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Contraception for Women

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There are plenty of contraception options for the women of today. Managing contraception in some shape or form has always been a consideration for sexually active women, but it was never openly discussed as an everyday option. This is because the topic of contraception and family planning was considered taboo in old times, and in many societies.

Family planning is indeed a very personal issue, and it's usually an issue that is discussed between married people. Until very recently, family planning was restricted to married couples, because singles simply didn't step out strong to plan families on their own. It was socially frowned upon, and the times dictated that a family should plan for as many children as they could afford to feed.

In the last 50 years, contraception for women has seen major changes. First, traditional married couples decided to take a stand, and reduce the amount of children that they produce and raise. As the times changed, and as society became more youthful, many people simply didn't want to spend all of their young adult years raising children, or they simply didn't want to be tied down with many children. Society also changed in the rise of single parent homes.

The definition of parents have changed as well. There are many different combinations of families, and of parents. All of these changes have had their impact upon family planning, and upon contraception for women. It simply is socially acceptable for a woman to decide not to have children if she doesn't want to, no matter what her marital status is. More to the point, it's socially acceptable for single women to have sex. Many single women aren't ready to have children, so they will pursue contraception methods.

Here is a look at contraception for women and what it entails:

1. Condoms: Condoms are the least expensive method female contraception. Many people might not consider condoms as female contraception, but they very much are. For one thing, it's socially acceptable for a woman to buy her own condoms to keep on hand for her partner. To add to this, there are condoms that are created for the female body. Condoms cost anywhere from $3.00 and up, depending on the quantity purchased, and depending upon any added features, such as special textures or lubrication. Condoms not only help to prevent pregnancy, but they help to prevent STD's and HIV.

2. Birth Control Pills: In most countries birth control pills are only available via a doctor's prescription. They are tiny hormone based pills that in essence tricks the body into thinking that it's pregnant, so that that body won't produce a real pregnancy. These have an extremely high effectiveness rate when taken as prescribed. For the most part, these are swallowed once a day. The prices can range depending upon the pharmacy that they are purchased at, and the brand. However, there are many community health programs that will prescribe birth control pills to low income females for free.

3. Depro-Provera shots and rings: "The Shot" was introduced in the 1990s. It uses a different set of hormones from the birth control pill, but it is also designed to trick the body from producing a pregnancy. The shot is administered only in a doctor's office. The shot will last for 3 months, so the patient has to get a new shot of hormones every 3 months. The ring is a soft ring that is impregnated with hormones that seep into the bloodstream. The ring is placed against the cervix of a woman. The ring lasts for about 3 months as well. The female has to go to the doctor's office to have the ring removed and replaced.

4. Foams and Foam Sponges: This is an older form of contraception. These methods can be bought over the counter at drugstores. Foams are applied via an applicator, and the sponge is inserted to fit against the cervix. The sponge will be impregnated with foam. A female will wet the sponge, squeeze it, and cause the foam to be activated in the sponge. The sponge both blocks the cervical opening, and kills off any impregnating cells. It's a relatively cheap option.

5. Diaphrams: These can only be obtained from a doctor in most countries. The doctor has to fit the diaphram to fit the female's cervix. After measurements are taken, the doctor orders a diaphram that is tailor made for her body. The female fills the cup with foam or jelly, and fits it against the cervical opening. It functions like a sponge, but it's not disposable.

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