Until a few years ago, women who did not want any more children had two choices: abstinence or tubal ligation.
The former, though certainly the most effective form of birth control, is not what most people are looking for.
The latter involves surgical incisions, a recovery time of 1-2 weeks, and an effectiveness that isn't any better than oral contraceptive pills (when they are used correctly).
Two poor choices, to say the least.
Now, there are some great new options for permanent birth control.
These new methods (Essure, Adiana) are 10 minute (or less) procedures which permanently block the Fallopian tubes, thus preventing pregnancy.
Like tubal ligation, these are outpatient procedures, meaning you go home the same day.
(Often these procedures can be performed in the office.
) Unlike tubal ligation, however, these new procedures: * Use no incisions (no cutting) * Are much more effective (99.
6% or more for the prevention of pregnancy) * Use minimal anesthesia.
Because there is no cutting, the discomfort of the procedure is minimal, allowing it to be done using light sedation, or even no anesthetic at all.
* Have a much shorter recovery time.
Patients who have these procedures done usually return to normal activities the day after the procedure, some the same day.
These procedures are not for everyone.
Talk with your doctor to determine if you are a candidate.
Since they are considered irreversible, patients must be entirely certain of their desire for a permanent solution.
If you are, these minimally-invasive procedures provide superior efficacy without the need for abdominal surgery, very little post-operative discomfort, and a very short recovery time, allowing you to return to your life as quickly as possible.
Not quite ready for permanent birth control? A plethora of options exist out there.
Besides the well-known "Barrier Methods" such as condoms, and traditional hormonal options like Birth Control Pills, there are several options of which you may not be aware.
Injectable birth control (also known as "the shot") is very effective and only needs to be obtained every three months.
An Intra-Uterine Device (or IUD) can be placed, as the name implies, insided the uterus - this is extremely effective, has few if any side effects, and can last for up to 5 or 10 years.
Some of these have the convenient side effect of lighter, more manageable periods.
Of course, you could always leave birth control up to nature - For those with regular cycles, the "Rhythm Method", which times intercourse to avoid ovulation, can be very effective if used correctly.
Whatever your choice, it's always a good idea to have a thorough conversation and evaluation by your physician before starting any birth control method.