Everything You NEED to Know About Birth Control
Birth control, initially designed to prevent pregnancy, has many uses. Many women opt to use birth control for reasons other than birth control, such as to manage PMS, period cramps, hormonal imbalances, heavy menstruation and acne. With so many birth control options, it may be difficult to determine what type is best for you. When considering the usage of birth control, there are some overall things to be aware of to help you make your decision.
Firstly, it’s important to recognize that you don’t need to choose one birth control method and stick with it forever. Because of our fluctuating hormones, women’s bodies change throughout our lifetime. This means that side effects of one birth control may also vary throughout our lives. For example, just because one birth control method caused you to gain weight in your teens doesn’t mean that this will be the case later in life. You may want to consider switching up methods of birth control over time as your lifestyle and body changes. Additionally, if one method isn’t working for you, it’s completely normal to talk to your doctor to find a method that is more suited for your body and lifestyle.
If you tend to be forgetful, it’s also best to avoid choosing an oral contraceptive. You can’t slack off with oral contraceptives! While it doesn’t seem like a big deal to miss a day or two, if you proceed as normal, this can actually result in unplanned pregnancy or fluctuations in hormones that can cause side effects such as bleeding, headaches, and emotional changes. If you do happen to miss a day, resume taking your pill as normal, but remember to use a secondary birth control method (such as condoms) for at least a week after. It also may be helpful to set an alarm or reminder if you do choose to use an oral contraceptive, at least until you get into the natural habit of taking it.
A common misconception about birth control is that it will lead to infertility. Many people believe that taking birth control will actually affect their ability to get pregnant later in life. This is not true at all; most birth control methods are reversible and will help prevent pregnancy while you’re using them, but they do not have long lasting effects. Most women resume a normal menstrual cycle 1-2 months after stopping their birth control method.
It’s also important to be aware of the possible side effects and health concerns hormonal contraceptives can cause. Possible side effects include changes in weight, mood changes, nausea, loss of libido, headaches or migraines, depression, hair loss, heavier/more painful periods, and skin discoloration. While many women believe that the negative side effects they may experience are a “necessary evil” they must endure, this isn’t true. Non-hormonal methods of birth control (such as the copper IUD and condoms) tend to have little to no side effects.
While there are many birth control options such as IUDs, implants, hormonal rings, injections and oral contraceptives, each body is different. It’s important to discuss your options with your doctor to find what may work best for you. While birth control may seem intimidating at first, it is normal and often encouraged to use it if you would benefit from it. Here is some information about some birth control options that you may want to consider.
Intrauterine Device (IUD)
IUD (intrauterine contraceptive device)
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An IUD is a small device inserted into the uterus, and they come in copper and hormonal forms. With an IUD, a small string hangs down into the cervix. IUDs make it difficult for insemination to occur and they are 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. IUDs are convenient for long-term birth control as they can be effective for 3 to 10 years. They are also easily reversible and can be removed once an individual desires to start preparing for pregnancy.
Vaginal Rings
Contraceptive vaginal ring
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Vaginal rings are small, soft plastic rings placed inside the vagina. They prevent pregnancy by releasing hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, into the bloodstream. Like IUDs, they are about 99% effective at preventing pregnancy, however, they are more short-term. The ring is inserted for three weeks with a one week break (in which you are still protected). Vaginal rings don’t require insertion by a doctor, making it easy for you to insert it and remove it at your convenience.
Contraceptive Patches
Contraceptive patch
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Contraceptive patches, often placed on the arm, release hormones through the skin to prevent pregnancy. They are 99% effective and last for a week. They are worn for three weeks and the fourth week is considered a patch-free week, similar to the contraceptive ring. The patch is easy to stick on and rarely falls off, so it’s easy to apply and maintain. The patch may be somewhat visible and may cause irritation, so it’s important to keep in mind where it’s placed.
Oral contraceptives
Contraceptive pills blister
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Oral contraceptives are small pills taken orally to prevent pregnancy. They contain hormones and prevent pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation and by preventing sperm from travelling through the cervix. The type of hormone released depends on the type of oral contraceptive used, and each type needs to be taken in a slightly different way and has different side effects. However, oral contraceptives are almost always taken once a day at the same time per day. It’s important to take them regularly to prevent pregnancy and adverse side effects such as bleeding.
These are simply just a few of the common birth control methods available. There are so many more and each one is best suitable for different people. Depending on your needs and your lifestyle, it’s important to consider the different forms of birth control and discuss these options with your doctor to find the best one for you. It’s also important to recognize that while the above options are largely effective at preventing pregnancy, they do not prevent STIs. Condoms or secondary sources of contraceptives should be used to prevent sexually transmitted infections and disease.
Written by Talia Bina
