Birth Control Basics
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You’ve heard of the pill and your parents’ wishes: abstinence; but there are many more methods of birth control available. Finding the method that is best for you can be anxiety-inducing, time-consuming, and confusing. Allow us to remove some of the stress and provide you with the basics of birth control. For starters, birth control is simply what it sounds like- a method to prevent pregnancy. There are methods available for both men and women and all have varying levels of effectiveness.
Hormonal Birth Control
This method is the most popular and accessible form of birth control. Hormonal birth control is most commonly consumed by women via the birth control pill. The pill contains estrogen and is up to 99% effective when taken at the same time each day. It takes the body time to get used to the pill, and users may experience side effects for the first month or so. These could include nausea, breast tenderness, headaches and irregular periods.
IUD (Horomonal and Copper)
The intrauterine device, or IUD for short, is a flexible, t-shaped device that is inserted into the uterus by a gynecologist and prevents pregnancy in one of two ways. If the IUD contains hormones, the device secrets a small amount of progestin and thickens the cervical mucus, which prevents sperm from reaching the egg. If the IUD is made of copper and contains no hormones, it prevents pregnancy by preventing sperm to travel through the vagina and the uterus. IUDs are roughly 100% effective and can last up to 10 years depending on the type. The IUD side effects vary from patient to patient, but a majority of women report heavier and more painful periods for up to a year after insertion.
Arm Implant
Nexplanon is a newer method of birth control that is the shape of a rod and the size of a toothpick. It is implanted under the skin of the upper arm and secrets progestin for three years. Nexplanon must be inserted and removed by a medical professional and is roughly 100% effective. Side effects may include irregular periods for the first year following implantation.
Patches and vaccinations work in a similar manner.
Risky Business
Relying on male condoms, the pullout method, or Plan-B are not safe, long-term birth control methods. These forms of birth control have extremely low effectiveness rates, leave a lot of room for human error, and can be costly. Talk to your doctor and your partner to find a method that works best for you and your body.