect against STIs. Condoms work best when used with a vaginal spermicide, which kills the sperm. Ensure that you use a new condom with each sex act. Condoms can be lubricated, which can make sexual intercourse more comfortable or non-lubricated, which can also be used for oral sex. It is best to add lubrication to non-lubricated condoms if you use them for vaginal sex. You can use a water-based lubricant, such as K-Y Jelly. Oil-based lubricants like olive oil, baby oil, lotions, or petroleum jelly will weaken the condom, causing it to tear or break. Always keep condoms in a cool, dry place. If you keep them in a hot place like a wallet the latex breaks down. Then the condom can tear or break.
• Female Condom
This condom is worn by the woman inside her vagina. It keeps sperm from getting into her body. It is made of thin, flexible, man-made rubber and is packaged with a lubricant. It can be inserted up to 8 hours before having sex. Use a new condom each time you have intercourse and don’t use it and a male condom at the same time.
• Diaphragm, Cervical Cap, and Cervical Shield
These barrier methods block the sperm from entering the cervix (the opening to your womb) and reaching the egg. The diaphragm is a shallow latex cup. The cervical cap is a thimble-shaped latex cup. The cervical shield is a silicone cup that has a one-way valve that creates suction and helps it fit against the cervix. The diaphragm and cervical cap come in different sizes, and you need a doctor to fit one for you. The cervical shield comes in one size, and you will not need a fitting. Before having sex, add spermicide (to block or kill sperm) to the devices. Then place them inside your vagina to cover your cervix. You can buy spermicide gel or foam at a chemist. All three of these barrier methods must be left in place for 6 to 8 hours after having sex to prevent pregnancy. The diaphragm should be taken out within 24 hours. The cap and shield should be taken out within 48 hours.
Common side effects include: Irritation, Allergic reactions, Urinary tract infections, Toxic shock syndrome if left in too long
