Have you talked seriously about pregnancy prevention methods with your partner? The following post continues examining different birth control solutions and how couples can approach finding the best option for their lifestyle and goals. NorCalVas offers safe and highly effective <a data-preserve-html-node="true" href=https://www.norcalvas.com/>no-scalpel, no-needle vasectomy procedures to the Elk Grove, Redding, Scotts Valley, and Sacramento communities.

If you and your partner have decided that it’s not the right time for children, it’s important to have an honest family planning discussion. In part two of the series, we’ll take a look at common barrier and permanent birth control methods, their efficacy, their benefits and drawbacks, and what couples should consider when choosing the right one for them.

Barrier Methods

Barrier methods of birth control include condoms, diaphragms, the sponge, and the cervical cap. These prevent fertilization by physically blocking sperm from reaching the egg.

While condoms and contraceptive sponges are commercially available and can be purchased at drugstores, pharmacies, and online, cervical caps and diaphragms can only be obtained by prescription, and diaphragms have to be fitted by a gynecologist.

Contraceptive sponges, cervical caps, diaphragms, and internal (female) condoms have to be inserted into the vagina prior to intercourse. The efficacy of barrier methods ranges from 77 percent to approximately 88 percent. The use of spermicide along with the devices enhances their effectiveness.

Male condoms are the most common and popular method of barrier birth control, as they are inexpensive, easy to wear, and have the added benefit of reducing transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STI). Condoms and internal condoms are only birth control devices that can prevent STIs.

All barrier methods of birth control need to be used every time sex occurs in order for them to be effective. Couples may find barrier methods effective and flexible solutions, because both partners can take responsibility for their reproductive decisions. When male condoms are used along with a diaphragm, cervical cap, or sponge – in addition to spermicide – the effectiveness rate is extremely high. However, installing internal barrier contraception requires a bit of a learning curve. Additionally, all sexual intimacy must be planned to some extent so that the devices can be worn and/or installed.

Nevertheless, these methods of birth control can be eroticized and incorporated into a couple’s sexual interplay, which might be a lifestyle benefit!

Permanent Birth Control (Sterilization)

Both men and women can opt to undergo permanent sterilization procedures. Sterilization for men involves having a vasectomy, while sterilization for women is known as tubal ligation. Both procedures are approximately 99.9 percent effective, though no-scalpel vasectomy has a slightly lower failure rate.

Vasectomy procedures are most commonly no-scalpel vasectomies. These involve a physician numbing the scrotal area and then using a tool called a hemostat to make an opening just large enough to access the vas deferens, and then sealing the ducts. The procedure doesn’t involve incisions, sutures, or needle injections, and only takes a few minutes in a doctor’s office.

Tubal ligation, unlike no-scalpel vasectomy, isn’t a short outpatient procedure. Tubal ligation is a surgery that involves the permanent blocking or closing of the fallopian tubes, preventing eggs from leaving the ovaries during ovulation.

If both partners know for a fact that they’ll never want children, permanent birth control may be a reasonable option. But no-scalpel vasectomy is the easier, less expensive, and safer choice. Tubal ligation can have serious complications, including uterus injury during the procedure, risk of infection, and the possibility that the fallopian tubes become unblocked, resulting in a high-risk ectopic pregnancy.

If you think permanent birth control could be right for you and your partner, no-scalpel vasectomy is by far the better option. With a failure rate of less than one percent and recovery time of two days on average, no-scalpel vasectomy offers ease and convenience, and the knowledge that you can focus on intimacy without ever worrying about unintended pregnancy.

If you think no-scalpel vasectomy could be right for your goals and lifestyle, NorCalVas founder,<a data-preserve-html-node="true" href=https://www.norcalvas.com/about-dr-patel> Dr. Chirag A. Patel MD, Ph.D., specializes in no-scalpel, no-needle vasectomy procedures. To schedule a consultation, please <a data-preserve-html-node="true" href=https://www.norcalvas.com/contact>visit our contact page.