In these days, sex is something that people should really think about, because there are many consequences that people would really like to avoid, such as overpopulation, teenage pregnancy, or even forced sterilization, due to pregnancy. I personally believe that we all should learn more about birth control to reduce teenage pregnancy. Also, other countries should consider birth control to stop over population or forced sterilization. To prevent such problems, one thing that we all should take into consideration while making sex is birth control. Women have six common and four non-common birth control devices; men have only one device of birth control, and couples have two most popular methods used for birth control. These devices and methods can be used to prevent pregnancies.

There are six common birth control devices for women. The most common birth control device is the pill. Birth Control Pills are taken every day until the month pill-pack is completed. Women should take these pills every month. These pills prevent the release of the egg, the implanting of the fertilized egg in the uterus, and they thicken the mucus in the cervix to keep the sperm away from the egg. Birth Control Pills are 99% effective. The advantages of the Birth Control Pills are that periods become more regular. There is less menstrual cramping, anemia, acne, and arthritis. They also protect against ovarian cancers, pelvic disease, ovarian cysts, and tubule pregnancies. A second common birth control device is the Depo-Provera. The Depo-Provera is a hormonal injection given every three months. It prevents the release of the egg, and it thickens the mucus from the cervix to prevent the sperm from joining the egg. The Depo-Provera has an effectiveness of 99.7%. Some of the advantages for using this injection are the reductions of menstrual cramps and protection of pregnancy for three months. The injection also protects against cancer in the uterus and anemia. Women that can not take pills can use the Depo-Provera. The Norplant is also becoming one of the most common types of birth control devices for many women. The Norplant is a device made of six capsules that release hormones. They are inserted under the skin of the upper arm. The Norplant prevents the release of the egg, and it thickens the cervical mucus keeping the sperm away from the egg. It is 99.95% effective. The advantages are that it "works up to five years or until it is removed. Fertility returns immediately upon removal of the implants. There is protection within 24 hours of insertion, and it helps protect against uterine cancer. The Norplant can be safely used after childbirth and while breast-feeding" (Bovo, 2). The Diaphragm and the Cervical Cap are placed fourth on the birth control devices for women. The Diaphragm is a rubber cap that holds cream and gel against the cervix. The Cervical Cap is a rubber cap that might or might not hold spermicidal cream or gel against the cervix. The Diaphragm and Cervical Cap form a barrier to prevent sperm from going in the cervix. The spermicidal gel kills the sperm on contact. The Diaphragm is 94% effective, and the Cervical Cap is 90% effective. Two advantages for both the Diaphragm and Cervical Cap are one, there is no major health concern; two, they can last several years. The female condom is an easy device to use for birth control, and it is second to the last in the list of the most common birth control devices. The female condom is similar to a male condom, but this condom covers the inside of the vagina like an inverted male condom. It prevents the sperm from reaching the egg. The female condom has an effectiveness of 95%. Some of the advantages of the female condom are that no prescription is needed; they can be bought in any drugstore; they can be placed hours before intercourse, and they can be used by women who might be allergic to latex rubber. The last common device of birth control is spermicides. There are several types of spermicides, such as foams, jellies, creams, suppositories, tablets, and films. They are inserted in the vagina before intercourse to keep the sperm from joining the egg by killing or immobilizing the sperm. Spermicides are 94% effective. Advantages for using spermicides are that they are found in most pharmacies; they are inexpensive; they can be used in combination with condoms, and they are as easy to insert as inserting a tampon. All women can use these common types of birth control devices.

There are four devices of birth control for women that are not commonly used. The first if the Minipill. Many women have not heard about these pills, but they are similar to Birth Control Pills. Minipills are taken every day until a month pill-pack is completed. They should be taken every 24 hours. The difference between the Birth Control Pills and the Minipills is that the Minipills only contain progestin, which makes the lining of the uterus secrete more cervical mucus to prevent the sperm from joining the egg. Minipills are 96% effective, but not as effective as the Birth Control Pills. The advantages of the Minipills are the "since it contains no estrogen; it can be used in women who smoke; it has fewer side effects than the combination pills. For example, it never causes nausea. It may be better for women who are breast-feeding, and for women with diabetes" (Williams, 1). A second non-common birth control device is the Morning After Pill. The Morning After Pill is a pill used after unprotected intercourse. This pill is used within 22 hours of unprotected sex. The Morning After Pill is 95% effective. The advantages are that it can reduce the chance of unwanted pregnancy, can also be used when a condom breaks, when a Diaphragm or Cervical Cap moves or when there is unprotected sex. The IUD or Intrauterine Device is also not common. The IUD is a small plastic device inserted in the women's uterus. "It keeps sperm from joining egg, and it prevents fertilized egg from implanting the uterus" (Planned Parenthood). The IUD is 99.2% effective. Some of the advantages of the IUD are that it can last for up to 10 years, it requires no attention except for the string every month, and the hormones may reduce menstrual cramps. The oldest of all birth control devices and today's most non-common form of birth control are herbs. Herbs have been used since the ancient years. Herbs such as Wild Yam, Pomegranate, Queen Anne's Lace Seed, Wild Carrot, Rutin, Susun, Child-Bearing Year Smartweed, and Apricot Kernels are used to prevent pregnancy. They prevent pregnancy by reducing fertility, preventing the release of the egg from the ovaries, preventing the sperm from joining the egg, and preventing the fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus. The effectiveness is not known, and the advantages are that herbs regulate menstrual cycles and prevent pregnancy in many ways.

There is only one birth control device for males, and it is the male condom. There are two types of condoms; the plastic condom and the latex rubber condom. The condom is unrolled on the erected penis to cover the penis and prevent the sperm from joining the egg. There is a 98% effectiveness rate in the use of condoms. The advantages of condoms are that they are easily bought in drugstores, can help relieve premature ejaculation, protect against sexually transmitted diseases, and are easy to use.

Birth control devices are not the only forms of birth control. Couples have two of the most popular methods of birth control to prevent pregnancy. The method that most couples use throughout the world is withdrawal. Withdrawal means "withdrawing the penis from the vagina before an ejaculation or orgasm occurs" (Williams, 1). This method can be 96% effective if it is correctly used. One advantage for using withdrawal is that it can be used when there is no other method or device. The Rhythm Method is another method that couples can use to prevent pregnancy. The use of the Rhythm Method depends on when women are fertile using basil body temperature, cervical mucus changes, excretion of luterinizing hormones, menstrual calendars, and refrain from intercourse during ovulation. This method can be 99% effective if it is correctly used. Some advantages for the Rhythm Method are that there are no medical or hormonal side effects. It is of no cost, and most religions accept this method. However, in order for them to work, only couples with experience should use these two methods.

Women's six most common forms of birth control devices are more convenient and effective. The four not so common forms of birth control devices are not as reliable in preventing pregnancies. Men use only one device of birth control, and it is believed that it is the best form to stop unwanted pregnancies. Also, couples can use two of the most popular methods that have great effectiveness if they are wisely used. I believe that all teenagers should learn amore about birth control to prevent teenage pregnancy or other serious problems. People from other countries should also consider birth control to prevent overpopulation. Birth control should be something we all need to learn.

http://www.hjbovo.com/contracep.htm (Feb 4, 1999).

Planned Parenthood. Birth Control Choices for Teens. Planned Parenthood Federation of America.
http://www.plannedparenthood.org/teenissues/bcchoices/bcchoices.htm (Feb 2, 1999),

Unknown Author. Contraceptive Herbs & Implantation Inhibitors. Sister Zeus.
http://www.geocites.com/RainForest/Vines/2279/Hcontra.htm (Feb 4, 1999).

Williams R. Birth Control Methods. Rick Williams, Women's Clinic Home Page.
http://www.rickmd.com/BCM.htm (Feb 4, 1999).