Philosophy

Families can be happy, work at best and generate good incomes to support them.  However, with rising economic stains and unpredictable future for the families, there is need to control the size of families.  Long a go, people would own as many children as their fertility rate would allow but today, the standard families have one to three children with the majority having two children.  This is due to the increased cost of living, educational programmes, family conflict and the desire to have manageable family size. There are different types of birth control measures that are currently in use.  The type of contraceptive measure one takes depends on personal interest, spousal agreement, and health status of the mother (Russell, 2003). Some of the birth control measures include the female condom, male condom, the sponge today, the oral contraceptive pill, the vasectomy, tubal ligations, abstinence and biological methods.

The birth control sponge, the so called the sponge today is a birth control is a foam sponge that contains spermicide and is usually fitted into the vagina for the purpose of preventing pregnancy.  It is said to be convenient and safe for use by different women as well as its being easy to use.  It cost is also low like the current market price is 9 to 15 per three sponge pack. The sponge works by releasing spermicide that prevents the movement of sperm to the uterus since it covers the cervix.  The sponge today is effective for women who have not had their first delivery if used as per the prescriptions it is 91 effective. It is the most commonly use by women in the U.S (John, 2000).

Although the sponge can be used by many women, it may be difficult to use at times especially if they have an allergy with sulfa related drugs, or they have an infection in the reproductive tract.  The sponge may also not be used during the menstrual flow or if one has procured an abortion, miscarriage or given birth, in the recent past.

The birth control pill is designed to be taken orally on a daily basis to control pregnancy. This is a safe, convenient and effective to use if one does not forget to take the pill any day. The cost today is about, 15-50 which is affordable every month.  This type of pill works on the principle of hormones that are released in the body to prevent ovulation thus no pregnancy may occur while the pill is in use. In case fertilization occurs, implantation may not take place since the pill thin the uterine walls impairing implantation (Grimley, Lee, 1997). The pill is 100 effective if taken as prescribed, although it could be interfered with by some antibiotics and some other medicines taken orally.

The combination pill is said to protect pelvic inflammatory diseases associated with infertility. It also reduces menstrual pain and results to lighter periods as well as reduces chance for an attack by cervical cancer.  The possible side effects include bleeding between periods, vomiting or even breast tenderness most of which clear in three months after the initial use. The pill may also change the cycle so that after use, it may take about 2 to 3 months for the normal cycle to return but for the irregular cycles, it may take longer for them to get the period back after stopping use.

The female condoms are very effective if they are used correctly.  The female condom is put in vagina before the start of intercourse, and withdrawn carefully after since it collects semen from the male sex partner, which can spill upon mishandling. The advantage that comes along worth the use of the condoms is that it offers double protection against pregnancy and against STDs and HIV. The effectiveness ranges from 80 to 100 when using the condom.  There some risks associated with the use of condom which include irritation, while some partners find it uncomfortable to use (Brick, 2003).

A condom is used only once and must be worn every time people have intercourse if they want to protect themselves against STDS as well as pregnancy.

Spermicides are also other forms of birth control which include the use of sperm killing reagents in cream form to prevent pregnancy. The diaphragm is also another available birth control measure that is used to cover the cervix just before intercourse and should not be withdrawn immediately after intercourse but after 6-8 hours to ensure maximum safety.  However, they may be irritating while some people may be allergic to it. Other methods include emergency contraceptives that are taken especially when one is within the ovulation season of their period and they are not on a pill.  It should not be taken frequently because it can affect the system.  Hormone injections, like the Depo- Provera that are injection on the buttocks or upper arm each taking 90 days before the next (Russell, 2003).  It is very effective with 100 efficiency. The implant, the skin patch, IUD methods are also in existence and useful.

In conclusion, birth control measure should be take seriously especially in developing countries to control population explosions.  If users develop complications, they should seek advice from their medical advisers.