Birth Control Behavioral Methods

Birth Control Slideshow Pictures

• Birth Control Behavioral Methods Introduction
• Continuous Abstinence
• Coitus Interruptus
• Natural Family Planning
• Fertility Awareness Method
• Other Methods of Periodic Abstinence
• Breastfeeding
• Douching
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors

Birth Control Behavioral Methods Introduction

The practice of birth control or preventing pregnancy is as old as human existence. For centuries, humans have relied upon their imagination to avoid pregnancy. With no method of birth control during sexual intercourse, a woman of childbearing age with normal fertility has an 85% chance of becoming pregnant in 1 year. 

Behavioral methods that don’t use hormones such as birth control pills or mechanical devices such as condoms are in use throughout the world, especially in underdeveloped nations. They often have high failure rates, meaning they don’t work effectively and women become pregnant.

Continuous Abstinence

Continuous abstinence is completely refraining from sexual intercourse. There are no hormonal side effects, and abstinence is endorsed by many religious groups.

It is 100% effective in preventing pregnancy, and it also prevents sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Women who are abstinent until their 20s and have few partners are less likely to get STDs, become infertile, or develop cervical cancer. Abstinence costs nothing.

Abstinence may be difficult for some couples to maintain. It is important to discuss this decision with your partner before sexual situations arise.

Coitus Interruptus

Coitus interruptus involves withdrawal of the entire penis from the vagina before the man ejaculates (before sperm leaves the penis). Fertilization is prevented because sperm does not contact a woman’s egg. This method remains a significant means of fertility control in less advantaged countries.

• How effective: This depends largely on the man's capability to withdraw prior to ejaculation. The failure rate is estimated to be about 4% in the first year of using this method exactly. In typical use, the rate is more like 19% during the first year of use. The failure rate means this method does not work to prevent pregnancy, and some couples using it will become pregnant anyway. The higher the failure rate, the more likely a woman is to have an unintended pregnancy. 
  
  
• Advantages: This method can be used at any time, with no devices, no cost, does not involve chemicals or hormones, and may offer a lower risk for other problems. 
  
  
• Disadvantages: There is a high risk for unintended pregnancy. This method does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).