Birth Control (cont.)
Summary and conclusions
Many methods of birth control and contraception are available today. There
are many options. Unfortunately, most of these choices offer little or no
protection against sexually transmitted infections (sexually transmitted
diseases, STDs), especially against HIV, the human immunodeficiency virus that
causes AIDS.
For some individuals, economic considerations dictate their choice of
contraceptive method. Abstinence is 100% effective and costs nothing, but may
not always be a popular choice. "Natural" methods cost essentially nothing (if
one does not use test kits or electronic monitors) but they require considerable
discipline to be effective. Barrier methods, such as spermicides and condoms,
are affordable to most people and can be effective if they are used consistently
and correctly. The hormonal methods, such as "the pill," are highly effective
but their cost can add up if they must be purchased and regularly repeated.
The choice of a particular method of contraceptive also depends on a person's
age, health, and personal situation. For example, behavioral methods (fertility
awareness or withdrawal), IUDs, and tubal ligation are not methods recommended
for teenagers. A vasectomy or tubal ligation are not appropriate for a man or
woman who wishes to have children in the future because surgical reversal is not
guaranteed. Certain medical conditions can rule out a woman using a
hormone-based method of birth control.
- Methods of birth control include barrier, mechanical, hormonal, and natural
methods, as well as emergency and permanent methods.
- All methods of birth control are based on either preventing a man's sperm
from reaching and entering a woman's egg (fertilization) or preventing the
fertilized egg from implanting in the woman's uterus (her womb) and starting to
grow.
- No birth control method, except abstinence, is considered to be 100%
effective.
- No method of birth control available today offers perfect protection
against sexually transmitted infections (sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs),
except abstinence.
Previous Contributing Medical Authors:
Barbara K. Hecht,
Ph.D. and Carolyn Janet Crandall, MD, FACP
Last Editorial Review: 1/31/2007
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