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Contraception
The introduction of birth control pills in the 50s revolutionized contr- aception. Today, while "the pill" is still widely used, many women are eager to explore the new contraceptive options. Which methods are safest? Which are most effective?
What are the choices in birth control for women today?
There are several contraception methods for birth control including combined oral contraceptives (the pill), diaphragms, Intrauterine Devices (IUD), injections, emergency contraceptive pills or the "morning after pill", contraceptive foam, the "mini-pill", and tubal sterilization.
What are birth control pills?
Combined oral contraceptives are birth control pills, which contain two hormones, an estrogen and a progestin. They prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation and by making the lining of the uterus thinner.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of birth control pills?
Their advantages include:
- Decreased risk for cancer of the ovary and cancer of the lining of the uterus.
- Decreased menstrual cramping and pain
- Reduced menstrual flow and the risk of anemia.
- Less concern with getting pregnant.
The disadvantages include:
- Remembering to take them daily.
- Nausea and / or spotting during the first month.
- Side effects such as headaches, depression or decreased enjoyment of sex may be experienced.
- They require a prescription and can be expensive.
- There is no protection against sexually transmitted infections.
What is a diaphragm?
The diaphragm is a rubber disk, which is placed into the vagina so that it covers the cervix. Diaphragms block semen from entering the cervix. A spermicide placed onto the diaphragm kills sperm and physically blocks the cervix.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a diaphragm?
The advantages to using a diaphragm include:
- It is fairly effective and gives you complete control.
- When used correctly and consistently, the risk of becoming pregnant is less than 6% for first year users.
- It can be put in several hours before initiation of sexual activity.
- It contains no hormones and there are no hormonal side effects.
The disadvantages include:
- You must be fitted for the diaphragm by a healthcare professional.
- You MUST use spermicide.
- Insertion may interrupt sex.
- You have to remember to take it with you on vacations and trips.
- It is difficult for some women to insert a diaphragm correctly.
- There is no protection against sexually transmitted infections.
What is an intrauterine device?
The IUD is inserted into the uterus and prevents implantation of a fertilized egg. Once inserted the IUD can be used for at least 10 years as an effective contraceptive.
What are the advantages and disadvantages the Intrauterine Device (IUD)?
The advantages of using an IUD include:
- You will not experience any hormonal side effects.
- Once in place, you can forget about it.
- There is no further cost after the initial purchase.
The disadvantages include:
- There may some initial cramping or pain.
- You may experience irregular periods or more cramping with periods.
- You have no protection against sexually transmitted infections.
- It is only available with a prescription.
What are birth control injections?
Injections are commonly call "birth control shots". They contain a hormone much like the progesterone a woman produces during the last 2 weeks of each monthly cycle. The hormone stops the release of an egg and provide other contraceptive effects.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the injection?
The advantages of the birth control shot include
- Nothing must be taken daily or used at the time of sexual intercourse.
- They are extremely effective.
- The monthly menstrual flow is lessened as well as cramping.
- It provides complete privacy, in that nobody has to know your using this method of birth control.
The disadvantages include
- These shots can lead to irregular periods.
- Some women gain weight.
- You have no protection against sexually transmitted infections.
- You have to return to your healthcare provider every three months for an injection.
What is an emergency contraceptive pill?
Emergency Contraceptive Pills or (ECPs) are two large doses of ordinary birth control pills. To avoid pregnancy you must take the ECPs within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse.
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