Birth Control Options That You Should Know

Many people don't really know what birth control options they have. They are usually familiar with the hormonal pill or with the condom, but not more. With sexual education now being taught in schools, it is only expected to have an increase in sexual awareness and birth control options in the younger generations. However, not all communities and families approve of pregnancy control education in early school years, particularly since children are too immature, and because any attempt to introduce them to birth control becomes a way to speed up their sexually active life.

From all birth control options, condoms only offer protection against sexually transmitted diseases or infections (STD or STI), including AIDS. However, for optimal protection, condoms like all other birth control options should be used consistently and correctly. In terms of statistics, condoms are considered 75% to 85% efficient in the prevention of unwanted pregnancies. Due to incorrect use, or to low quality, condoms may break, tear or slip, thus exposing both sex partners to disease and the eventuality of pregnancy.

It is a good idea for people who want to become sexually involved to know what pregnancy control options they have at hand. The choice varies greatly depending on personal preferences, beliefs, health condition or on whether the two are committed to a serious relationship or they have sex with more partners. Although some issues tend to be considered taboos, you should not shy out when it comes to talking to the doctor. Discussing all the details, weighing the pros and cons and getting all the questions answered represents the best way to figure out the optimal birth control method for you.

It's quite rewarding for doctors and family planning specialists to see couples come together for an appointment in order to discuss openly about the various birth control options available. However, reading various online materials may not always prove enough for the education of youngsters. This is just a first step towards getting educated and establishing solid, healthy relationships. Knowing what birth control options there are available, makes choices easier. However, individual specificity remains the decisive factor, and only a specialist can help you figure out the right approach.

In families where parents take the time to talk to their children about sexuality and the responsibilities of active sexual life, the risks of unwanted pregnancies, abortion or sexually transmitted diseases are lower. Parents therefore ought to guide their siblings with advice or take them to a specialist to get more answers if they themselves can't offer them.

All About the Birth Control Patch

The birth control patch is a contraceptive method consisting of a 4.5-centimeter patch that releases hormones through the skin into the blood stream.

How does the birth control patch work?

The patch contains a combination of progesterone and estrogen, which are hormones with a function in controlling ovulation. This pregnancy control method actually prevents the release of an egg from the ovary, and without ovulation, there is no possibility to get pregnant.

Similarly to other hormone-based birth control means, the patch also thickens the cervical mucus, making it difficult for the sperm to travel in the uterus to reach the eggs that might have been released.

Last but not least, the patch also works on the lining of the uterus making it unfavorable for the implantation of a fertilized egg.

How to use the birth control patch?

Just like with any other pregnancy control method, the use of the patch depends on the menstrual cycle. You put the patch on the skin on the first day of the period, and you will then change it once a week, for three weeks in a row. You may apply the patch on the abdomen, the upper torso, the buttocks or the upper arms, but not on the breasts. No patch is worn during the fourth week, and this is the time when the period starts.

For efficiency, the birth control patch has to be applied on the skin on the same day of the week, so that it continues to give you protection. You should not apply the new patch exactly on the same spot as the other one, so that you avoid local skin irritation.

What if the patch falls off?

In case the patch gets detached by accident or you forget to apply it on the right day, you should talk to the doctor and carefully read the usage instructions in the package. Protection goes away within 24 hours of not wearing the patch. You should use an alternative birth control method, or not have sex in order to prevent pregnancy.

Special mentions

You can shower, bathe or go swimming while wearing a patch.

Don't take it off to change the location because it might lose its stickiness and fall more easily.

Don't use the birth control patch on makeup, powder, body lotion or any other skincare product.

Don't use tape to attach it on the skin and don't trim it!