IUDs (Intrauterine Devices) Types, Side Effects, and Effectiveness Topic Guide

The practice of birth control is as old as human existence. Birth control barrier methods include: the male condom, female condom, diaphragm, cervical cap and sponge.

Many different types of birth control are available, and include hormonal methods, barrier methods, and behavioral methods. The type of birth control depends on the method or options a woman chooses. Common side effects of the birth control pill (the most common form of birth control used by women in the US) include, fluid retention, breakthrough bleeding, missed periods, anxiety, mood changes, and decreased sexual desire (libido).

The practice of birth control is as old as human existence. 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.

The practice of birth control is as old as human existence. Your choice of birth control method involves factors such as how easy it is to use, safety, risks, cost, and personal considerations. Each form of birth control has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Permanent methods of birth control include tubal ligation or implants for women and vasectomy for men. Pre-procedure, procedure, and post-procedure information should be reviewed with your physician to discuss effectiveness of the procedure, recovery time, and any other necessary concerns in regard to the procedure.

Emergency contraception (birth control after intercourse) is the use of a drug or device to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. Emergency contraceptive measures can be taken within the first 72 hours after unprotected intercourse.

Hormonal types and of options for birth control, and include patches, rings, implants, injections, and the birth control pill. Common side effects of hormonal methods of birth control are headaches, anxiety, acne, weight gain, mood changes, decrease in sex drive, heart attack, and stroke. No birth control methods is 100% effective, nor does it protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are among the most common infectious diseases in the United States. STDs can be spread through any type of sexual activity involving the sex organs, the anus or mouth, or through contact with blood during sexual activity. Examples of STDs include, chancroid, chlamydia, gonorrhea, granuloma inguinale, lymphogranuloma venereum, syphilis, genital herpes, genital warts, hepatitis B, trichomoniasis, pubic lice (crabs), and scabies.Treatment is generally with antibiotics; however, some STDs that go untreated can lead to death.

Spermicides are chemicals that are used during sexual intercourse that prevent conception by rendering sperm ineffective. They come as jellies, films, suppositories, foams, or tablets. Spermicides don't work as well as other reversible barrier methods of birth control.

Tubal ligation (tubal sterilization or tubes tied) is a surgical procedure to block a woman's Fallopian tubes. There are few risks with tubal ligation, however, risks do include general anesthesia, bleeding, infection, or injury to other organs in your body during the surgery. Tubal ligation is permanent and cannot be easily reversed.

Urethritis, inflammation of the urethra, may cause symptoms and signs that include discharge, burning, pain, urinary urgency, itching, and blood in the urine. Treatment involves antibiotics, sitz baths, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications.

Vasectomy is an elective surgical procedure performed on men for permanent contraception. In the procedure, the tubes that transport sperm from the testicles are severed, preventing the gametes from mixing with semen produced in the prostate gland in preparation for ejaculation. Vasectomy does not otherwise interfere with sexual function.