Birth Control Research
There are many methods of exercising birth control. The method to use may be dependent upon the reason for the use of birth control. All of the contraceptives should be studied so that the best contraceptive that fits the situation can be used. Contraceptives include birth control pills, condoms, diaphragms, injectable contraceptives, withdrawal, rhythm schedule, contraceptive implants, spermicides in creams and foams, intrauterine devices and cervical caps. A woman should consult with a specialist in family planning so that she can get a thorough understanding of the many methods of birth control, the side affects, the safety, and the amount of protection from pregnancy that each method has so that she can make the right decision for her situation. Outlined below are brief descriptions of some of the birth control methods.
The most popular method with younger women are oral contraceptives sometimes known as "the pill" which is usually a form of hormone. This method stops the ovaries from ovulation and at the same time creates a thick cervical mucus that makes it difficult for the sperm to pass through it. Women who are interested in oral contraceptives need to thoroughly discuss the benefits and dangers with their doctor before making a decision. The "physical barrier contraceptives" are condoms, cervical caps, diaphragms and vaginal foams, creams and suppositories. Condoms, if handled properly, provide about as much or more protection as any other method and there are usually no side affects. Condoms can be used by the man or woman. The man's condom appears to be the safest and most effective. Other methods include vaginal creams, foams, suppositories and gels placed in the vagina before intercourse, and often also include a spermicide as well as physical barrier. The withdrawal method in which the man withdraws the penis before ejaculation has very little merit as sperm can leak into the vagina before ejaculation, and it also requires perfect timing and great restraint. The rhythm method requires avoiding intercourse during the woman's fertile period. There are three or four rhythm methods but the best one is the mucus method which checks the cervical mucus for the time it becomes watery which is right before the time the egg is released. By observation the woman may safely have intercourse after her mentrual period and until the cervical mucus increases.
