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Birth control or contraception is a term that refers to any device or method that is used to prevent pregnancy. Birth control is not limited to women; even men can effectively use birth control to prevent pregnancy in women. A variety of birth control options are available, including birth control pills, intrauterine devices, male and female condoms, and surgeries like vasectomies.

You should use birth control if you want to avoid getting pregnant. Depending on your needs and whether you plan on getting pregnant in the future or not, you can opt for permanent or temporary measures. However, remember that birth control does not equal the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The only birth control option that doubles as an STI-preventive method is a condom. If you choose to use a different method, remember to use a condom anyway to prevent STIs.

You can avail certain prescription drugs for birth control via iCliniq First. However, please note that we only prescribe specific drugs, and only for eligible patients. For more information on available drug options or your eligibility for them, consult a doctor at iCliniq First.

Over-the-counter birth control options are typically barrier methods of contraception, meaning that they block the fertilization of the egg or ovum by the sperm. The United States (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recommended over-the-counter birth control methods as reliable, safe, and effective methods.

There are several birth control options, but the one that works best for you will be determined by individual needs and circumstances, and your health status. You may choose to use a condom for the prevention of STIs and pregnancy, or you could go with other options like contraceptive injections, pills, patches, and rings. Alternatively, you could consider surgical methods or placement of intrauterine devices or systems. If you are confused or would like more information and help, reach out to a healthcare provider.

Different birth control methods have different instructions for use. Some may not require any effort on your part. You simply show up at the appointment and get the injection, surgery, or device implanted. Some may require minimal effort, like correctly rolling on a condom or remembering to take your birth control pills, or using patches or rings. If you have any questions regarding this, we recommend you consult a doctor at iCliniq First.

The effectiveness of all the different birth control methods varies from anywhere between 92 Percentage to 99 Percentage, depending on the method. Contraceptive implants, male and female sterilization, intrauterine systems or devices, and natural family planning are all methods that are about 99 Percentage effective. Contraceptive pills, injections, and patches may be more than 99 Percentage effective if you follow the instructions precisely for use but less than 95 Percentage effective with typical use. Female condoms are 95 Percentage effective, while male condoms are 98 Percentage effective. Generally, every technique has near-perfect effectiveness, but any one of them could fail, so you should take the necessary precautions.

Birth control options such as birth control pills typically take about seven days to work. If you have sexual intercourse during this time, ensure that you use an alternative method as well, like a condom. A procedure like tubal ligation works immediately, and so does a condom (if used correctly). However, a vasectomy (permanent male sterilization technique) will take about three months to work properly.

Hormonal contraceptives like birth control pills, patches, and vaginal rings work by reducing ovulation. This is achieved by preventing the release of eggs from the ovary through the release of hormones like progestogen. The cervical mucus is thickened to prevent sperm from entering the uterus. The lining of the uterus is also thinned to prevent the attachment of the fertilized egg. Essentially, the hormones block the sperm and egg from meeting.