Birth Control Methods vary according to purpose, design, material and effectiveness.  In order to choose among them, several factors must be considered such as the woman’s health, lifestyle, comfort level, menstrual cycle and flow, frequency of sexual activity, and number of sexual partners.

The following are the most commonly used methods:

Natural Methods

* Abstinence – not having sexual contact at all times

* Calendar Method – not having sex on days when a woman is fertile, approximately five days before ovulation, the day of ovulation, and one or more days after ovulation

* Withdrawal Method – man pulls out his penis from the vagina right before he ejaculates, thus preventing sperms from entry into the uterus

Chemical Methods

* Oral Contraceptives – pills taken orally on a daily basis which prevents the flow of eggs from the ovaries

* Mini Pill – smaller than the regular pill, it thickens the cervical mucus thus preventing the contact between the sperms and the egg.

* Depo Preva – injections of hormones into the body every three months, acts like the pill

* The Patch – skin patch worn on abdomen, buttocks or upper body that releases hormones that work like the pill

* Hormonal Vaginal Contraceptive Ring – a ring inserted into the vagina which releases hormones that work like the pill

* Spermicides – suppository, film, cream, foam, gel, or tablet inserted into the vagina that kills the sperms during sexual intercourse, usually used with other barrier methods

Mechanical Methods

* Male Condom – rubber designed to fit and be worn on the penis which will contain the semen during sexual intercourse, thus preventing it from reaching the egg

* Female Condom – made of polyutherane and lubricant, it is inserted into the vagina which blocks sperms from entry into the uterus

* Intrauterine Device (IUD) – a T-shaped device placed inside the uterus (by a doctor) which blocks the sperms from entry into the fallopian tubes

* Intrauterine System (IUS) – a device similarly designed and administered as the IUD which releases hormones that thicken the cervical mucus thus blocking sperms from entry into the uterus

* Diaphragm, Cervical Cap, and Shield – latex or silicon cap used with spermicides which blocks the entry of sperms into the cervix

* Sponge – a soft, disk-shaped device that a woman wets and inserts into the vagina, and thus covering the cervix and blocking the sperms

Surgical Methods

* Tubal Ligation – a permanent birth control method surgically performed on women by ‘tying’ the fallopian tubes and thus stopping eggs from going down the uterus

* Vasectomy – a permanent birth control methods surgically performed on men which has the effect of keeping sperms from going down the penis

In choosing and using birth control methods, it is important to keep in mind the following facts:

* The effectiveness of any method relies on how properly and correctly it was administered.
* More than one method can be used, and the chosen methods can be replaced according to the varying circumstances that affect the woman’s decision.
* There is no one ‘best’ method that goes for all women.
* Abstinence is the only 100% effective birth control method.
* It is best to consult the doctor when choosing a method.
* Birth control methods aren’t necessarily protection from STDs.

Below are some of the most common sexual issues men experience:

Erectile Dysfunction

What It Is
During sexual activity, men are sometimes unable to have a good and satisfactory erection. In cases where this becomes a constant and persistent occurrence, thus also continually disrupting the activity itself, it is considered an erectile dysfunction.

What Causes It
Physical causes include chronic illnesses such as diabetes; the side effects of substances taken such as drugs or alcohol; having undergone recent surgery in the pelvic area; and spinal cord injury.  Psychological causes include emotional stress, anxiety or depression; unresolved sexual orientation; and sexual boredom.

How It Can Be Treated

* Oral drugs
* Injections
* Medicated Urethral System for Erection (MUSE)
* Vacuum pumps
* Hormonal supplements
* Penile implants
* Sex therapy

Premature Ejaculation

What It Is
Premature ejaculation is one of the most frequent sexual problems. The predicament is most often characterized as being a failure to delay ejaculation to a point when it is mutually agreeable for both partners.

What Causes It
Psychological factors include emotional stress and anxiety about sex; conflicts within the relationship; and teenage sexual experiences of having to do it quickly to avoid getting caught.

How It Can Be Treated
Sex therapy aimed at controlling ejaculation; and drugs designed to reduce penile sensation.

Retarded Ejaculation

What It Is
Ejaculation that comes after the intended or preferred moment or time by either or both partners during sexual activity or the inability to ejaculate at all.

What Causes It
Physical factors include old age; the after effects of certain drugs; hormonal imbalance or nerve damage; injury; chronic illness; or surgery. Psychological factors include performance anxiety; self-consciousness; moral issues regarding having sex; and conflicts within the relationship that causes low desire for sex.

How It Can Be Treated
Relaxation exercises, sexual therapy, and designer drugs.

Low Sexual Desire

What It Is
Some men experience a considerable loss of interest and desire to have sex.

What Causes It
Psychological factors include stress and anxiety or depression.  However, the causes most commonly lie at the very relationship between the couple, such as one of the partners having higher sexual drive, or the lack of communication between them.

How It Can Be Treated

* Addressing specific issues between the relationship
* Getting professional help for depression
* Developing healthier habits of sleeping and exercise

Among the many suggested treatments for each sexual problem, the basic and most effective response is to first acknowledge the problem, especially since it affects both partners’ sexual needs.  Women can especially help their partners by being supportive during medical treatment.  Sex therapy also helps women as much as the men, especially when the causes lie within the relationship.  It is also most important to help the man by letting him talk about it, not blaming him for having the problem, and assuring him of confidence and acceptance.