Let's Talk About: Birth Control

I want to talk about the quest to find “The One”. Most people that I know have been on this quest. Some are fortunate enough to find The One when they’re young, but for most of us struggle. We struggle through months or years in bad situations with side effects that cause us pain and emotional distress. We get our hopes up that maybe, just maybe this time it’ll be different. This time it’ll be right. Only to be let down time and time again. But we have to keep trying, because otherwise we’re left unprotected. Until you find one that truly works for you. And when you do, you know. You tell all your friends about it. Sometimes life circumstances change and the perfect one can no longer meet our needs, and we have to start again, on the quest.

Of course I’m not talking about trying to find the perfect partner, I’m talking about the perfect-

Contraception and Birth Control!

This is a brief overview of birth control and contraceptive options, it’s by no means an exhaustive list, although I’ve tried to be as complete as possible. If you’re interested in learning more please talk to your PCP, gynecologist, or your local Planned Parenthood.

Over 99% of women between the ages of 15-44 who have ever had sexual intercourse use some form of contraception*. Contraception is required not only for the prevention of pregnancy between heterosexual couples, but also to prevent the spread of STDs among all sexually active people.

Birth control options are fascinating and changing quickly. Five years ago when I went through my sex educator training, they were different then they are now. Keeping up with the changing world of Contraceptives is a whole hobby unto itself, and I’m not an expert, though I do try.

Is Birth Control Abortion?

Let’s get something out of the way real quick. Birth control is not abortion. Birth control PREVENTS pregnancy, which in turn PREVENTS abortion. Birth control is not abortion.Birth control prevents abortion. I repeat, BIRTH CONTROL PREVENTS ABORTION.

What’s the best form of Birth Control?

That’s up to you. However, when teaching middle and high school classes we often say “The best form of birth control is the one you actually use”. A condom doesn’t do any good if it stays in your bedside drawer. The pill doesn't work if you don’t take it every day. Whatever you chose to use, commit to it.

Types of Birth Control**:

Abstinence

In the interest of being complete in my writing about Contraception I do have to mention abstinence. I should also mention that with perfect use it is in fact the only 100% effective form of birth control. But that’s with perfect use. I would strongly encourage anyone who plans to rely on abstinence to consider a back-up form of birth control. It is too often that people relying on abstinence as birth control end their period of abstinence without putting proper consideration into other forms of contraception. Too many people, especially young people, choose to have sex with little preparation or study and end up with STDs or unwanted pregnancies as a result. However, if abstinence is something you can do, all the time, it is free, 100% effective and has no medical side effects. Male and female couples who do not use another form of contraception and engage in sexual intercourse have an 85% chance of getting pregnant within a year. *

Male Contraception

One of the biggest problems with modern birth control is the fact that the burden so completely lies on the female. The options for males are extremely limited. There are trials being done (and sadly, halted) for a form of long term reversible birth control for men. But at the time of the writing of this article there are only two options:

Condoms: Every time- 98% effective with perfect use, 82% effective with Typical use

Condoms are thin latex or plastic sheath that cover the penis and collect ejaculate, preventing any fluids from contacting their partner. They’re the most widely used form of birthcontrol. They’re also just about the least expensive. You can buy them at any drug store and also find them in vending machines in many gas station bathrooms. There are many places such as Planned Parenthood, college campuses and local health departments that will give them away for free if you ask. They’re simple to use (although there are some finer points) and essential for the prevention of STDs for any Penis having individual. They can be cut open and used as a barrier to prevent spread of STDs when performing oral sex on someone with a Vulva. I believe condoms are an absolutely essential part of any healthy sex life, and unless you are in a committed monogamous relationship in which you and your partner are both completely free of STDs and using some other form of birth control (or with a partner it’s not possible to reproduce with) use a condom every time.

Vasectomy- One time surgical procedure, permanent, close to 100% effective

Vasectomy is a surgical procedure in which the vas deferens is cut, thereby preventing sperm from traveling from the testicles to the urethra. Another form of birth control is needed for a few months after the procedure, until cleared by a doctor. It is a relatively simple procedure, most often performed outpatient. Vasectomies will do not prevent or protect from STDs.

Female Contraception:

For uterus having individuals the options are much broader, with the possibility of finding a birth control option that will work for almost anyone. That’s not to say that there isn’t room for improvement, there certainly is.

Female Condom-Every time, 95% effective with perfect use, 79% effective with typical use

The female condom functions a lot like the male condom. It’s a barrier method like male condoms. They are inserted into the vaginal canal, and include a portion that helps to cover the external vulva. One of the benefits of a female condom rather than a male is that it can be inserted prior to arousal. Another benefit is that the external portion can rub against the vulva and clitoris encouraging stimulation. They also prevent STDs. The cost varies but it averages around $4 a piece and can be found at many pharmacies or purchased through planned parenthood.

The Pill- Daily use, 99% effective with perfect use, 91% effective with typical use

The birth control pill is one of the most widely used forms of hormonal birth control. It works in two ways, first by preventing ovulation so that there’s no egg for the sperm to meet. And secondly by thickening the cervical mucous at the opening to the Uterus and preventing to sperm from accessing the egg. The pill must be taken every day at the same time. Personally when I took it I found that it was best to set an alarm on my phone, or to set it next to my toothbrush so that it was right there when I brushed my teeth every morning. The pill is also used to treat other medical issues, such as endometriosis and cystic acne. However, because the pill works with the body’s natural hormones there are some side effects. Most commonly sore breasts, weight gain, and spotting between periods. Some serious side effects can be nausea and mental health side effects. The pill comes in many different doses and varieties. If you’re interested in the pill talk to your doctor about it. The pill does not prevent STDs. Cost can vary $0 to $50 per month

Nuvaring- Monthly use, 99% effective with perfect use, 91% effective with typical use

The Nuva ring, or vaginal contraceptive ring is a newer product on the market. It’s a thin flexible ring about the size of a pony tail holder, that is inserted into the vagina for 3 weeks at a time. Then removed on the fourth week, bringing on the period. It releases a low dose of hormone consistently and can be worn or removed during sex, depending on personal preference. It has to be prescribed by a doctor and has many of the same side effects that the pill does, because it is hormonal birth control. The ring does not prevent STDs It can cost anywhere from $0-$80 a month.

The Shot- Every three months, 99% effective with perfect use, 94% effective with typical use

Also known as Depo Provera the birth control shot is an injection of hormones given to a patient every three months. It’s a high dose of hormone that functions much the same way as any other hormonal birth control and is easier to remember because it only has to be done four times a year. Unfortunately the shot has a reputation for having some very strong side effects and discontinuing use can be tricky. It’s fallen out of favor and tends to not be prescribed very often. However if it’s something you’re interested in, talk to your doctor. The shot does not prevent STDs. Cost is between $0 and $150.

Implant- Protects for four years, over 99% effective

Brand name is “Implanon”. The implant is a small rod, about the size of a matchstick that is inserted under the skin on the upper arm. It provides a consistent low dose of hormone that prevents pregnancy for four years. After four years it must be replaced. On top of its high effectiveness rate it also has the lovely side effect of making people's periods lighter and sometimes making them disappear all together. It’s also estrogen free (contains only progesterone) so it can have fewer side effects than many of the other forms of hormonal birth control, especially for those who are sensitive to estrogen. The implant does not prevent STDs. Can cost anywhere from $0 to $800, but one rod lasts for 4 years.

Hormonal IUD- Protects for 3-6 years, over 99% effective

An IUD or Intrauterine Device is a small T shaped device that is inserted into the uterus by a doctor. Hormonal IUDs contain a low dose of hormone that is released slowly. It prevents ovulation and thickens the cervical mucous, much like other hormonal birth controls. It has many of the same side effects as other hormonal birth controls, although they can be lessened because it is such a low dose. Many women stop getting their periods all together. After the IUD is removed fertility returns to normal. IUDs do not protect against STDs. Because they are inserted by a physician, they can be expensive but thanks to the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) they’re often fully covered by health insurance. Check with your provider for more details.

Non-hormonal IUD- Protects for 12 years, close to 100% effective

Much like a hormonal IUD, except made of copper and without hormones. The brand name of the non-hormonal IUD is “Paragard”. Once inserted it protects for up to 12 years, and can be removed at any time. It works because Copper is toxic to sperm, so the sperm can't get passed the IUD. If they can’t get passed it, they can’t get to the egg to fertilize it. Paragard is also able to be used for emergency contraception if it’s inserted up to 5 days after unprotected sex. It doesn’t have the same hormonal side effects as the hormonal IUD, but can have different side effects such as heavier or more painful periods. IUDs do not protect against STDs. It also should be included in the Affordable Care Act coverage.

Tubal Ligation- Permanent, close to 100% effective

Tubal ligation, also called “getting your tubes tied” is when the fallopian tubes are cut and tied off to prevent eggs from traveling into the uterus and prevent sperm from traveling to the egg. If the egg and sperm never meet pregnancy never occurs. It’s a permanent procedure so should only be chosen by someone who doesn’t want any (or any more) children. It’s a one time procedure, and carries some risks, as any surgery does. If permanent sterilization is something you’re interested in, contact your doctor. Tubal ligation does not prevent STDs. It can be expensive because it is a surgical procedure but is often covered by health insurance.

Contraception can be complicated. But there are ton of resources out there to help you make an informed choice. Remember, if you’re not happy with your birth control, you can always change it. Many people use more than one type as well.

Be safe, you are worth protecting.

With Love,

Erin

** Information on types of Birth control, their effectiveness rates and their cost is graciously provided, for free, on the Planned Parenthood Website. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/ And while you’re there, don’t forget to make a little donation, so that they can keep their doors open even after some men in power threaten to close them down.

*https://www.guttmacher.org/fact-sheet/contraceptive-use-united-states

Originally Posted on Femislay.com