by Rosannie Murillo

Created on: October 04, 2008   Last Updated: October 20, 2008

Choosing an effective birth control method can be confusing rather than relaxing. With all of the new methods and pills out on the market, it is hard to know which one really is the safest, most effective way we can go. Well here's the scoop on the latest and most frequented methods used by both men and women.

Birth control pills or oral contraceptives are one of most popular and most common birth control methods currently used by women. They're pretty easy to take, one every day more or less at the same time of day starting with the day we start our period and so on. They contain two hormones, estrogen and progestin, keeping our ovaries from releasing eggs or better known as ovulating. Birth control pills are very effective if taken as directed but it may not be as effective in overweight women. Needed to say that "the pill" as it is commonly known does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases or STDs; but it also has its benefits like reduced menstrual cycle, lighter periods, acne protection, premenstrual syndromes, anemia, among others according to

www.plannedparenthood.org.

One example of a birth control pill, Nordette birth control, has the same benefits mentioned above with the addition of the protection of certain kinds of cancers of the ovary and uterus lining. But a word of -caution, according to its information on www.nordette-info.com, this pill increases chances of heart attacks, blood clots, tumors and other diseases. This pill also does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

Condoms, may be the number one method used in today's society. As we all know, condoms are thin latex or plastic covers that men wear on their penis during intercourse. Currently they are available in different styles, colors, and even tastes! Condoms prevent the chances of pregnancy by keeping the semen inside it once the penis ejaculates, preventing it from joining with an egg. Also by covering the penis, the condom can protect from sexually transmitted diseases like Hepatitis B, Herpes, Gonorrhea and others. They can also protect men from urinary infections. Like birth control pills, the effectiveness of condoms depends on its correct use. The great majorities of condoms are mostly cheap and can be bought in any drugstore.

Just as men have their condoms to use, women as well have condoms available to use as a birth control method with the appearance of a plastic or latex pouch with elastic rings at each end. One closed ring is inserted into the vagina while

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