It is up to an individual to decide the right time to get children, the number of kids, or even never to have any. Therefore, you need to be in control of your fertility as this is the only empowerment to control your decision. 

Being in control of your fertility lets you know and choose what works best for you regarding plans and personal health. Use condoms, IUDs, tuba ligation, and even pills like sprintec. Read on to discover more about different family planning methods to help you control your fertility.

Condom

The use of condoms is a popular form of contraception, and a good thing they also prevent STIs. You can choose either external or internal condoms depending on your body and the kind of sexual activity you ought to engage in. However, they can tear when not in proper use. 

Nevertheless, it is one of the most widely used and available everywhere, sometimes even free of charge.

Tubal Ligation 

Tubal ligation is a permanent surgical procedure conducted on women or vasectomy if it is done on men. It is a simple procedure that will make pregnancy impossible to take place as you have your fallopian tubes tied or sealed completely to avoid eggs from reaching the uterus. You only need to take a few days to recover fully. 

Tubal ligation will not impact your sexual function as you will continue to get your menstruation period even after the procedure. This is one of the most convenient contraceptive options that help control birth if you are confident and sure you don’t need more kids in the future.

Emergency Contraception

You risk getting pregnant if you get into intimacy without birth control measures. But emergency contraception such as ellaone contraceptive pill can help you control pregnancy. Emergency contraception comes in two types, including copper IUDs or pills. 

Regardless of the method of emergency contraception, you need to use it as soon as possible to enhance its effectiveness. Emergency contraceptives are not primary birth control but a backup to avoid unplanned pregnancy.

Pills

Oral contraception pills are yet another popular and well-known method of birth control. For example, the sprintec pills are taken daily, are easy to use, and are safe for self-management. In addition, you can buy them from your local pharmacy with a prescription, which means you can enjoy taking them without the need to see your doctor often. 

If you adhere to the doctor’s prescription, then pills are effective and also help lower painful heavy periods.

HP Thoughts: There are various types of male contraceptives in the market that only a handful of resourceful men know about. Read about them here — Male contraceptives and Non Hormonal Methods.

Final Thoughts

Different people are suited to different contraceptive methods as a beginner; it all depends on you. You will need to mind your goals, lifestyles, how often you get intimacy, insurance coverage, partners’ opinions, and plans. 

With these factors in your mind, it is easy to settle on the method of birth control that suits you well. And since everyone is different on contraception, visit the doctor to advise you on the most effective and convenient procedure to take. Take your time to be sure you choose the best birth control method.

Male contraceptives also referred to as male birth control, are methods of preventing pregnancy that solely involve the male physiology. Much of our current global increase is unintended. It’s estimated that half all conceptions are unplanned and half the resulting pregnancies are undesired. Approximately half unintended pregnancies are due to a failure to use contraception, and therefore the spouse to difficulties with contraceptive use or method failure. Moreover, in developing countries contraception use is further limited by restricted access to several available methods, both economically and culturally.

The most common sorts of Male contraceptives include condoms, outercourse, and vasectomy. A perfect contraceptive for men should be easily available, cheap, easy to use, without side effects, not affect libido, and simply reversible. The concept of male contraceptives is comparatively well-received across the planet. Most men and ladies in various studies found the thought of male contraceptive use agreeable.

Contraceptive Implant: Risk Factors You must Know That

However, there are multiple religious, educational, economic, and cultural barriers standing within the way of Male contraceptives. When the clinical trials were done on contraception are examined, it’s seen that the majority of them have to target female contraceptive methods. A couple of trials on male contraceptives have actually been withdrawn. However, the concept of hormonal and non-hormonal male contraceptive methods is highly alluring given the acceptability and potential marketing prospects if such a drug comes into existence.

Male contraceptives methods

1. Vasectomy

Vasectomy may be a simple surgery performed under local anesthesia wherein the ductus different is isolated and brought out from the scrotum through an incision followed by division and ligation. It’s a secure outpatient procedure used everywhere the planet as a male contraceptive option. Many modified techniques of vasectomy are in use. Within the ‘no-scalpel technique’, an easy scrotal puncture is formed for the identification of vas which is successively divided and occluded.

The benefits of the no-scalpel technique include minimal blood loss and low rates of infection. The speed of unwanted pregnancies after vasectomy is usually but 1%. However, there’s a delay within the development of azoospermia and effective contraception after the surgery which necessitates the utilization of an alternate contraceptive like condoms during this era. Another disadvantage of vasectomy is that the reversibility of procedure isn’t always successful. Because the time elapsed from the procedure increases, the reversibility rate comes down.

In fact, many patients can also develop anti-sperm antibodies which can also bring down the birthrate. Regardless of the surgical method used, the surgical experience could also be a crucial player within the success rate of vasectomy and its reversal. In experienced hands, complications like blood loss, and infections are minimal. However, a big number of men complain of testicular discomfort post vasectomy.

2. Retrograde ejaculation

Intentional retrograde ejaculation (coitus Saxonic) may be a primitive sort of Male contraceptives. It involves squeezing the urethra at the bottom of applying pressure to the perineum during orgasm. However, the practice isn’t considered a reliable method compared to the latest sorts of contraception.

3. Condoms

A condom may be a sheath-shaped barrier device that will be used during sexual activity to scale back the probability of pregnancy. It’s rolled onto an erect penis before intercourse and blocks ejaculated semen from entering the sexual partner’s genital system. With perfect use, the pregnancy rate of condoms is 2%. Condoms could also be combined with other sorts of contraception (such as spermicide) for greater protection.] The standard use pregnancy rate among condom users varies counting on the population being studied, starting from 10 to 18%.

4. Non-hormonal method

Non-hormonal targets of contraception include sperm production at the testicular level, sperm maturation at the extent of the epididymis, and sperm motility. Obviously, the selectivity, specificity and lesser side effects compared to hormonal methods make these approaches attractive. However, many of those are experimental and in several phases of development.

5. Triptolide

Triptolide may be a Chinese herbal extract from Trypterigium wilfordii, which was shown to scale back sperm motility and density. However, in animal experiments, the consequences were irreversible and therefore the compound was also found to possess immunosuppressive properties.

6. Indenopyridines

Indenopyridines are experimental compounds in development that may affect the Sertoli cells and germ cells. Studies with l-CDB-4022 an indenopyridine have shown that it activates the ERK/MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) pathway, reduces expression of prosurvival factors, alters expression of Sertoli-germ cell adherens junction proteins, disrupts Sertoli cell microtubule structure, and induces the proapoptotic factor, Fas, which successively, within the end, may end in reproductive cell loss. When it had been utilized in combination with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist, it induced reversible infertility in male rats. Gonadotropin and sex steroid concentrations were unaffected and there have been no overt toxicities when the drug was administered in monkeys.

7. Adjudin

Adjudin may be a derivative of lonidamine which was developed as an anticancer drug. Adjudin was shown to disturb the adhesion between Sertoli cells and germ cells. The effect was quite rapid and round spermatids and spermatocytes got detached within 3-6 days of treatment.[24] Other significant changes included retraction of the Sertoli cell cytoplasm, the formation of huge vacuoles and the presence of multinucleated germ cells, and the relocation of Sertoli cell nuclei to a better position within the seminiferous epithelium. striated muscle atrophy and liver inflammation were seen within the male rats treated with adjudging.

To bypass these effects, an attempt was made to conjugate adjudin with recombinant mutant follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) protein in order that a testis-specific delivery might be made. While overall drug exposure was reduced, infertility induction was relatively good.

8. Epididymis targets

During transit through the epididymis, before ejaculation, spermatozoa undergo maturation; thus the epididymis provides another possibly unique contraceptive target. Murine genetic knockout models have provided a variety of putative epididymis targets; however, none have reached clinical testing in humans or nonhuman primates.

Epididymis-specific proteins could provide points for pharmaceutical intervention. for instance, the G-coupled protein receptor HE6 appears to possess epididymis duct-specific expression, and HE6-deficient mice are infertile but otherwise phenotypically normal. HE6 appears to be critical to fluid restoration within the efferent epididymis ductless, but its precise mechanism of action isn’t documented. Nevertheless, G-coupled protein receptors are often excellent targets for drug development.

Similarly, CRISP-1, a member of the cysteine-rich secretory protein family, appears to possess epididymis-specific expression. CRISP-1 appears to be secreted into the lumen of the epididymis where it’s postulated to interact with spermatozoa, preventing the initiation of capacitation during sperm transit and storage. The pursuit of those, and other, epididymis proteins as contraceptive targets, however, remains a variety of years from clinical use because not only do appropriate inhibitors got to be identified, but their specificity and concentration within the reproductive tract will be got to be confirmed.

The assumption about Male contraceptives

Contraception is taken into account to be the key answer to social control. Though there are quite a few researches in male contraceptive methods, the particular pharmacological marketing of the products hasn’t materialized in a promising way. This has led to lacunae in contraceptive choices available to men at the present. Most men choose vasectomy and condoms as contraceptive options now. Combinations of testosterone with progestin and newer SARMs have shown good results. Other non-hormonal approaches supported sperm and epididymis targets have exciting possibilities.

HP Thoughts: Are you aware that birth control implants exist? Could they put you at risk or not? Read our article to find out — Contraceptive Implant.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), also mentioned as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) that are commonly spread by sexual intercourse, especially vaginal intercourse, sodomy, and head. This leads to a greater risk of passing the disease on to others. Symptoms and signs of the disease may include discharge, penile discharge, ulcers on or around the genitals, and pelvic pain. STIs are often transmitted to an infant before or during childbirth and should end in poor outcomes for the baby. Some STIs may cause problems with the power to urge pregnant.

The contraception implant doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)/ Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), including HIV. Always use a condom to scale back the danger of STDs. Women who use implants may experience irregular periods or bleeding, especially within the first few months of use, weight gain, breast tenderness, or abdominal pain. Quite 30 different bacteria, viruses, and parasites are often transmitted through sexual intercourse.  Bacterial STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.  Viral STIs include herpes genitals, HIV/AIDS, and genital warts.

While usually spread by sex, some STIs are often spread by non-sexual contact with donor tissue, blood, breastfeeding, or during childbirth. STI diagnostic tests are usually easily available within the developed world, but this is often not the case within the developing world.

Women often have more serious health problems from STIs than men:

• Chlamydia and gonorrhea, left untreated, raise the danger of chronic pelvic pain and life-threatening extra uterine pregnancy. Chlamydia and gonorrhea can also cause infertility.
• Untreated syphilis in pregnant women leads to sudden infant death syndrome up to 40% of the time.3
• Women have a better risk than men of getting an STI during unprotected vaginal sex.

Unprotected sodomy puts women at even more risk for getting an STI than unprotected vaginal sex.

Causes of health problem

Each STI causes different health problems for ladies. Certain sorts of untreated STIs can cause or lead to:

• Problems getting pregnant or permanent infertility
• Problems during pregnancy and health problems for the unborn baby
• Infection in other parts of the body
• Organ damage
• Certain sorts of cancer, like cervical cancer
• Death

 Symptoms of Sexually Transmitted Infections

In many cases, STIs don’t cause noticeable symptoms. Common STI symptoms in women include:

• pain or discomfort during sex or urination
• sores, bumps, or rashes on or around the lady part, anus, buttocks, thighs, or mouth
• unusual discharge or bleeding from the lady part
• Itchiness in or around the lady part

They’re skilled vaginal, anal, or oral sexual contact. Female symptoms of an STD can include:

• Vaginal itching
• Rashes
• Unusual discharge
• Pain

Many STDs display no symptoms in the least. Left untreated, STDs can cause fertility problems and an increased risk of cervical cancer. These risks make it even more important to practice sexual activity.

According to the middle of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), quite 50% of the latest chlamydia and gonorrhea cases occur in women between the ages of 15 and 24 years. The CDC estimates that 20 million new STDs will occur per annum within us alone. Per annum worldwide, there are approximately 357 million new infections of syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis.

Treatment & preventions of Sexually Transmitted Infections

Effective treatment is currently available for several STIs.

• Three bacterial STIs (chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis) and one parasitic STI (trichomoniasis) are generally curable with existing, effective single-dose regimens of antibiotics.
• For herpes and HIV, the foremost effective medications available are antivirals which will modulate the course of the disease, though they can’t cure the disease.
• For hepatitis B, antiviral medications can help to fight the virus and slow damage to the liver.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of STIs in particular gonorrhea to antibiotics has increased rapidly in recent years and has reduced treatment options. Current Gonococci AMR Surveillance Program (GASP) has shown high rates of quinolone resistance, increasing azithromycin resistance, and emerging resistance of extended-spectrum cephalosporin, last-line treatment. The emergence of decreased susceptibility of gonorrhea to extended-spectrum cephalosporin alongside AMR already shown to penicillin, sulphonamides, tetracycline, quinolones, and macrolides make gonorrhea a multidrug-resistant organism.

AMR for other STIs, though less common, also exists, making prevention and prompt treatment critical. Counseling and behavioral interventions offer primary prevention against STIs (including HIV), also as against unintended pregnancies. These include:

• Comprehensive sexuality education, STI and HIV pre- and post-test counseling;
• Safer sex/risk-reduction counseling, condom promotion;
• STI interventions targeted to key populations, like sex workers, men who roll in the hay with men and other people who inject drugs; and
• STI prevention education and counseling tailored to the requirements of adolescents.

In addition, counseling can improve people’s ability to acknowledge the symptoms of STIs and increase the likelihood they’re going to seek care or encourage a sexual partner to try to so. Unfortunately, lack of public awareness, lack of coaching of doctors, and long-standing, widespread stigma around STIs remain barriers to greater and simpler use of those interventions.

It is quite 99% effective at preventing pregnancy and may last for up to 3 years. When the implant is first inserted into the arm it can take up to seven days to start out working to stop pregnancy. Due to the contraceptive implants, your vaginal bleeding pattern (period) will change. it’d be more often and/or irregular (at odd times). Around 20% of girls will haven’t any bleeding in the least (this isn’t harmful to the body). Frequent or prolonged bleeding may recover with time. Some medications can help with this bleeding, speak to your doctor or nurse.

Other possible side effects for a little number of users can include: Headaches, Bloating, Changes to your skin, Sore/ tender breasts; and, Mood changes. These side effects often settle with time. The implant has not been shown to cause weight gain.

Contraceptive implant can be used by whom?

Most women can use the contraceptive implant. It is often employed by women who cannot use contraception that has the hormone estrogen in it. you ought to not use the contraceptive implant if:

• You think you’re pregnant
• You have some health conditions including a history of carcinoma or severe disease – your doctor will get to ask you about this in order that you’ll decide if it’s safe for you to use
• You have unexplained bleeding from your vagina – your doctor will get to ask you about this before fixing the implant
• you take medicines which can stop the contraceptive implant from working properly including some epileptic medications and herbal remedies

It is important to speak to your doctor or nurse to ascertain if the contraceptive implant may be a good selection for you. If you’re in danger of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) you’ll use condoms at an equivalent time as using the implant.

Risk factors

The contraceptive implant doesn’t offer protection from sexually transmitted infections. Fewer than 1 out of 100 women who use the contraceptive implant for one year will get pregnant. If you are doing conceive while employing a contraceptive implant, there is a higher chance that the pregnancy are going to be ectopic, when the embryo implants outside the uterus, usually during a Fallopian tube. However, because a contraceptive implant prevents most pregnancies. Women who use it are at lower risk of getting an extrauterine pregnancy than are other sexually active women who aren’t using contraception.

Side effects related to contraceptive implants include:

• Abdominal or back pain
• An increased risk of noncancerous ovarian cysts
• Changes in vaginal bleeding patterns, including the absence of menstruation (amenorrhea)
• Decreased drive
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Mild insulin resistance
• Mood swings and depression
• Nausea or indigestion
• Potential interaction with other medications
• Sore breasts
• Vaginal inflammation or dryness
• Weight gain

Advantages of Contraceptive implant

Contraception implant has different advantages like:

• It is 99.95% effective
• It lasts for up to three years
• Your fertility returns to normal as soon because it is taken out
• It may be a cost-effective sort of contraception
• Some women have Very light bleeding or no bleeding in the least when the implant is in situ
• It usually makes periods less painful
• It is safe to use when breastfeeding
• It is often employed by most girls who cannot use contraception that has oestrogen in it

Disadvantages of Contraceptive implant

Contraception implant has different disadvantages as well as different advantages, which are as follows:

• Your periods may change during a way that may not acceptable to you
• You may get temporary side effects once you first start using the implant. These should stop within a couple of months. They’ll include headaches, breast tenderness, and mood changes.
• You may get acne or your acne may worsen.
• It’s not suitable if you employ enzyme-inducing drugs.
• It requires a little procedure to suit and take away it.
• An implant doesn’t protect you from sexually transmitted infections, so you’ll get to use condoms also.

Does the implant cause weight gain or weight loss?

Weight gain may be a quite common side effect of the implant, with one in ten women experiencing weight gain to a point. However, a little number of girls (less than 1 in 100) experience weight loss while using the implant.

HP Thoughts: Learn about some popular birth control methods here — Effective Birth Control Methods.