In all of its many forms, birth control is one of the most significant innovations of mankind, helping couples love and enjoy one another without the risks of unplanned pregnancies. Millions of pregnancies are avoided with the aid of birth control each and every year in the US alone, but it’s important for all to understand the risks, types, effects, and benefits of birth control fully.

Many Different Types

One of the most important things to know about birth control is that it comes in a wide range of forms. Some younger people, in particular, might not be aware of all the different options out there, which can include:

• Condoms – Condoms are some of the most frequently used forms of birth control. They’re affordable, simple, and reasonably effective too, but there are stronger alternatives out there.
• IUDs – IUD stands for intrauterine device. These devices are like little rods with pieces of string attached which can be inserted into the uterus in order to provide efficient, long-term birth control.
• Pills – Many women choose to take the pill, which helps to control the hormone levels in a woman’s body in such a way as to prevent pregnancy from happening.
• Implants – Birth control implants can also be used. They’re typically placed in the arm and help to control hormone levels, offering long-term birth control.
• Additional – There are many additional birth control options out there too, and knowing the pros and cons of each one can help people make the right choice for themselves and their partners.

Varying Effectiveness

All of these different types of birth control are not made equal. Not only do they have very different methods of working, but they can also have very different levels of effectiveness too, with some being much better than others for preventing pregnancies.

You can find different efficiency ratings for the various forms of birth control online, with leading establishments ranking each one. In general, devices like IUDs and implants are seen as some of the most effective, while condoms and pills, despite being more popular, aren’t quite as strong overall.

It’s also important to note that even the very best types of birth control aren’t able to offer 100% protection. There’s always a risk when it comes to being intimate with someone else, and everyone should be aware of that risk and ready to accept the consequences.

Risks and Side Effects

It’s also important to note that some birth control methods can pose a risk of side effects. This is another reason why it’s vital for everyone to do their research and choose birth control with care, understanding how it might affect their bodies and making an informed decision.

The IUD, for example, can trigger something called ‘the Mirena crash‘ when it is removed, in which hormone levels rapidly change and women suffer various side effects like stomach pain, nausea, fatigue, and so on, sometimes for several months.

Pills and patches have also been linked with side effects like mood swings, acne, and weight gain, and even condoms can trigger allergic reactions in some people. Make sure you know the risks and possible side effects of any birth control method before using it.

They Don’t All Protect from STDs

It’s also important to remember that birth control methods are primarily designed to protect against pregnancy, not sexually transmitted diseases and infections. Even though some methods, like condoms, can help to lower the risk of STDs, many of them won’t have much or any effect at all on reducing the likelihood of transmission.

For this reason, it’s widely recommended for partners to communicate with one another, informing each other of any past health issues and making sure everyone has all the information they need before taking any physical action. It’s also wise for people to get tested and verify the test results of their partners too. Make sure to find an appointment for std testing near me.

Final Word

The many forms of birth control can offer a lot of advantages, helping people plan their families with care and avoid getting in over their heads with unplanned pregnancies. However, everyone needs to know the risks, side effects, and wide range of choices out there.

By educating yourself on birth control, you’ll be able to make smarter choices for your health, your protection, and your future too. Hopefully this guide has helped to provide a brief introduction to the subject, and you can speak with your doctor to learn more.