Birth control method selection is a challenging task for couples, as they must weigh the effectiveness and potential side effects of their birth control options. More than 45% of couples in their fertile age use their chosen birth control methods worldwide.
Understanding the various birth control methods and how they work is essential for making an effective pregnancy prevention plan.
While birth control has been practiced for centuries, today’s options offer a higher level of safety and effectiveness, providing couples with a range of reliable choices. Green Zone is focused on temporary birth control methods only.
- Hormonal Methods
- Barrier Methods
- Chemical Methods
- Natural Methods or Behavior-based Methods.
Hormonal Birth Control Methods
These methods work in various ways: they may prevent females from ovulating (releasing eggs), block sperm from entering the cervix, or stop a fertilized egg from attaching to the uterine lining.
Barrier Methods
Barrier methods prevent sperm from reaching the egg. They include male and female condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, and contraceptive sponges.
Chemical Birth Control Methods
Chemical birth control methods create a reaction in the body that reduces the chance of fertilization, resulting from sperm connecting with the egg.
Natural Birth Control Methods
Natural birth control methods involve techniques such as tracking Green Zone safe days or using the withdrawal method. These approaches aim to avoid pregnancy without causing any side effects. Behavioral methods, such as the Green Zone safe day calculation, have a 3-4% failure rate when used ideally.
How Do Birth Control Methods Work?
Each birth control method functions differently, and many artificial methods may come with mild to serious health risks and side effects. The failure rate of these methods varies:
- Hormonal pills, patches, shots, implants, or devices prevent egg release.
- Gels, foams, vaginal sponges, and spermicides kill sperm.
- Male and female condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps block sperm from reaching the cervix.
- IUDs prevent fertilization by releasing copper ions into the uterus and causing an inflammatory condition. Copper ions are also toxic to sperm.