Birth control encompasses methods that prevent pregnancy. The 20th century culminated in the development of efficient techniques as opposed to the strategies applied in ancient times (Peoples, 2018). Women aged 15 to 49 years predominantly use contraceptives which accounts for 63% of the total number of females residing in different regions globally. In Europe, North and Latin America, the practice indicated an increased prevalence at a rate of more than 70%. Moreover, the margin also comprises of individuals residing in the Caribbean. On the other hand, the application of birth control techniques in the Western and middle parts of Africa highlighted a rate of 25% (United Nations, 2017). It provides a method necessary in aiding family planning for most marriages or a means of delaying childbearing. Furthermore, 45 countries utilize modern methods which facilitate family planning. The current paper aimed at evaluating different aspects relating to birth control.
Birth control techniques include the use of barrier methods which prevent sperms from gaining access to the uterus. In most cases, they include spermicides necessary in killing sperms. They include cervical caps, female as well as male condoms, sponges, films and the diaphragm. In most cases, most people prefer using latex condoms. They prevent the sexual transmission of diseases such as AIDS. In addition, it protects individuals from other diseases including gonorrhea, genital herpes, chancroid as well as chlamydia. Statistics indicate male condoms operate at a rate of 98% effectiveness. For every 100 women, only two females may fall susceptible to pregnancy annually. In comparison, female condoms results in 95% levels pertaining to their efficiency. As a result, 5 women indicate an increased likelihood of getting pregnant annually owing to their use out of 100 (Nhs.uk, 2017). On the other hand, diaphragms as well as caps culminate in an efficiency level of 92 to 96%.
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In comparison, permanent contraception involves different sterilization techniques which render a woman incapable of gestating. Under the category, men often undergo vasectomy procedures whereas women procure tubal ligation. A vasectomy results in tied or cut vas deferens preventing the delivery of sperms to the testicles. As a result, men continue producing semen when ejaculating but cannot fertilize the eggs produced by females. In comparison, tubal ligation closes a woman's fallopian tubes using clips or even rings. New Zealand ranks highly with regards to its rates of permanent contraception. As per the data collected in 2007, men in New Zealand procured the procedures at a rate of 18% (Familyplanning.org.nz, 2014). More specifically, it occurred for 25% of married men. Moreover, men aged 41 to 49 years applied the technique at 55%. Even so, vasectomy or tubal ligation failed to protect individuals from infections transmitted through sex.
Hormonal contraception relates to a method which controls birth by affecting the endocrine system. In most cases, it involves steroid hormones often listed under two categories. For instance, combined methods comprised of estrogen as well as progestin. The strategy suppresses ovulation while ensuring that cervical mucus thickens. Other techniques rely on formulations that only encompass progesterone or progestin. The method reduces the frequency at which ovulation occurs. In addition, women also have the option of using pills for an extended duration. In the United States, statistics indicate that women aged 15 to 44 years indicated a preference for the pills at 25% (Skovlund, Mørch, Kessing & Lidegaard, 2016). Pills that comprise of estrogen as well as progesterone rank highly among the methods mostly preferred by women in comparison to other choices available under hormonal contraception. Combined and progesterone-only pills often result in an efficiency level of over 99%.
Emergency contraception applies after an individual indulges in unprotected sex. However, the pill only proves effective when consumed within 3 days. It involves emergency contraceptive pills as well as copper IUDs. Other factors which determine its efficiency at a rate of 98% include an individual's average weight. Thus, the ECPs my fail to work as anticipated where a person weighs more than 70 kilograms. Under such circumstances, it becomes prudent to consult health professionals to determine whether one should opt for an increased dosage. After sex without protection, copper IUDs get inserted within 5 days thus preventing pregnancy at 99% (Familyplanning.org.nz, 2014). The utilization of ECPs applies where other methods of preventing pregnancy fail.
Long-acting reversible contraception relates to a birth control method which mandates minimal actions from their users. They often comprise of injections, contraceptive implants under the subdermal category coupled with intrauterine devices. LARC Provides its users with convenience while reducing the costs commonly associated with curbing unwanted pregnancy. However, it often encompasses higher upfront expenses as opposed to other methods. In America, health practitioners often require $800-$900 before completing LARC related procedures. Globally, women rely on LARCs at a rate of 15.5%. More specifically, the category involves individuals with a preference for IUDs. In comparison, the utilization of subdermal implants occurs at a margin of 3.4%. Among adolescents, it reduces the rate at which teen pregnancies occur. In 2017, estimates indicated that women within the 15 to 19 years age bracket gave birth to 194,377 babies. LARCs require counselling from the relevant professionals dealing with reproductive health.
Using natural methods requires a keen observation of a woman's menstrual cycle and body functions. It involves a female’s capacity to adeptly understand her fertility awareness. Among the techniques commonly applied include calendar rhythms and taking notes of the body’s basal temperature. In addition, an examination of a woman’s cervical mucus determines her propensity to become pregnant after engaging in unprotected sex. Natural methods reduce the consumption of medicine and the expenses commonly affiliated with specific procedures. Furthermore, it does not require frequent visits to healthcare professionals.
Hormonal methods which guarantee birth control often balance the fluctuations evident in an individual’s cycle. In addition, it combats menstrual issues which include heavy bleeding. The ability of such drugs to prevent ovulation eventually influences the body's capacity to develop ovarian cysts thus effectively dealing with menstrual pain. Sometimes, it also deals with symptoms commonly attributable to polycystic ovarian syndrome such as acne. Estimates indicate that females report a reduction in menstrual pain at a rate of 31% owing to the consumption of pills associated with birth control. Moreover, the medication administered reduces an individual's propensity to develop uterine cancer at 50% (Osborn, 2018). Furthermore, it also combats ovarian cancer. In most cases, women often report experiencing premenstrual syndromes. Thus, they manifest such symptoms emotionally and physically. However, administering pills with drospirenone coupled with ethinyl estradiol treats PMDD. The food and drug administration’s approval of the drugs makes it suitable not only for birth control, but also various menstrual symptoms.
Some women often suffer from endometriosis. The condition occurs when the uterus’ tissue lining grows outside the uterus. The tissue bleeds depositing blood in areas where it exhibits difficulties with regards to its capacity to leave the body. As a result, it culminates in pain as well as inflammation. However, IUDs coupled with drugs administered for birth control provide an effective means of managing endometriosis. Statistics indicate that 30 million members of the entire population suffer from severe migraines. Women comprise of 75% from the total figure. Headaches become apparent after a reduction in estrogen as well as progesterone. Such body functions occur before periods. However, a continuous intake of pills averts such imbalances.
The utilization of contraceptives in third world countries reduced maternal deaths in 2008 by 40%. More specifically, it combated the prevalence of abortions carried out using dangerous techniques. In addition, birth control provides an impetus for increasing child survival in such nations. Delayed pregnancy improves a woman’s ability to rear other children successfully owing to the age-related gaps established.
Regardless of the benefits commonly associated with pills which guarantee birth control, it also heralds some disadvantages. For example, some women report intermenstrual spotting, breast tenderness, mood changes, decreased libido as well as nausea. In other cases, the drugs also result in weight gain, vaginal discharge and eyesight changes particularly where those involved use contact lenses. As such the pills culminate in various symptoms which affect women differently. Combined pills expose individuals to cardiovascular issues including blood clots, heart attacks in addition to deep vein thrombosis. As a result, their administration often highlights numerous conditions. For instance, health practitioners refrain from issuing prescriptions to smokers above 35 years. Moreover, they also prohibit their intake by pregnant or obese women.
In conclusion, the pills administered for birth control purposes have different categories. However, the predominantly result in the prevention of unwanted pregnancies. At the same time, their users also enjoy some additional health benefits especially relating to the menstrual cycle. More specifically, it makes some symptoms commonly associated periods manageable. As a result, women in third-world nations can nurture their offspring successfully. Otherwise, higher mortality rates would be recorded. It provides an impetus for the individuals involved to plan their lives effectively. In addition, it serves as an effective method of combating teenage pregnancies. Regardless of their merits, it exposes their users to severe medical conditions such as heart conditions or even cancer.
References
Familyplanning.org.nz. (2014, March 1). Permanent Contraception. Family Planning . Retrieved on 20 October 2019, from https://www.familyplanning.org.nz/news/2014/permanent-contraception
Nhs.uk. (2017, June 30). How effective is contraception at preventing pregnancy? NHS . Retrieved on 20 October 2019, from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/how-effective-contraception/
Osborn, C. O. (2018, July 26). Benefits of birth control: 10 advantages beyond preventing pregnancy. Retrieved on 20 October 2019, from https://www.healthline.com/health/birth-control-benefits
Peoples, W. (2018). We’re Way “Beyond Birth Control.” In K. Golombisky (Eds), Feminist Perspectives on Advertising: What's the Big Idea? (Pp.287-299). Lanham, Maryland : Lexington Books.
Skovlund, C. W., Mørch, L. S., Kessing, L. V., & Lidegaard, Ø. (2016). Association of hormonal contraception with depression. JAMA psychiatry, 73 (11), 1154-1162.
United Nations. (2017). World family planning. Department of Economics and Social Affairs . Retrieved on 20 October 2019, from https://www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/publications/pdf/family/WFP2017_Highlights.pdf
