The first question that most couples have to face a little while after marriage is ‘Are we ready for a baby?’ While some couples may easily resolve this question with a ‘yes’ or ‘no’, others may have a hard time in making a decision. In case a couple decides to prolong their plans for a baby, it is best to go for contraceptive methods until the couple believes that the time is right. Birth control methods are based on different concepts of preventing pregnancy. In addition to preventing pregnancy, some contraceptive methods also offer protection from sexually transmitted diseases like AIDS, syphilis and herpes.

Now let us take a look into some popular methods of birth control.

Natural Family Planning

This is one of the oldest methods of birth control. Natural planning involves abstaining from intercourse during a woman’s fertile days – that is from the 12th to the 20th day of her menstrual cycle; day 1 being the first day of period. This method that requires rigid adherence to the plan from both partners is best adopted only by women with regular menstrual cycles. Withdrawal is another natural method in which the man withdraws just before ejaculation. However, this can be risky as the fluid that leaks before ejaculation also contains sperms.

Barrier Methods

Barrier methods include the use of contraceptive devices like condom, diaphragm, cervical cap and vaginal sponge. These devices are often used along with chemical barriers like jellies, foams or creams to block sperm from reaching the uterus. Single-use, male condoms are very affordable and available from all drug stores. Cervical cap or diaphragm can be inserted into a woman’s body with the assistance of a medical professional. The use of contraceptive sponge, cervical cap or diaphragm may sometimes trigger urinary tract infections in women. Sometimes, women may also experience allergic reactions while using these methods.