So, collegiettes, raise your hand if you’re ready to become a mom right now. I bet none of you raised your hands, right? We’re in college; our lives are supposed to be about frat parties and Franzia, not daycare and diapers. But we also like to have our fun, and it’s important to be safe. There are so many types of birth control, it can be hard to choose. If you want a fast and easy way to get basic information about the different types of birth control that are out there, keep on reading!
The Pill
92 to 99% effective in preventing pregnancy when used correctly
The birth controll pill is one of the most common methods of birth control. Using the pill correctly means taking the right pill once a day at the same time every day. If you miss a pill, chances are you can take it as soon as you remember and then take the next one on schedule (this may lower its effectiveness, but not very much). But this may vary, because there are tons and tons of different kinds of pills, so talk to your doctor. The bottom line is, it’s important to remember to take your pill as directed. The pill has all kinds of awesome other benefits besides preventing pregnancy, such as making your periods lighter and more regular, and reducing the risk of ovarian cysts and cancers.
Condoms
87 to 98% effective in preventing pregnancy when used correctly
You can get condoms anywhere, people, so use one! Health Services will give them to you for free. Seriously, they hand those things out like candy. Condoms are the fastest and easiest way to prevent pregnancy and the best way to prevent STIs. When used with another method such as the pill or an IUD, it’s a double whammy.
Some things to keep in mind: as you probably know, condoms can slip off and/or break. If that happens, if you’re not using another method, you may want to consider emergency contraception, which I’ll talk about further down.
IUD
99% effective in preventing pregnancy
The IUD is a small T-shaped device inserted by a healthcare professional into the uterus. It can cost up to $1,000, but it can also last up to twelve years. It is effective immediately, meaning that you can have sex right after it’s inserted. Imagine not having to remember to take a pill for twelve years! Like the pill, it can also regulate and lighten your periods, which is a bonus. For some women, their periods stop altogether.
Implant (Implanon/Nexplanon)
99% effective in preventing pregnancy
This implant is a rod about the size of a match that gets inserted into your arm. It costs between $400 and $800 up front, but lasts up to three years. Much like other methods, your periods will get lighter and less frequent, and you might stop having a period altogether. It can be removed at any time, and your ability to become pregnant returns immediately after having it removed. It’s also been shown to decrease your risk of certain cancers!
The Shot (Depro Provera)
97 to 99% effective in preventing pregnancy
Depro Provera is injected into the arm every three months. After one year of the shot, about half of women stop having periods. It can cost between $35 and $100 dollars per injection, plus you have to go to the doctor to get it. But it’s also very private and discreet, and you don’t have to remember to take a pill every day!
NuvaRing
99% effective in preventing pregnancy, when used correctly.
The NuvaRing is something you insert yourself and leave in for three weeks at a time. Then, you take it out for one week, and then insert a new one after that week is over. This method is super beneficial for a lot of reasons. It can help with skin problems, protect against ovarian cysts, and regulate your periods. You’ll need to get a prescription in order to get it. It costs between $15 and $80 a month, but it’s super easy and super effective!
Plan B
89% effective in preventing pregnancy
If something goes wrong with your method of birth control or you didn’t use any method, don’t panic. You can take Plan B, also known as the morning after pill, up to five days afterwards in order to prevent pregnancy (although the quicker you take it, the more likely it is to work). It costs about $50, and can be bought over the counter at a pharmacy. No prescription needed!
A couple of things to note…
There are some rare side effects with each of these methods, so it’s important to talk to your doctor about what’s right for you.
And lastly, the ONLY birth control method that will also prevent against STIs is condoms, so make sure to wrap it before you tap it, ladies! And now go have some safe and well-informed fun!