The biggest concern for sexually active people is the possibility of pregnancy. Most methods of preventing pregnancy aren’t a 100% effective – sometimes something gets through that causes it. Nonetheless, here is a pregnancy prevention guide of the best methods to avoid it:
Note: Contraceptives only protect against pregnancy and not STDs.
- Abstinence: This is the only 100% no-pregnancy method. If you don’t have sex, you won’t get pregnant.
- Rhythm Method: This method requires an understanding of the female’s menstrual cycle, and abstaining from sex on days that she is ovulating. While this method is very effective as well, sometimes miscalculations of the menstrual cycle can lead to pregnancy.
Image courtesy http://pregnancyvitamins.net/
- The condom: This is the simplest, most common method of birth control. It is worn over the penis, thereby blocking sperm from entering the uterus. However, there is a high chance of the condom breaking or tearing, which can lead to pregnancy.
- Withdrawal: This is a risky form of prevention because it relies on the ability of the man to control his ejaculation. In this method, the man withdraws from intercourse before ejaculation – however, it is risky because a man can release pre-cum, and he may also not be able to withdraw in time.
- Cervical Cap: A dome-shaped cap inserted in the uterus of the woman that prevents sperm from entering the uterus. It is effective, however is costly and requires a doctor to insert it.
- The Pill: Taken orally, the pill adds high levels of estrogen to the body – leading it to believe that it is pregnant; thereby rejecting sperm. It can have dangerous side effects.