How to Avoid Getting Pregnant

Why Avoiding Pregnancy is a Good Idea

Avoiding pregnancy is a good idea for many women and couples, for many different reasons, depending on their circumstances.

• They might not be ready to have a child interfere with a new relationship.
• Inadequate finances for a new baby.
• Other responsibilities like work and school could interfere with caring for the child.
• They're too young to parent a child properly, and/or might have complications because of their age.
  
• Genetic problems the parents don't want to pass to children.
• Unwillingness or unpreparedness to handle the challenges that pregnancy can bring.
  
• Religious or moral reasons.

These are just a few of the myriad reasons many couples and individuals wish to avoid pregnancy.

The Only 100% Effective Method

Most methods of contraception offer some protection, even up to 99%, but there is no single 100% effective method except abstaining from sex completely.

If you choose to have sex, you have to be able to deal with the possibility that a pregnancy will result, and have a plan for what to do if it happens. Think in advance about your morals regarding abortion, single parenthood, adoption, and other options.

Even if you have had sex in the past, you can choose to practice abstinence now.

Abstinence protects against STDs, pregnancy, and a host of related issues.

Methods of Temporary Contraception

For those who wish to avoid pregnancy, methods of temporary contraception abound, giving them the option to attempt pregnancy when they're fully ready at a later date. Here are some of the most common choices, including the pill, injections, condoms, diaphragms, and IUDs.

Condoms

When combined with spermicide, they are up to 98% effective in preventing pregnancy, and one of the easiest methods. Condoms also protect against sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs. They are free or low-cost, easy to find, and don't require prescriptions or doctors' appointments.

The Pill

This method is 99% effective against pregnancy (though does not protect against STDs), when used correctly. You take one pill each day, everyday, or take pills for three weeks and skip a week before repeating. If you miss days, you're at risk for getting pregnant, and the first cycle you take them (or the first cycle after starting to take them again) they might not be as effective.

Injections

This method is one of the most effective reversible contraceptive methods, with an over 99% effectiveness rate against pregnancy (but no protection against STDs). You get an injection every twelve weeks from a doctor or clinic. You don't have to remember to take contraceptive pills each day or use other methods, except to protect against STDs.

Mirena IUD

This nontraditional IUD is placed directly into the uterus by a doctor or similar professional. It releases small doses of hormones that have proven 99% effective against pregnancy. Like similar methods, it doesn't protect against STDs, but is more convenient for many women.

Birth Control Patch

Another 99% effective method that is easier to remember than pills. You apply a new patch each week, and that's it. Your period will be more regular than with other methods, although this also doesn't protect against STDs.

Traditional IUDs

Made from copper, these are inexpensive and long-lasting, and can be used as emergency contraception. The insertion is done by a doctor and takes just five minutes. The effectiveness is 96%-98%, a little less than modern IUDs with hormones released. Another disadvantage is that they may cause heavier periods due to the copper. It also doesn't protect against STDs.

Diaphragms

80%-90% effectiveness. These small devices are fitted each time prior to sex, but they can be fitted hours before, making sex more spontaneous. It isn't as effective for women who have sex three or more times a week, doesn't protect against STDs, and must be fitted by a doctor, however.

Methods of Permanent Contraception

Think very carefully before making this decision. Once the operation goes forward, it's difficult and chancy to reverse later on. With so many methods of temporary contraception, it's a wise idea to speak with your doctor about some of them before considering permanent contraception. There are two main kinds of permanent contraception, one for women and one for men, with similar rates of effectiveness.

Vasectomy

This method is for men. It involves cutting and tying the tubes (vas deferens) that transport semen, and is a relatively quick operation. Local anesthesia is all that is required, and the man can even stay awake.

Tubal Ligation

This method is for women. In a hospital or clinic, a doctor will clip or seal shut the tubes (fallopian tubes) that transport eggs, so that eggs can't escape and semen can't enter. Some form of anesthesia is used, and the procedure can sometimes be non-surgical.

Effectiveness

Each method has an approximately 99% effectiveness against pregnancy (with no protection against STDs). This rate can be higher or lower, depending on the exact details of the procedure and the age a person was when it was performed.