The beginning of a new year might be the best time for you to check on your current birth control method, as something that used to work out smoothly before might now have some unwanted side effects. Are you sure that your current method is still the most comfortable, the most suitable, the most effective and not to mention the healthiest option for you? When it comes to contraception, everyone seems to have their own personal needs and everyone’s bodies react to different methods in a different way. Given that the amount of information about the matter might be a bit too overwhelming for most of the females struggling with these choices, I have created this small guide for your help. However, it is always necessary to consult a specialist before making the final decision.
In this short guide I will not examine the most obviously effective method aka abstinence, since I think everyone has the right to not have sex or to have sex, and therefore I want to bring up the methods that are healthy and safe to use in a sexual relationship. Also, I am willing to point out that sterilization, which is undoubtedly the most effective method after abstinence, is also left to the side in this article, as it is a permanent solution and therefore I recommend you to consult a sexual health specialist, and consider it very carefully if you are interested in this method. Also, at least in Finland, the sterilization is forbidden from individuals less than 30 years of age or those who have less than three children, which makes it an impossible choice for most of the university students, unfortunately.
Also, keep in mind that using a condom is the only method of birth control that also protects from sexually transmitted diseases!
Hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs) (Liletta, Mirena®, and Skyla®)
+ A long term solution, although you can choose to have a bigger or a smaller size of the device. This means that you would have to remove or replace them at the doctor after 3-5 years. One less thing to remember everyday!
+ Decreases period flow, some people even stop having their period!
+ Doesn’t increase the risk of blood clots
– Especially in the beginning the device might cause spotting and irregular or heavier periods.
– Can cause headache, greasy skin, weight gain and mood changes particularly in the beginning. This being said, you might want to rethink of all the other options too if you already have acne.
– Less common side effects include a risk of developing ovarian cysts or pelvic inflammatory disease.
Copper intrauterine device (IUD) (ParaGard®, Gynefix)
+ Like the hormonal intrauterine device, this is also a long term solution for up to 5 years.
+ Does not contain any hormones, so no risk of blood clots.
– Often increases the period flow and might cause period cramps, therefore the regular copper device might not be a good option for someone who already has a difficult period. Luckily, there is a new model on the market, Gynefix, that is said to not have these side effects, but at least for now it is more expensive and not available everywhere.
– A less common side effect might be developing a serious pelvic inflammatory disease.
Implantable rod (Implanon®, Nexplanon®)
+ A long term solution for the next 3-5 years: A health care provider places the rod beneath your upper arm skin in local anesthesia.
+ Prevents period cramps
+ Does not increase the risk for blood clotting
– Might cause irregular periods
– In the beginning might cause headache, greasy skin and mood changes, as every other birth control method that contains progestin hormones.