Which birth control is right for you (and there are way more than V.)?
A variety of elements should be considered when choosing contraception. Safety, efficacy, and availability are important to consider as is the need for dual protection against STIs. Hormonal contraceptives and IUD’s are excellent methods to prevent pregnancy but they do not protect against STIs. The best method to reduce the risk of an STI is abstinence or consistent and correct use of a male latex condom.
REVERSIBLE METHODS OF BIRTH CONTROL
i. Non Hormonal IUD (paragard) The copper T is a small device that your doctor inserts (and removes when necessary )into the uterus. It can stay in place for up to 10 years. Fertility returns soon after removal.
ii. Hormonal IUD (LNG IUD)
The levonorgestrel IUD’s are small T shaped device that your doctor inserts ( and removes when necessary) into the uterus. It releases a small and steady amount of progestin each day. Depending on which device is used, it stays in place between 3-7 years. Fertility returns soon after removal.
iii. Sub-dermal Implant
This implant is a thin rod that your doctor inserts (and removes when necessary) under the skin of your upper arm. The rod contains the hormone progestin which is released in small doses. It is effective for 3 years.
iv. The Shot
The depo-provera injection is administered every 3 months by your doctor. It is 96% effective in protecting against pregnancy. It can take one year after your last injection for fertility to resume.
v. Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill (“The Pill”)
OCP/The pill contains the hormones estrogen and progestin. It is prescribed by a doctor. Compliance is crucial for it to work properly and to reduce side effects, therefore, the pill must be taken at the same time each day. It is important not to smoke while taking OCP.
vi. The Progestin Only Pill (“The minipill”)
The minipill has progestin only (no estrogen). It is prescribed by a doctor. The minipill must be taken at the same time each day. It is a good option for women who cannot take estrogen and/or who are breast feeding.
vii. The Birth Control Patch
The birth control skin patch is prescribed by a doctor. It contains the hormones estrogen and progestin. It is typically placed on the lower abdomen or buttocks and changed each week for 3 consecutive weeks out of 4. The fourth week, patch free, is when a withdrawal menstrual period occurs. The cycle (3 weeks with patch and 1 week without) then repeats.
viii. The Birth Control Ring
The hormonal vaginal contraceptive ring is prescribed by a doctor. It is placed inside the vagina and releases the hormones estrogen and progestin. The same ring remains in place inside the vagina for 3 consecutive weeks, it is then removed (and discarded) for 1 week to allow for a withdrawal menstrual period. After the fourth week, the cycle starts again, a new ring is inserted.
BARRIER METHODS OF BIRTH CONTROL
i. Diaphragm and Cervical Cap
These devices are inserted into the vagina and the cap covers the cervix. They are used with spermicide and inserted before intercourse and remain in place for hours after intercourse. These devices should be fitted by your doctor because they come in different sizes. These devices have a failure rate of approximately 15%.
ii. Male Condoms
The male condom is placed on the man’s penis. It prevents sperm from entering into the woman’s body. Latex condoms help to prevent pregnancy and STI. The “natural” or lambskin condoms prevent against pregnancy but not STI. Water based lubricants can be used with condoms, but oil-based products will weaken them, and they will become less effective.
iii. Female Condoms
Female condoms are worn by the woman to prevent sperm from entering her body. It may also help to protect against STI.
iv. The Sponge
The contraceptive sponge contains a spermicide and is inserted into the vagina and over the cervix. It can be used for 24 hours but must remain in place for 6 hours after intercourse.
v. Spermicide
Spermicides are either a gel, foam, film or suppository that are placed inside the vagina, less than one hour before intercourse, with the purpose of killing sperm. They are usually used in combination with a condom or diaphragm.
PERMANENT, EMERGENCY & NATURAL METHODS OF BIRTH CONTROL
i. Tubal Ligation
A woman can have her fallopian tubes tied, sealed or removed so that the sperm and egg cannot join for fertilization. This is usually a same-day surgical procedure. The failure rate is less than 1%.
ii. Vasectomy
Male sterilization is an operation that prevents the sperm from going into the penis such that the ejaculate has no sperm. This is usually a same-day surgical procedure. The failure rate is less than 1%.
Iii. Fertility Awareness & Calendar Methods
Understanding your fertility pattern, the number of days each month that you are able to get pregnant, can help one plan to get pregnant or avoid getting pregnant. This method works better if you have regular cycles. Failure rates can be as high as 20%.
iv. Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraception should not be used as a regular method of birth control. It should be used if birth control was not used during sex or if the method used failed such as the condom breaking or falling off. Options for emergency contraception is to have a copper T IUD inserted within 5 days of unprotected intercourse or certain progestin only pills to be taken within 5 days after intercourse, but the sooner the better in terms of effectiveness.
v. Abstinence
Abstinence is the choice not to have sex. This method is 100% effective in preventing pregnancy.
Verbena does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and is not a medical provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.