Birth Control Options

At some time in a young adult’s life, he/she will decide to become sexually active. Many thoughts will run through one’s mind once this time in their life has been reached. Whether or not having sex with this person is something they are really ready for and if the other person really likes them. There are sexually transmitted diseases that can be caught and an emotions that will come into play that perhaps have never been felt before. Though there are many responsibilities that come along with the choice of being sexually active, perhaps the one concern on most individual’s minds is preventing pregnancy.

In this day and age there are many birth control options. As soon as we first step into health class in our junior high school, these birth control options are placed in front of us so that we each can make the most well informed decision possible.

For some, remaining abstinent, or, refraining from sexual intercourse until marriage may be the right choice. If this is the case, birth control options may not be necessary as the individuals involved may very well be ready for a child. However, for others, abstinence is not the right decision, and still a baby is not yet desired. For these persons, there are other birth control options to be considered.

Perhaps the most common birth control option is the condom. Condoms are readily available, and require no parental consent to purchase and/or receive. They can be bought by anyone, at any grocery and convenience store, in any town and at any time. Condoms are inexpensive, and relatively easy to use. If used properly, condoms have a relatively high success rate of preventing pregnancies.

Another birth control option is a choice that the woman can opt for, and is a decision that she alone needs to make. Birth control pills are hormonal drugs that prevent pregnancy. When taken properly, birth control pills have an extremely high success rate. There are varying levels of hormones, and it is necessary to consult with a physician in order to determine which level is right for each individual. Birth control pills need to be taken each and every night, regardless of whether sexual activity will occur that evening, in order to insure that an egg will not implant itself.

Other birth control options include the IUD, a minor implant that is set with in the woman, and designed to deter an egg from setting itself into the lining of the uterus, and spermacides, that kill the live sperm. Female condoms, sponges, and diaphragms, though not as common, all have varying levels of effectiveness in preventing pregnancy.