In Today's Climate You Should Know Your Contraceptive Options
Lifestyle

In Today's Climate You Should Know Your Contraceptive Options

by BODY COMPLETE RX

Is today’s climate preparedness is key; especially if you’re not actively trying to become pregnant. Knowing what birth control option is best for you will take some digging. For instance, birth control pills can work well for some women while causing headaches, nausea, and mood swings in others. Then there are more effective forms of birth control: only 1 in 100 women with a surgically implanted intrauterine device (IUD) will get pregnant (as effective as sterilization, but surgery?) 


Types of Birth Control* and effectiveness:


  • The Pill (91% effective) 

  • IUD (99% effective) 

  • Birth Control Implant (99% effective)

  • Birth Control Patch (91% effective)

  • The Shot (94% effective)

  • Vaginal Ring (91% effective)

  • Sterilization (99% effective)

  • Condom (85% effective)

  • Internal Condoms (79% effective)

  • Birth Control Sponge (76%- 88% effective)

  • Spermicide (72% effective)

  • Cervical Cap (71-86% effective)

  • Birth Control Sponge (76-88% effective)

  • Diaphragm (88% effective) 

  • Tracking ovulation (FAMs) (76-88% effective)

  • Pulling out (78% effective)

  • Breastfeeding (98% effective)


**Visit PlannedParenthood.com to learn more about your contraceptive options and the associated costs. 

Choosing Your Contraception

Every form of birth control has its pros and its cons; so which one is the best— for you? Ultimately, there’s no best way to determine which contraceptive is best for you without talking to your doctor and trying them out. You can do your homework, matching priorities with your body's unique needs. 


Some questions to ask yourself: 


  • How good is this option at preventing pregnancy? 

  • Does this method offer STD prevention?

  • Will this contraceptive offer period relief or regulation?

  • What does it cost?

  • Will there be hormone exposure?

  • What are some of the most common side effects?

  • How easy is this method of birth control to use or maintain?


Three Birth Control Options To Consider:

Intrauterine Device or IUD (99% Effective)

An intrauterine device works in one of three ways by thickening your cervical mucus, thinning your uterine lining, and/or stopping ovulation. To put it simply, this form of contraception makes your uterus unfit for sperm. 


There is a lot of pros to IUDs, longevity is one of them. Copper IUDs could work for up to 10 years. Progestin IUDs can work from three to five years. Once it’s in, it's in— there’s no remembering to take anything. 


Keep in mind, IUDs do not prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.


You do not need to keep your IUD in for its entire lifespan; you can have it removed by a medical professional when you’re ready to begin family planning. Most women can get pregnant within one month of IUD removal


IUD side-effects include: The first several months might involve heavy or irregular bleeding, hormonal IUDs could cause PMS symptoms, and the initial insertion could be uncomfortable. 


Oral Contraceptive (91% Effective)


The pill was approved by the FDA in 1954 and represses ovulation with synthetic progesterone and estrogen. A Planned Parenthood article states 9 out of 100 people will conceive while taking the pill. When compared to implants and IUDs it’s not THE most efficacious form of contraception, but it is up there.  


The pill also has its benefits:


- Gives you the ability to manipulate when you have your period. 

- Could reduce adult acne.

- Could cause lighter periods or skipped periods.


Medical News Today reports birth control pill side-effects to include nausea, mood swings, headaches, missed periods, bleeding between periods, breast tenderness, weight gain, low sex drive, vaginal discharge, and eye changes.


The Vaginal Ring (91% effective)


Annovera and NuvaRing are two FDA-approved vaginal rings, the brands center themselves as an alternative to the daily pill. 


The Annovera ring will be inserted for 21 days and then removed for 7 days. Once the ring is removed, it's typical for your period to start. You’ll reuse your Annovera ring for 13 cycles. 


Contrary to the Annovera ring, the NuvaRing is not reusable, but you can leave it in for up to 6 weeks and skip your menstrual cycle for the month. 


Cons: 

  • Your partner may be able to feel the ring, but most report it doesn’t cause discomfort. 

  • The ring won’t get lost in your body, but it can get stuck. If your ring does get stuck, you can go to the doctor's office for removal. 

  • If you don’t put your ring in on time, then your chances of getting pregnant will be higher. 


The benefits of the vaginal ring are similar to that of the pill: potentially reducing acne and period pain. The vaginal ring also could make your periods lighter and regular. 


With whatever method you chose, it doesn’t have to be a done deal; if you experience too many negative side effects, ask your doctor to try another one. The right birth control for you should not make you moody or impede your sex life.

SELF CARE