KissMeGoodnight eLearning Series:
Your Sexual Health

Birth Control Methods Discussed:
Advantages and Disadvantages

This article is going to look at several different birth control methods and talk about the advantages and disadvantages.

Withdrawal: is the removal of the penis from the vagina prior to ejaculation. This way sperm does not go inside the vagina and therefore, there is a less chance of pregnancy occurring. This method takes a great deal of discipline, due to the fact that when you are in the moment, sometimes it is hard to pull out.

The advantages of the withdrawal method:

• There is a significantly less amount of fluid left in the vagina
• There are no medical complications with this method
• No need to buy any birth control prescriptions, condoms, or anything else

The disadvantages of the withdrawal method:

• There is no protection against sexually transmitted diseases
• There is still a small amount of sperm deposited in the vagina, therefore, this method of birth control is not 100 percent effective
• If the male has any erectile dysfunctions or premature ejaculations then this is not the best choice for you
• There has to be cooperation from both the man and woman for this method to work

Cervical cap: This is a device that resembles the shape of a thimble and is made of latex, as the men’s condoms are. The woman places spermicide within the cap and then inserts into her vagina so that it covers the cervix. This cap is held in place via suction so that sperm cannot enter the uterus. This cervical cap can be placed in the vagina as early as six hours prior to intercourse and should not leave the vagina for the same amount of time after intercourse.

The advantages of using the Cervical Cap method:

• The device is small and easy to carry with you
• It does not need to be immediately removed after intercourse
• The number of times you have sex does not matter as long as it remains in the vagina for at least six hours after your last sexual encounter
• It is discreet and you don’t have to let anyone know you are using it
• It keeps menstrual flow at a minimum during intercourse

The disadvantages of using the Cervical Cap method:

• They are not purchased at your local drug store. Your medical professional has to measure you for the proper fit
• Using of the cervical cap may cause inflammation of the cervix
• It may be too difficult for some women to insert the cervical cap
• If you leave the cervical cap in too long, you risk getting toxic shock syndrome
• If you experience giving birth or an abortion, or any other fluctuations in your body, it may require you to get another fitting
• If you are allergic to latex you cannot use this device

Diaphragm: This is another device that covers the opening to the cervix and has the same principles as the cervical cap. Its purpose is to keep the sperm from entering the uterus. The diaphragm cannot be left in the vagina longer than 48 hours.

The advantages of the diaphragm:

• The diaphragm is an effective barrier to the sperm
• It can be inserted up to six hours prior to intercourse, which some find very convenient
• There are no hormones, therefore no side effects
• There is no need to pull the penis out after ejaculation
• After you have given birth you can use the diaphragm again

The disadvantages of the diaphragm:

• Your medical doctor must fit you with a diaphragm
• Use of a diaphragm could increase the chances of a urinary tract infection
• It may be difficult to insert the diaphragm correctly
• If your body changes in any way, including childbirth you may need to get refitted
• You cannot remove the diaphragm for at least six hours after intercourse

A few other options are:

• IUD
• Fertility Awareness Method
• The Levonorgestrel IUD
• Progestin-only pills
• Tubal sterilization or vasectomy

Whatever method you choose it is wise to do your research and talk to your medical professional so that your decision is appropriate for your lifestyle and family. Make sure you get a full physical and then speak to your doctor.

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by KissMeGoodnight.com : 2006

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