>Hello Sohib EditorOnline, in this article we will discuss various ways to prevent pregnancy after having sexual intercourse. It is important to note that while some methods are more effective than others, no method is 100% foolproof. It is always best to speak to a healthcare professional to determine the best form of contraception for your individual needs.
1. Condoms
Condoms are a popular form of contraception as they not only prevent pregnancy, but also protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It is important to use condoms correctly to ensure maximum effectiveness. Always check the expiration date and make sure the condom is not torn or damaged before use. Use a new condom for each sexual encounter.
It is also important to use the condom correctly. Pinch the tip of the condom to leave space for semen, and unroll the condom all the way down the shaft of the penis. After ejaculation, hold the base of the condom while withdrawing to prevent it from slipping off. Dispose of the used condom properly.
While condoms are effective in preventing pregnancy, they have a failure rate of around 2-18%. This means that out of 100 couples who use condoms as their only form of contraception, 2-18 will become pregnant within the first year.
FAQ:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I reuse a condom? | No, condoms are for one-time use only. Using a condom more than once increases the risk of it breaking or tearing. |
| What if the condom breaks? | If the condom breaks during intercourse, immediately stop and replace it with a new one. Consider using emergency contraception. |
| Which condoms are the best? | Look for condoms that are made from high-quality materials and have been tested for effectiveness. Brands such as Durex and Trojan are popular and reliable. |
2. Birth Control Pills
Birth control pills are a hormonal form of contraception that work by preventing ovulation. They are taken daily, usually at the same time each day. Birth control pills are very effective, with a failure rate of less than 1% when used correctly.
There are two types of birth control pills: combination pills and progestin-only pills. Combination pills contain both estrogen and progestin, while progestin-only pills contain only progestin. It is important to speak to a healthcare professional to determine which type of pill is best for you.
It is important to take birth control pills as instructed. If a pill is missed, follow the instructions provided with the pill pack or speak to a healthcare professional. Missing pills can decrease the effectiveness of the pill and increase the risk of pregnancy.
FAQ:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Are birth control pills safe? | Birth control pills are generally safe, but there are some risks associated with their use. Speak to a healthcare professional to determine if birth control pills are right for you. |
| What if I miss a pill? | Follow the instructions provided with the pill pack or speak to a healthcare professional. Missing pills can decrease the effectiveness of the pill and increase the risk of pregnancy. |
| Can birth control pills protect against STIs? | No, birth control pills do not protect against STIs. Use condoms in addition to birth control pills to protect against STIs. |
3. Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)
An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small, T-shaped device that is inserted into the uterus by a healthcare professional. There are two types of IUDs: hormonal and non-hormonal. Hormonal IUDs release progestin, while non-hormonal IUDs are made of copper. IUDs are very effective, with a failure rate of less than 1%.
IUDs can stay in place for 3-10 years, depending on the type. They can be removed at any time by a healthcare professional if pregnancy is desired.
FAQ:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is the insertion of an IUD painful? | The insertion of an IUD can be uncomfortable, but should not be painful. Speak to a healthcare professional about pain management options. |
| Can I get pregnant with an IUD? | While IUDs are very effective, there is still a small chance of becoming pregnant. If you suspect that you may be pregnant with an IUD in place, speak to a healthcare professional immediately. |
| Can an IUD fall out? | IUDs can fall out, but this is rare. Contact a healthcare professional if you suspect that your IUD is no longer in place. |
4. Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraception, also known as the “morning-after pill,” is a form of contraception that can be taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sex. It works by preventing ovulation, fertilization, or implantation of a fertilized egg.
There are two types of emergency contraception: the copper IUD and a pill called Plan B. The copper IUD can be inserted up to 5 days after unprotected sex and is very effective. Plan B must be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex and is less effective than the copper IUD.
FAQ:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can emergency contraception protect against STIs? | No, emergency contraception does not protect against STIs. Use condoms to protect against STIs. |
| Is emergency contraception safe? | Emergency contraception is generally safe, but there are some side effects such as nausea and headaches. Speak to a healthcare professional to determine if emergency contraception is right for you. |
| Can emergency contraception cause an abortion? | No, emergency contraception does not cause an abortion. It works by preventing ovulation, fertilization, or implantation of a fertilized egg. |
5. Fertility Awareness-Based Methods
Fertility awareness-based methods involve tracking the menstrual cycle to determine when ovulation occurs. These methods can be used to avoid pregnancy by abstaining from sex or using another form of contraception during the fertile period.
There are several methods of fertility awareness, including the calendar method, basal body temperature method, and cervical mucus method. These methods require careful tracking and are less effective than other forms of contraception.
FAQ:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Are fertility awareness-based methods effective? | Fertility awareness-based methods can be effective if used correctly, but have a higher failure rate than other forms of contraception. |
| Do fertility awareness-based methods protect against STIs? | No, fertility awareness-based methods do not protect against STIs. Use condoms to protect against STIs. |
| Can fertility awareness-based methods be used to increase the chances of pregnancy? | Yes, fertility awareness-based methods can be used to identify the fertile period and increase the chances of pregnancy. |
6. Sterilization
Sterilization is a permanent form of contraception that involves surgical procedures to prevent pregnancy. For women, this involves blocking or removing the fallopian tubes. For men, this involves cutting or blocking the vas deferens.
Sterilization is a highly effective form of contraception, but should be considered carefully as it is usually irreversible. It is important to speak to a healthcare professional to determine if sterilization is right for you.
FAQ:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is sterilization reversible? | Sterilization is usually irreversible. It is important to consider this carefully before undergoing the procedure. |
| Is sterilization safe? | Sterilization is generally safe, but there are some risks associated with any surgical procedure. Speak to a healthcare professional to determine if sterilization is right for you. |
| Can sterilization protect against STIs? | No, sterilization does not protect against STIs. Use condoms to protect against STIs. |
In conclusion, there are many different forms of contraception available to prevent pregnancy after sexual intercourse. It is important to speak to a healthcare professional to determine the best form of contraception for your individual needs. No method is 100% foolproof, so it is important to use a combination of methods for maximum effectiveness.