What is the best method of birth control? Part 2

Intrauterine devices have been around for decades and are quite effective. They can remain in the body for up to 5-10 years. Both the Paragard and Mirena work well and have a 95-99% success rate. The Mirena also releases tiny amounts of progestin into the body and prevents the egg from adhering to the uterine wall. Another method of oral contraception is the Implanon-which is a tiny bullet that is placed in the arm underneath the skin. This device releases low amount of progestin that prevents pregnancy. It lasts about 3 years.

There are countless hormonal methods to prevent pregnancy. Oral contraceptive pills have been around for more than 50 years and do work well. There are also patches (OrthoEvra), rings (Nuva Ring) and long-term Depo provera injections. These work 90-95% of the time.

Other ways to prevent conception include the condoms like the Today Sponge and a Diaphragm. They do work if you use them properly. These methods are often combined with spermicides and jellies.

Overall, the least effective method of birth control is to use natural family planning, temperate based methods, cervical caps (FemCap) and spermicidies (available as foams, cream, jellies, and suppositories.

The best method depends on what you want, your age, your marital status and whether you want to have children in future. One thing to be understood- the responsibility for contraception rests on both partners. For more on birth control, it is best to discuss the topic with your health care provider.

The best and one hundred effective method of birth control is to abstain from sex- great idea but unfortunately a very hard promise to keep.