Introduction
Childbirth is a highly significant event in each person’s life. It affects everything from educational and financial goals to social life and relationships. Some people might deal relatively easy with it, while others can face unexpected struggles and problems. For instance, if a person is getting an education while pregnant, it can negatively influence the process by pausing it or ending it completely. Moreover, it drastically changes the narrative of life, such as socialization and professional career, which is hard to handle psychologically and financially. Romantic relationships and relationships with the family are also at risk since the partner might not want to have a child, and not all the parents might be supportive. Therefore, I suppose sex education is essential to help young people assess all the difficulties they may encounter and reflect on whether they are ready to have a child. In this paper, I reflect on the prevention methods of unplanned pregnancies, contraception, and variations, their advantages ands disadvantages and express my opinion on what would be the best option to take.
Birth Control Pills
The most popular technique for women to avoid getting pregnant is the birth control pill, usually referred to as the pill. It functions by inhibiting ovulation because it produces hormones identical to those generated by the ovaries. There are two different kinds of birth control pills: the minipill, containing progestin, and the combined pill, containing progestin and estrogen (Sedicias). Women who are nursing, smokers, or those over 35 are most frequently given the mini pill (Sedicias). The tablets at a neighborhood drugstore are possible after receiving a physician or nurse practitioner prescription.
In addition to aiding in pregnancy prevention, the pill may treat various symptoms, including lowering menstrual blood flow, relieving period discomfort, managing the menstrual cycle, reducing unwanted hair growth, improving acne, and soothing PMS symptoms. Oral contraceptives can also help to prevent ovarian cancer, cysts, and pelvic inflammatory disease (Sedicias). Despite being an efficient and secure approach, it requires perfect use and only prevents pregnancy if taken consistently at the same time each day, without exception. There might be adverse effects, and the most frequent ones are nausea, breast soreness, sporadic spotting, reduced blood flow, and depressive symptoms.
Diaphragm
The diaphragm is a contraception with a rubber ring that stops sperm from accessing the uterus, which prevents the egg from being fertilized. If the diaphragm is carefully cleaned after each use and maintained in a clean environment, it can be reused for up to two years. Benefits include the ability to be injected up to 24 hours before sex and the fact that it does not impede it, so it implies regular usage (Sedicias). Additionally, it lessens the chance of developing the pelvic inflammatory disease but does not protect from STDs (Sedicias). However, it must be inserted no later than 30 minutes before intercourse and withdrawn no later than 12 hours following intercourse (Sedicias). Using a urethral diaphragm has no negative side effects (Sedicias). Each time there is an intimate touch, it needs to be replaced for it to work.
Vaginal Ring
A vaginal ring is a rubber object that is placed within the vagina in a manner akin to placing a tampon. The ring is worn for 21 days before being removed for seven days during menstruation. A fresh ring is put in after menstruation and implies regular usage (Sedicias). Benefits include ease of use and non-interference with sexual activity. It does not change the vaginal flora, is easily reversible, and makes it easy to recover fertility. Nevertheless, the fact that it cannot protect from STDs, the possibility of weight gain, and the fact that many conditions, including liver issues and high blood pressure, are negative aspects of its usage is a disadvantage (Sedicias). Moreover, some women may have gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, a drop in libido, heavy periods, and a higher likelihood of vaginal infections as adverse effects.
Intrauterine Device (IUD)
The intrauterine device, or IUD, is a plastic T-shaped contraceptive technique that a gynecologist inserts into the uterus. It can stay in the uterus for up to five years while working. This method of contraception is incredibly efficient and uncomfortable-free. By gradually releasing hormones or by the action of brass within the uterus, it can inhibit pregnancy and fertilization in two different ways (Sedicias). This is an excellent alternative for those who cannot manage to take pills regularly in time, and so it is better than birth control pills. It can stay inside the uterus long, although a medical practitioner must place it occasionally. Possible adverse effects include possible discomfort for several days after insertion, possible mild bleeding in the months that follow, and maybe an increased risk of bacterial vaginosis.
Contraception for men
As for effective contraception for men, I believe it has not been developed because men, as a rule, are more reluctant to control pregnancies and care more about enjoyment. Often, taking care of babies becomes the sole responsibility of a mother of a child while men shun away from the situation. Therefore, women contraception has been broadly studied to help women avert the pregnancies they might otherwise have had (Chiu). It implies the long-held belief that those capable of becoming pregnant should be responsible for preventing pregnancies, which has made it difficult to introduce an effective new method of contraception to the market.
Conclusion
Unwanted pregnancy significantly alters one’s life story, affecting aspects like socialization and employment that are difficult to manage psychologically and financially. For most people, it results in numerous adjustments and stress and entirely alters their familiar way of life. As a result, it is critical to take precautions against unanticipated consequences and protect the freedom to live life as one chooses. Comparing contraception methods depends strictly on people’s health, preferences, the frequency of intimate acts, and personal aspects. There is no perfect contraception method yet, and the advantages and disadvantages will differ for everyone.
Works Cited
Chiu, Allyson. “Why There’s Still No New Birth Control for Men.”The Washington Post, 2020.
Sedicias, Sheila. “9 Birth Control Options: Advantages, Disadvantages & Side Effects.”Tuasaude, 2021.