Population growth results from increase in birth rates and a fall in mortality rates and migration. The encouragement of birth control methods has been considered in order to control the huge population. Birth control is a voluntary limitation of the number of children conceived, especially by planned use of contraceptive techniques.

Contraceptives You Can Use

Contraceptives prevent unwanted pregnancies. There are several ways to protect against unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, and even HIV. Some common contraceptives and birth control methods that are used today are abstinence; birth control pills; cervical caps; condoms; contraceptive films, foams, implants, sponges, and suppositories; the diaphragm; injectable contraception or depo-provera; intrauterine contraception; outercourse; the patch; the ring; the shield; and withdrawal.

The Seven Effective Methods

1.Oral Contraceptives. These oral contraceptives are made primarily from low doses of synthetic estrogen and progestin. Their use does not interfere with intercourse. They ave a failure rate of 0.1 to 8 percent during the first year, but this is reduced to 0.01 percent when combined with perfect use.. Primarily, it operates by inhibiting ovulation, but its secondary mechanism involves the thickening of the cervical mucus, changing endometrium and reducing sperm transport. When reacted with some drugs like some certain antiseizure medications and antibiotics, its effect may be reduced. Most women can use this contraceptive safely with no periodic discontinuation throughout their reproductive life.

2. Contraceptive Implants. These implants consist of hormone-filled capsules that are inserted into the underarms or upper arms of a woman. The Norplant system is the first contraceptive implant that consists of six flexible silicone capsules. This method is safe and effective as it is reversible and can be used long term. It works by thickening the mucus of the cervix and prevents the penetration of the sperm and inhibits ovulation. A woman can be fertile again immediately after the removal of the implant.

3. Injectables. These contain synthetic hormones that are administered by deep intramuscular injection. It is safe, effective, and reversible. It works by thickening the mucus of the cervix, preventing sperm penetration and ovulation. Fertility is regained after a three-month delay.

4. Female Barrier Methods. These are the barriers that women place on their vagina to prevent the entry of the sperm and in turn prevent pregnancy. It works by creating a physical barrier that blocks the passage of the sperm into the uterus. Its effectiveness can further be augmented if used with a spermicide. Shortly after discontinuation, a woman would return to fertility.

5.Spermicides. These are chemical products that are inserted into the vagina in order to kill or immobilize the sperms.

6..Intrauterine Devices. These are small and flexible devices made of metal or plastic thatare inserted into the vagina to prevent pregnancy when inserted into a woman's uterus through her vagina.

7.Male and Female Sterilization. This is a permanent contraceptive method for couples who don't want children anymore. Female sterilization is termed ligation, while male sterilization is termed vasectomy.