In order to prevent an unplanned pregnancy, women who have sexual intercourse resort to birth control methods. Birth control methods aim to prevent the fertilization of eggs in the female uterus with sperm. It is extremely important to consult a physician when determining a contraceptive method. Some hormonal conditions or existing diseases may change the birth control method that is suitable for the woman. Determining the most suitable contraceptive method is extremely important for both the current and future reproductive health of the woman.

What are Birth Control Methods?
There are various birth control methods. The most widely known and most commonly used contraceptive method is the birth control pill. Birth control pills are pills that either contain only progesterone or periodically containing estrogen and progesterone hormones. Used for 21 days or 28 days, the pills are taken once a day.

The intrauterine device (IUD), also known as the spiral, is the other most commonly used contraceptive method after the pill. This device is inserted into the uterus by a doctor and prevents the sperm from meeting the egg. It can cause menstrual irregularities in the first months and can also increase the amount of menstruation. Intrauterine devices can also be hormonal. After a gynecological evaluation, it is decided which intrauterine device to prefer.

Another method is the injection method. Hormones injected at regular intervals reduce egg formation and sperm motility due to changes in uterine fluids.

Another hormonal contraception method is subcutaneous implants. It is a recyclable method and is one of the preferred methods because it is easy to apply.

Although it is a less used method, the diaphragm method can also be applied. An apparatus placed in the cervix prevents the passage of sperm into the vagina. The apparatus is placed by the person before each sexual intercourse and then removed.

Another method is to tie the female tubes. This is a permanent and irreversible method of contraception.

In addition to these methods, there are also male contraception methods. The most widely known and practiced method is undoubtedly condom contraception. Condoms also provide protection against many sexual diseases such as AIDS, gonorrhea and syphilis. Therefore, even if a woman is using one of the contraceptive methods, condoms should continue to be used to protect against sexual diseases.

Another male contraceptive method is vasectomy. This method, known as ligation of the sperm ducts, is a permanent and irreversible method.

What should an ideal contraceptive method look like?
Before determining the contraceptive method, a clinical examination is performed through blood tests and ultrasound. Then, the person’s additional diseases are evaluated and the most appropriate birth control method is planned. In order for a contraceptive method to be ideal; it must prevent pregnancy definitively, be an acceptable method for the person and his/her partner, not be harmful to health and be easy to apply. After a gynecological examination, the healthiest contraceptive method for the woman is determined by the obstetrician.