Let's Talk Birth Control.

The birds and the bees, ahh what a conversation that was with mom and dad. Every kid seems to know the story, but so rarely are teens told about all the contraceptives that are available to them. 

Most people throw around the word “the pill,” but did you know there are many alternatives to it? The Nuva Ring, arm implants, the IUD (An intrauterine device ), hormone shots, birth control patch and several more. 

Let's talk about how 4 of these works and some of the benefits and side effects... 

Birth Control Pill- The pill is a daily medication that contains 2 hormones: estrogen and progestin. The pill is 91% effective with typical use, meaning taken almost every day around the same time. A birth control pill is a good option if you are someone who is really good at following a routine. The pill can also help to reduce acne and your periods could become lighter or shorter. On the flip side, people who have taken the pill often see changes in their weight, have headaches more often and occasionally mood changes due to the fact that you are putting more hormones into your body. 

NuvaRing- Most people aren't aware of what this is. The ring is a small, flexible piece of plastic that's inserted into the vagina to provide birth control. It works like the pill but only needs to be inserted once a month. Advantages: the hormones are contained, not going through your bloodstream as they do when you take the pill, therefore weight gain, increased headaches, and mood swings are significantly less likely. Some downsides are that you will have a fairly heavy period, but it will only last a few days, and it's not something you have to remember to do every single day. Most people are uncomfortable with the idea that you have to insert and remove the ring yourself every month, but if that doesn't bother you, definitely give it a try if you're looking to start birth control! 

Arm Implants- An arm implant is a tiny, thin rod about the size of a matchstick that is inserted by a doctor under the skin of your upper arm. It releases the hormone progestin. This is the type of contraceptive I've found has the most side effects: irregular bleeding, mood changes, weight gain, breast and back pain, but it is also 99% effective. So if your thinking about an arm implant, do some research and make sure its the one for you.

IUD- Most people are nervous to get an IUD procedure done because it can be a little painful, but once that is over the benefits outway the cons. An IUD is a t-shaped piece of plastic inserted into the uterus to provide birth control. The 3 types of IUDs that use the hormone progestin include Mirena, Skyla, and Liletta. All three types vary in size and type/amount of hormone it will be giving off. Your doctor will usually tell you what they recommend for you and your circumstances. After the IUD is inserted you will probably have cramp-like feelings for a day or 2 but after that they go away. You will most likely spot for a month or so, but nothing that a pantie liner can't fix. Benefits of the IUD include little to no period, it is long-lasting (3-10 years), over 99% effective, and centralized hormones so no changes in mood or weight. Talk to your doctor and see if the IUD is an option for you! 

Birth control shouldn't be something we are afraid to talk about, so talk to someone you trust and figure out the best course of action for yourself!