The availability of so many birth control methods can seem puzzling. It can be overwhelming to select out of contraceptive pills, patches, vaginal rings, intrauterine devices and condoms. It is better to make an informed choice after having a discussion with a doctor or medical professional. This article offers a brief discussion on some popular forms of contraception so that you can make a better choice that suits your lifestyle.
Contraceptive Patch
The contraceptive patch is a skin patch that is a perfect alternative to contraceptive pill in order to prevent pregnancy. You do not have to take it daily, unlike contraceptive pills. You need to replace a patch after every seven days and it remains attached to your skin whether you bathe or exercise. This patch contains an amalgamation of artificial oestrogen and progestogen hormone. This patch releases a steady dose of synthetic hormones into the bloodstream through your skin during your menstrual cycle. When the hormones enter the bloodstream, they work in a very similar way to the contraceptive pill. Apart from preventing pregnancy, it can significantly reduce the heavy bleeding and pain that you may experience during your period.
Oral contraceptive
The oral contraceptive pill contains the synthetic versions of naturally-occurring female sex hormones, oestrogen and progestogen. It is generally advised that the first pill should be taken on the first day of your period. However, it can also be taken up to the fifth day of your period, but you have to use an extra barrier contraceptive for the next seven days. Birth control pills work in three ways to prevent pregnancy. Firstly, they prevent ovulation by tricking the body into believing that it has already occurred. This prevents the release of egg for the process of fertilisation. Secondly, it thickens the texture of cervical mucus so that a sperm is unable to penetrate the womb. And lastly, it modifies the womb lining so that no egg would be able to attach and grow there. Oral contraceptive pills also help to reduce the heavy bleeding and pain which you may experience during your period. The combination pills are taken for 21 days of your menstrual cycle, followed by a break of seven days. You can visit mybirthcontrol.co.uk for online purchase of birth control methods.
Contraceptive Ring
At times, it becomes difficult to remember to take a pill every day. You can consider other birth control methods such as the contraceptive ring, popularly known as the NuvaRing. It is a small ring of about 2 inches in diameter that is implanted into the vagina once a month with the help of a doctor. This contraceptive ring releases synthetic hormones (oestrogen and progestogen) into your bloodstream. It should be used only once in a month which makes it a suitable method of preventing pregnancy. This ring also helps in making your periods lighter and less painful. It can prevent the occurrence of ovarian cysts, pelvic inflammatory disease or ovarian cancers. This ring is known for having lower oestrogen levels as compared to other hormonal methods. This is the reason you are not likely to experience side effects that occur mostly due to the presence of oestrogen.