You have probably heard about birth control pills/oral contraceptives. They are one of the most popular contraceptive options and are safe and effective. However, there are many other birth control options available that you may not have even heard of or know about. These include female condoms, diaphragms, vaginal sponges, intrauterine devices, transdermal hormonal contraception, vaginal contraceptive rings, and long-acting contraceptives such as the depo-provera shot and implanon implant. Five of theses types of birth control are explained below.
The most important thing to know about any birth control is that it is very important to find the best kind for you depending on your needs, lifestyle, and habits. Read on to learn more about your many options.
1. Intrauterine Devices
An intrauterine device, better known as an IUD, is a type of birth control that is “inserted into the uterus by a qualified healthcare provider and left in place for an extended period, providing continuous contraceptive protection.” There are 2 types of IUDs: the Copper IUD (ParaGard T380A), which provides effective contraception for 10 years, and the Mirena lovenorgestrol intrauterine system (LNG-IUS), which provides effective contraception for 5 years. Many people believe that IUDs act by preventing the implantation of a fertilized egg and that they are an “abortion-causing method.” THIS IS NOT TRUE. Both types of IUDs prevent pregnancy from occurring by creating a “spermicidal intrauterine environment” and sperm are not able to survive in the uterus.
IUDs “do not increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy or cause pelvic inflammatory disease.” Advantages of using IUDs include a “high rate of effectiveness, continuous contraceptive protection, and relative inexpensiveness over time.” Disadvantages include discomfort (possible cramping), increased bleeding during your period, increased risk of pelvic infection for about 3 weeks after you have had the IUD put in, perforation of the uterus during insertion, unscheduled bleeding, dysmenorrheal [painful periods], and expulsion of the device.”
The Copper IUD (ParaGard T380A) is small, T-shaped, and has copper covering parts of it. The Copper IUD is not an option for women who are allergic to copper. It is a great choice for women who have medical conditions that keep them from using hormonal or barrier contraceptives.
The Mirena IUD (LNG-IUS) is small and T-shaped as well. It also contains a reservoir that releases levonorgestrel (a hormone) on a daily basis. The amount of bleeding and length of menstrual cycles are reduced after using Mirena for 3 months. Between 14% to 20% of women stop having periods entirely. The lack of a period with Mirena is safe and does not indicate a potential pregnancy. The Mirena IUD is a good choice for women who are allergic to copper or for those who have heavy periods.
2. Transdermal Hormonal Contraception
Transdermal hormonal contraception is a weekly contraceptive skin patch that is square and around the size of a silver dollar. The patch is applied weekly for 3 weeks and one patch is kept on for a whole week. It can be put on the abdomen, buttocks, upper outer arm, or stomach. During the 4th week, you do not use a patch and get your period. This 4-week cycle is repeated over and over again, similar to oral birth control.
Transdermal hormonal contraception is as safe and effective as oral contraceptives. There is also better compliance with this form of birth control because you don’t have to remember to take it everyday. It is not recommended for those who weigh more than 198 pounds because it is less effective in those women. It is also not considered an effective method for women who have a skin disorder or reaction at the site where the patch is applied. One negative of this form of birth control is that it can increase your risk for venous thromboembolism (blood clots in your legs).
3. Vaginal Contraceptive Ring
The vaginal contraceptive ring, better known as Nuvaring, is a “flexible, soft vaginal ring that is inserted for 3 weeks. The ring is left in place for 21 days and then removed for 7 days. This one-size ring fits virtually all women. Replacement rings should be kept in the refrigerator to maintain integrity.”
4. Depo-provera (injection)
Depo-provera is an injection that is given in the upper arm or hip. It provides highly effective birth control for 3 months. After the first 3 months, you get an injection in your doctor’s office every 10 to 14 weeks. The injection contains only progestin and no estrogen. Because of this, it suppresses ovulation, and women who are unable to take birth control containing estrogen are able to use this method. Depo-provera is safe and convenient.
“Side effects include menstrual irregularities, headache, weight gain, breast tenderness, hair loss, and depression.” Ovulation may not return for an average of 9 months after discontinuing this form of birth control. (In contrast, you usually begin ovulating within a couple of weeks after discontinuing oral birth control pills.) Depo-provera is also associated with bone demineralization/bone breakdown. The bone loss is usually reversible and all women that use this birth control method should exercise daily and take 1200 mg of calcium with vitamin D.
5. Implanon (implant in the upper arm)
Implanon is a “single-capsule implant inserted subdermally [under the skin] in the woman’s upper underarm.” The implant releases progestin and prevents ovulation, and it is good as a contraceptive method for 3 years.
“Possible side effects include spotting, irregular bleeding or amenorrhea [no period], an increased incidence of ovarian cysts, weight gain, headaches, fluid retention, acne, hair loss, mood changes, and depression.” The implant is inserted and removed through a minor surgical procedure.
Most of these options – IUDs and Depo-provera among others – are available at Pitt Student Health. In addition, abstinence is always an option. Every collegiette should learn about the different birth control methods available and find the type of birth control that is right for you.
If you have any questions related to birth control methods or other health concerns, you can submit your idea as a ‘story idea’ at the bottom of the Her Campus Pitt homepage.
Source:
Davidson, M., London, M., & Ladewig, P. (2012). Old’s Maternal-Newborn Nursing & Women’s Health: Across the Lifespan 9th ed. Boston, MA: Pearson.
Picture:
http://thinkprogress.org/health/2012/05/25/490499/expanded-contraception…