There are many important things to consider when selecting a method of birth control. One simple method is not the answer for everyone, and selecting your birth control might not be as easy as you think. To find the method that fits you best, you might want to consider the cost of birth control, how easy different methods are to use, and any health risks or benefits associated with the use of different birth control methods.
To help you determine what type of birth control is right for you, here is some important information you need to know about choosing and using birth control.
The male condom is the most obvious and popular form of birth control. Condoms are fairly simple to use and are one of the only forms of birth control that reduce the likelihood of exposure to Sexually Transmitted infections. Condoms can be made from latex, lambskin or polyurethane, which is important for people allergic to latex. The main benefits associated with condoms include the fact that they are easily accessible, do not require a prescription, and are relatively cheap compared to some other options. However, it is reported that two out of every ten condoms break. It is important to keep in mind that condoms have a reported failure rate of 14-15 percent (14-15 out of every 100 people get pregnant) and require consistent planning and use.
The female condom is not as popular as the male condom, but is similar in protection it provides. It provides many of the same benefits as the male condom, such as ease of accessibility and reduced exposure to STIs. The female condom looks very similar to the male condom. It has a small flexible ring on the closed side that is inserted in the vagina and a larger ring on the open side that remains outside of the vagina. This type of condom is slightly more expensive than the male condom and it reportedly has a failure rate of 21 percent, compared to the 15 percent of the male condom.
One of the most common methods of birth control, aside from the condom, is the birth control pill, often referred to as “the pill.” The pill works by preventing the release of an egg during your monthly cycle, making the mucus produced by the uterus thicker so that sperm cannot enter as easily, and often. The lining of the uterus becomes thinner so that a fertilized egg has a harder time attaching in the event that an egg is released and fertilized.
There are two types of birth control pill. Most birth control pills are combination pills, and contain synthetic forms of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Most pills of this type come in a 21 or 28 day pack. In a 21 day pack, there are 21 pills and then you stop taking the pills altogether for seven days. In a 28 day pack, there are 21 birth control pills and seven placebo pills that contain no hormones but are meant to keep up the habit of taking the pill each day. There are also combination pills that are taken for 12 weeks.
This allows the number of periods you have to be decreased from one per month to one every three months. The second type of pill is a low-dose progesterone only pill, often referred to as the “mini-pill.” It works very similar to the combination pills and often allows you to go for a year or many months with no period. It is reported that the mini-pill can be slightly less effective at preventing pregnancy.
“Every week many girls come in asking for birth control but the only thing we provide is pregnancy testing for $5.00,” said by Holly Freas Webster.
Birth control pills do not provide any protection against STIs and must be taken at the same time each day in order to be effective. If you miss a pill, it is important to take the pill you missed right away, even if that means taking two at one time. If you miss two or more pills in a row, you should use a backup method of birth control or refrain from sex. If you take the pill at the same time each day and start each new pack of pills on time, birth control pills are 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy. When not taken on time each day, the pill is 93 to 97 percent effective.
Birth control pills require a doctor’s visit which could cost between $20 and $200 dollars, and a prescription, usually refilled monthly, that could cost between $5 and $50. Your doctor may be able to write you a prescription that allows you to obtain 3-4 packs of birth control pills at one time, which can reduce the cost and hassle involved in refilling the prescription every month.
Benefits of the pill often include lighter periods, a decrease in acne, and, when used for several years, a decrease in the chance of developing cancer of the ovaries or uterus. In addition, the pill is often associated with a decrease in ovarian cysts, endometriosis, anemia, and fibrocystic breast disease.
The side affects associated with the pill has significantly decreased as the amount of hormones in the pill has decreased over time. It is still important to be informed about potential side effects such as nausea, breast tenderness, irregular spotting, weight gain, headaches, or mood swings. The pill often is linked to an increased risk of blood clots. Women with a history of certain conditions, such as heart attacks, breast cancer, or liver disease, cannot take the pill.
The birth control patch is a thin, plastic square that is placed on your skin. The hormones released from the patch work similarly to the birth control pill. They prevent eggs from being released into the ovaries every month, thicken the cervical mucus to prevent the sperm from reaching an egg, and change the lining of the uterus to prevent implantation in the event that fertilization occurs.
Each week, for three weeks, a new patch is placed on your stomach, upper arm, upper torso, or buttocks. The fourth week of the month a patch is not applied to allow for a period to occur. Each time you apply a new patch, you should put it in a new place to prevent skin irritation.
The patch does require a doctor’s visit, costing between $50-$200, and prescription, which can cost around $35 per month. The patch does not protect against STIs but has a failure rate of about one percent when used consistently and correctly.
Side effects of the patch are very similar to the birth control pill and include nausea, headaches, breast tenderness, irregular spotting, moderate weight gain, contact lens problems, yeast infections, depression, and bloating.
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