In this age of modern technology and liberated mindsets, a lot of people are open to the idea of engaging in casual sex. Because of this, women are exposed to bigger chances of having unwanted pregnancies, and their sexual health is at risk from sexually transmitted diseases. It is also because of this reason that birth control methods have been invented.

With a lot of birth control methods available in the market, finding the right one seems to be a difficult task. A lot of women try a lot of different methods before finally settling to the one that suits them best. Choosing the appropriate contraceptive not only keeps a woman's sexual health in great shape, it also ensures that

Understanding the female hormones

Estrogen and Progesterone are the two main female sex hormones that affect ovulation and possible pregnancy. Ovulation is the peak period in a woman's cycle in which she is most fertile. Estrogen, which is mainly produced by ovaries, helps the uterus rebuild the endometrium every after menstruation. This makes the uterus more conducive for egg implantation. It also helps stimulate the growth of the egg within the follicle. Progesterone is produced mainly by the corpus luteum in the ovary following ovulation. Progesterone prepares the lining of the uterus to accept a fertilized egg so that the egg can develop. Progesterone also prevents the release of any further eggs until the pregnancy is terminated.

Hormonal contraceptive method

The hormonal birth method primarily works by suppressing a woman's ovulation. Aside from suppressing ovulation, it also affects the lining of the uterus. It makes endometrium less conducive for implantation. A recent study shows that a huge thirty percent of the population are into using the hormonal method as their means of contraception. If used correctly, the hormonal birth control method is 99% effective in preventing pregnancies. The best part about using hormonal contraceptives is that the effects are fully reversible at any time the user wishes to. The hormonal method includes the following:

?Contraceptive pills. The birth control pill is an oral contraceptive made from synthetic hormones. This should be taken everyday at the exact same time to establish full efficiency of this method.

?Injected contraceptives. These are synthetic hormones injected to the woman that aims to prevent release of egg cells and to thicken cervical mucus lining to impede sperm movement.

?Hormonal patch. This is an adhesive patch, about the size of a half-dollar, worn on the arm, under the abdomen or buttocks, which administers synthetic hormones through the skin. This is to be worn for a week and replaced with a new one every week.

Adverse effects

Using the hormonal method may come with side effects as it affects the body's hormonal balance. Its first major set back is its inability to protect its user from sexually transmitted diseases. It may affect a woman's menstrual period as well by causing breakthrough bleeding, or amenorrhea. It may also cause nausea, breat tenderness, and headaches. Because of its effects on the body's hormone level, it may also cause depresion, anxiety, and decreased sexual urges.

Because of the hormonal methods side effects, women should not use it without the consult of a reputable physician. Keep in mind that these birth control methods changes the way the body reacts and releases its natural chemicals and may therefore have grave side effects when used inappropriately.