Pregnancy and Communicable Disease Prevention – Choosing Best Approach to Birth Control
What
are the various methods of birth control available?
Children
can bring much joy into the lives of the parents who raise them – joy which
many couples take pains to delay until the time is just right. Luckily, there
are many methods of birth control available to choose from – some hormonal and
some not. Moreover, some types of birth control provide additional protection
from partner transmitted infections, while others do not. While preventing pregnancy is
certainly important to many men, maintaining male organ health is important to every man and should
be part of the decision as well. In
fact, combining birth control methods such as an oral medication and a latex
barrier provides maximum protection from both pregnancy and infection.
8
Common Methods of Birth Control
The
Latex barrier: Latex
barriers are worn over the male organ and prevent sperm from entering the
uterus. They also available
in polyurethane; it is important to note, however, that lambskin barriers,
while effective at preventing pregnancy, are found to not be as effective
against infections.
Oral
birth control: One of the most common types of birth control is an oral
medication, which is 99% effective against pregnancy when taken properly. The medication uses the female
hormones estrogen and progestin to prevent pregnancy. It is available in
combination (estrogen and progestin), progestin-only, and extended cycle
dosages, which changes the frequency of the period to every three months or
longer.
The
Diaphragm: The
diaphragm is a dome shaped contraceptive device that is made from rubber. It is designed to non-hormonally
prevent the sperm from fertilizing an egg.
The
Ring: Named
for its ring shape, this is flexible plastic ring that is inserted into the
female channel. The ring works in the same manner as oral medication, by
releasing hormones into the woman’s body.
The
IUD: An
intrauterine device (IUD) is a copper device that is surgically implanted in
the uterus to prevent pregnancy. IUDs are implanted by a doctor, are more than
99% effective and can remain implanted for 10 or more years.
The
Female Barrier: A female
latex barrier is inserted into the female, where it covers the cervix to
prevent the passage of sperm to the egg. Made from a soft plastic known as
polyurethane, the female barrier is prone to slipping and is not as effective
at preventing infection or pregnancy as male latex barriers. However, this
method may be preferred by individuals who have a latex allergy or sensitivity.
The
Patch: This method
of birth control uses a hormone-releasing patch that can be placed on the body.
It stays in place for a week at a time and relies on the same combination of
hormones as oral contraceptives.
The
Implant: Another
method of birth control, considered to be slightly more permanent based on its
design; the device is implanted under the skin on the upper arm. The implant is
about the side of a matchstick, is nearly 100% effective, and stays implanted
for about three years.
The
Healthy Male Organ
Using
proper protection is an integral part of one’s overall male organ health and
wellness. A latex barrier is the most effective way – apart from abstinence --
for a man to protect himself from STI’s and also from getting his partner
pregnant. Additionally, the
use of a high-quality male organ vitamin formula helps keep the male organ functioning
at its highest possible level (most
professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil). When applied directly to the male
organ, the vitamin formula can help improve male organ health by rejuvenating
the skin of the male organ while improving circulation and enhancing
sensitivity of the area.
For
additional information on most common male organ health issues, tips on
improving male organ sensitivity, and what to do to maintain a healthy male
organ, visit: http://www.man1health.com/. John Dugan is a professional writer
who specializes in men’s health issues and is an ongoing contributing writer to
numerous online web sites.