Birth Control

Birth control is the medical process of influencing or preventing pregnancy in women either by sexual tactics, devices or medications. Such practices have been put to curtail the fertilization process between ovum and sperm. Birth control or contraceptive measures are methods devised for prevention of pregnancy and do not co-relate to protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). However, male contraceptive condoms are the most recommended entity for STDs like HIV infection and AIDS. There are also conditions like Toxic Shock Syndrome which is linked to the use of contraceptive methods like contraceptive sponge or diaphragm birth control methods.

Birth control methods to be used by women best depends on the necessity in the sexual and reproductive life of an individual.

• Frequency of sexual act
• overall health
• the priority for bearing children
• your comfort level with using the method and effectiveness of the method
• the number of sexual partners 
• any potential side effects

There are several birth control methods that work well in preventing pregnancy. However, no birth control methods can be adjudged 100 percent foolproof. A few among those are

• Continuous sexual abstinence 
• Periodic Abstinence (during fertile period)
• Oral Contraceptives or pill
• Male Condom 
• Female Condom
• Copper T IUD (Intrauterine Device)
• Progestasert IUD (Intrauterine Device)
• Intrauterine System or IUS (Mirena)
• Diaphragm, Cervical Cap or Shield
• Vasectomy - Surgical sterilization
• Essure Permanent Birth Control System – Non-surgical sterilization  
• Contraceptive Sponge - The Patch (Ortho Evra)
• NuvaRing - the Hormonal Vaginal Contraceptive Ring

Birth Control Pills

There are many pills and patches available in market as birth control pills. Mentioned below are few popular birth control pills:

• Ortho Tri-Cyclen 
  Ortho Tri-Cyclen used to prevent pregnancy. It may also be used to regulate the menstrual cycle, treat symptoms of menopause, or treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
  
  
• Ortho Evra Patch
  The Ortho Evra birth control patch is a highly effective, weekly hormonal birth control patch that is worn on the skin to prevent pregnancy. It prevents pregnancy similar to birth control pills by preventing ovulation.
  
  
• Depo Provera
  Depo Provera shot also helps prevent pregnancy. A shot (hormonal injection of Depo Provera) is given every three months to prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg.
  
  
• Yasmin
  Yasmin pill is helpful for birth control. This pill works similar to synthetic hormones produced by your body that control your cycle.
  
  
• Lybrel
  Lybrel is the first birth control pill which stops menstrual flow and taken 365 days a year.