This article represents the beliefs of the author, and are not the specific views of Her Campus Xavier or Xavier University.
Any person considering the use of birth control should consult with a doctor about what’s right for them.
At some point the topic of birth control comes up. Whether by choice of the individual who wants to use it, or by prescription of a doctor who thinks it’ll help clear up acne, heavy periods, or give the user a regular menstrual cycle. Birth control and its side effects always seems to be a hot topic. If you are curious about birth control and want to look into it more, or are already using one method but want to check out another, consider these facts on your journey into contraceptives.
1. Continuous Abstinence
This topic is always brought up when discussing birth control. The best and most surefire way to never have a pregnancy is to never have sex.
2. Barrier Methods (Condoms)
Barrier methods are contraceptives that block sperm from getting into the cervix. The most well-known barrier is condoms. Other methods are the female condom which sits inside of the vagina, contraceptive sponges that contain spermicide and sit in front of the cervix, and cervical caps that require spermicide as well and need to be fitted by a doctor. The caps need to sit for 6-8 hours after sex to prevent pregnancy, but should be removed within 24 hours.
3. Oral Contraceptives
One of the most popular birth control methods is the pill. Pills contain the hormones estrogen and progesterone and are taken daily to keep the ovaries from releasing an egg. The lining of the uterus is also changed by the hormones to keep sperm from connecting with an egg. Unless an extended pack is being used, there are three weeks of hormone pills and one week of inactive pills to accommodate your period.
4. The Patch
The patch has four different locations that it can be worn in. The lower abdomen, buttocks, outer arm, or upper body. It releases the hormones estrogen and progesterone to stop the ovaries from releasing an egg, and also thickens cervical mucus to keep sperm from connecting with an egg. The patch is worn for three weeks, than removed for the fourth week to accommodate your period.
5. The Shot/Injection
The shot is also popularly known as Depo-Provera, or just Depo. An injection is given every three months into the arm or buttocks of just the hormone progesterone. It tops the ovaries from releasing an egg, and causes changes in the cervix to keep sperm from connecting with an egg. It’s recommended not to use the injection method for longer than two years as it can cause a loss of bone density.
6. Vaginal Ring
The vaginal ring is a thin and flexible ring that releases estrogen and progesterone to stop the ovaries from releasing an egg. It also thickens the cervical mucus to keep sperm from connecting with an egg. The ring is worn around the cervix for three weeks, then removed on the fourth
week to accommodate your period. It can be insert by yourself or with a doctor. A new ring is needed each month.
7. Copper IUD
The copper IUD is also commonly known as ParaGard. It releases copper preventing sperm from connecting with an egg, and if it does connect, it keeps the egg from attaching to the uterine lining. ParaGard lasts for 5-10 years. IUD’s are inserted into the uterus by a doctor and the procedure typically takes about five minutes. IUD’s are small and t-shaped, ParaGard’s known side effects are an increase in period flow and/or days.
8. Hormonal IUD
The hormonal IUD is also commonly known as Mirena. It releases progesterone into the uterus and keeps the ovaries from releasing an egg. It also thickens cervical mucus to keep sperm from reaching an egg. Mirena lasts for 5-7 years. If an egg is fertilized, Mirena will prevent the egg from attaching. Known side effects for Mirena are a decrease or complete loss in the menstrual cycle.
9. Sterilization
A permanent birth control is sterilization. A non-surgical option is Essure, a tube that threads a spring like device through the uterus and into the fallopian tubes. Scar tissue forms around the coils and blocks the fallopian tubes, preventing sperm from connecting with an egg. This method takes 3 months for the scar tissue to grow and another birth control method has to be used during the healing process.
The surgical method involves having the fallopian tubes cut, tied, or sealed causing no way for the egg to enter the uterus. Men can have a vasectomy done to keep sperm from going to the penis, but sperm can stay for up to 3 months after surgery and another birth control method has to be used during the healing process.
10. Emergency Contraceptive
Emergency contraceptive is also known as “the morning-after pill” or Plan B. Emergency contraceptive is used after having unprotected sex where there is a risk of pregnancy, a birth control method was used incorrectly or failed, or birth control was forgotten. The emergency contraceptive is taken in either a single pill or two doses. It works by stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg or the sperm from connecting with an egg. It’s best to take it as soon as possible within 72 hours, and are meant for women 17 and older. There are some weight limits on pills.
There are many different options of birth control to choose from. I’ve used the hormonal pill and found it left me anxious and nervous, especially since I frequently forgot to take it in the morning and never took it at the same time. I used it for over a year and found it was a great way to keep track of my period, but wasn’t worth the anxiety. Now, I’m on the Mirena IUD and I love it. It took less than 10 minutes and was slightly uncomfortable, but nothing terrible. It’s lasts for 5-7 years, I never have to worry about it, and while most women see a 60% loss in period within the first 3 months and 90% in 6 months, I stopped having a menstrual cycle after the first month. If anyone is looking for an opinion, I always suggest Mirena.
For more information, look at womenshealth.gov.