Birth control is a practice that helps us to plan the timing of pregnancy as well as prevent pregnancy. Just like Vaginal ring and birth control patches, birth control pills regulate the oestrogen and progestin hormone levels in the body. The pills are taken as progestin-only or combination pills which have both the oestrogen and progestin. They work by preventing ovulation thereby inhibiting fertilization. Besides, they make the cervical mucus thicker which reduces chances of sperm to reach the egg. The oestrogen and progestin-based methods are very effective when administered at the right time as prescribed. They are also reversible as one can get pregnant once one stop using them. Taking pills during early pregnancy may not lead to birth defects though some researchers have found a link between congenital urinary tract abnormalities and low birth weight. However, it is advisable not to use these methods when pregnant.
Intrauterine Devices (IUD) are in two types, Hormonal IUD, and Copper IUD. They are t-shaped, flexible plastic devices inserted into the uterus. Hormonal IUD like Mirena kills sperm and makes the cervix mucus sticky to prevent fertilization and entrance of sperm to the uterus. ParaGuard, a Copper IUD, also releases fluids that kill the sperm. These are 99.9% effective when inserted correctly and can last for as long as 12 years and five years for ParaGuard and Copper IUD respectively (Huneeus, Carrasco, & Schilling, 2011).
Sympto-thermal is a method which teaches women to observe and interpret the basal body temperature and the cervical mucus. Using this information one can tell her fertile days and likely know when she can get pregnant. This is not an effective way because it depends on the accuracy in identifying the exact fertile window and one’s ability to follow instructions. Any minimal error can result in pregnancy. Despite that, like condoms, this is a natural method with no any risk to maternal health.
Surgical methods like vasectomy and tubal litigation are an irreversible method of birth control with no adverse effects to maternal health. Vasectomy is sterilization for men where vas deferens, a tube that carries sperm, is permanently blocked. In women, sterilization (tubal litigation) is achieved by blocking the fallopian tubes. Without the sperms or eggs, fertilization cannot occur. These methods are 100% effective though it is not immediately effective (Utoo & Utoo, 2010). It is recommended that sperm analysis should be done to be sure there are no sperms remains past the blocked tubes. There are rare cases of the tubes reconnecting which could lead to ectopic pregnancy, but this occurs when the sterilization procedure was done poorly.
With the withdrawal method, sperm is kept out of the vagina by a man pulling his penis out of the vagina before ejaculation. Withdrawal could be effective when done correctly. However, this is dependent on couples self-control and experience. Men should be able to predict when they can no longer control or stop ejaculation (Barry, 2009). Though this method has no any health side effects, pre-ejaculate with sperm from the previous ejaculation can still cause pregnancy.
For a young married lady with no sexual related health issues, I would recommend the use of birth control pills. With an accurate follow-up of prescription, this method is effective and in case the woman wants another child she can discontinue the medication. The limit to this method is the side effects associated (Davies, 2012). The side effects can be avoided by seeking medical advice from health care experts who can examine the woman and recommend appropriate pills.
References
Barry, P. (2009). Body & Brain: News briefs: New method for birth control. Sci News, 174(1),9- 9. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/scin.2008.5591740113
Davies, E. (2012). Gynecologists endorse sale of birth control pills through drugstores. BMJ, 345(nov26 2), e7970-e7970. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmj.e7970.
Huneeus, A., Carrasco, O., & Schilling, A. (2011). The Levonorgestrel Intrauterine System (Mirena) for Menstrual Control in Adolescents With Mental Disabilities. Journal Of Pediatric And Adolescent Gynecology, 24(2), e69. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jpag.2011.01.056.
Utoo, B. & Utoo, P.(2010). Awareness and attitude of women towards their spouse's use of vasectomy as a fertility control method in Jos, North-Central Nigeria. Jos Jrnl Med, 5(1). http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jjm.v5i1.62019.
