How to Not Get Pregnant: Tips and Methods
Unintended pregnancies are a significant concern for sexually active individuals. Whether due to a lack of desire to have children, inadequate resources to support a child, or health concerns, it is important to know how to prevent pregnancy effectively. Fortunately, there are several ways to avoid getting pregnant. In this article, we will cover various options available for you to avoid or delay pregnancy.
Use Contraception
Contraception refers to any method or device used to prevent pregnancy. There are various types of contraception available, each with its strengths and weaknesses. The most common types include:
Birth Control Pills
Birth control pills contain hormones that prevent ovulation and change the cervical mucus to make it more difficult for sperm to reach the egg. They are highly effective if taken daily, but they require a prescription and may cause side effects such as nausea and headache.
Condoms
Condoms act as a barrier method during intercourse. They prevent the exchange of bodily fluids and reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases. Condoms are readily available and easy to use, but they may break or slip, which can lead to pregnancy.
Diaphragms
A diaphragm is a small, reusable, dome-shaped device that sits at the entrance of the cervix. It works by blocking the sperm from reaching the egg, but it must be correctly fitted by a healthcare provider. Diaphragms have a high efficacy rate, but they require proper insertion before sexual intercourse.
Implants and Injections
Implants and injections contain the hormone progesterone, which prevents ovulation and thickens the cervical mucus. They can last between 3 to 10 years and require a healthcare provider to administer the injection or implant. The drawback is that they cause side effects like irregular menstruation and mood swings.
IUD
An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small, T-shaped device that is inserted into the uterus by a healthcare provider. The IUD can prevent sperm from fertilizing an egg or make it harder for the fertilized egg to attach to the uterus. They are long-lasting, reversible, and have high efficacy rates although, they may cause pain and cramping during the placement procedure.
Track Your Fertility
Fertility tracking involves keeping track of menstrual cycles and identifying the most fertile days. You can then avoid sexual intercourse during this period, reducing the risk of pregnancy. Common methods of fertility tracking include:
Basal Body Temperature
The basal body temperature method entails measuring the body’s temperature using a thermometer each morning before getting out of bed. Just before ovulation occurs, there is a slight increase in basal body temperature. By charting the temperatures month-over-month, one can predict the most fertile days and avoid sexual intercourse during that time.
Cervical Mucus Examination
The cervical mucus exam method involves examining the viscosity and texture of mucus secreted in the vagina. During ovulation, the mucus becomes transparent and slippery, which enables sperm to move to the fallopian tube quickly. By checking the consistency of the mucus, one can predict when ovulation will occur and avoid sexual intercourse during this period.
Calendar Method
The calendar method relies on tracking the menstrual cycle of a person. This method entails keeping records of the first day of each menstrual cycle and then calculating the days of ovulation and thus identifying the fertile period. This is done by subtracting 18 from the total number of days in the shortest menstrual cycle expected. Record keeping is essential for the calendar method to work without errors.
Practice Abstinence
Abstinence refers to abstaining from all sexual activity altogether. While this might not feel like a real option for some, it is the most effective way to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Self-control and discipline play an essential role in this method. The advantages of abstinence include not having to worry about the side effects of other methods and avoiding the possible emotional burden of a risky sexual relationship. However, choosing this method can be difficult, especially when you are in a committed relationship.
Use Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraception (EC) is used as a backup for contraception when the primary method has failed or was not used. It is most effective when taken within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse. A healthcare provider can prescribe this as a pill, but it is more effective when taken in the correct dosage. The most common EC method is the morning-after pill, which contains high levels of hormones to prevent ovulation and fertilization. EC offers no long-term protection, and frequent use may lead to menstrual irregularities and other side effects.
Get Sterilized
Sterilization methods refer to surgical procedures that involve blocking the fallopian tubes in women or the vas deferens in men. The procedures are irreversible, so careful consideration and counseling should be done before choosing them. Sterilization methods like female tubal ligation and male vasectomy are highly effective in preventing pregnancy, but they do not prevent sexually transmitted infections. Recovery from the procedure also takes some time and may cause temporary pain.
Conclusion
The prevention of unintended pregnancies is essential for individuals, families, and societies. The choice of contraception should be based on a person’s lifestyle, health, and personal preferences. Regardless of the method chosen, proper education, and counseling from healthcare providers should be sought. Practising abstinence and being aware of one’s fertility helps in making an informed decision. The final message to the reader is that responsibility should be taken towards preventing unwanted pregnancies, as it affects everyone involved.
