#HealthBytes: Most effective long-term methods of contraception
What's the story
Contraception is a vital part of your sex life, since it helps protect you from unplanned and unwanted pregnancies.
There are two types of contraceptives, namely: short-term and long-term methods.
While short-term birth-control tools can be cumbersome, time-consuming, and may invite carelessness on your part, long-term contraceptives can help brush off these shortcomings.
Here are effective long-term contraceptives to kick off risk of pregnancy.
IUDs
For long-term pregnancy prevention, go for IUDs
An Intrauterine Device (IUD) is a highly effective (99% effectiveness rate), long-term contraception tool.
There are generally two types of IUDs- Hormonal IUDs and Copper IUDs. The effective duration of these devices usually ranges from 5 to 10 years.
An IUD would require you to visit a doctor frequently- for insertion, follow-up, and regular check-ups.
However, IUDs provide no protection against STIs.
Implant
A highly effective, long-term birth-control tool
The Contraceptive Implant is a highly effective, long-term contraceptive method, lasting for 3 years, on an average. It releases the hormone progestin into your body at a slow and steady pace, bringing the same birth-control effect as the pill.
The Implant is inserted in the arm, and because the chance of human error is ruled out, Implants have an effectiveness rate of almost 100%.
Diaphragm
The Contraceptive Diaphragm can be used multiple times
The Contraceptive Diaphragm is a barrier birth-control tool placed inside the vagina, so that it prevents sperms from entering the uterus.
A diaphragm needs to be coated with spermicide each time before sexual encounter, should be inserted atleast six hours prior to sex, and must be removed after 24 hours for cleaning purpose.
The Diaphragm doesn't provide any protection against STIs.