I Need Help With... Birth Control
Birth Control… Which Method of Birth Control or Contraception is Right For You?
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I love you... But I'm NOT ready for another one! |
You can decide if or when you want to become a parent. The good news is that there are a lot of birth control methods. What you need are birth control facts, information, and sometimes guidance to help you make the decision that's best for you.
We want you to understand your birth control options. There are many considerations, not the least of which is that there is no "best birth control" method. There are advantages and disadvantages to each approach, and we're more than happy to discuss any or all with you.
Your birth control method depends on you...
When evaluating the various birth control methods, you'll want to take a look at your own sexual habits and desires. For example:
- Do you want to have children?
- What is your overall health?
- How often do you have sex?
- With how many partners?
Also, when it comes to the birth control method itself, we'll help you to understand:
- The effectiveness of each method in preventing pregnancy
- Any potential side effects of each method
- And the ease of use and your comfort with each birth control method
No method is perfect. You'll never have a 100% certainty of preventing pregnancy, but it certainly helps. We want to ensure that you have all the information you need to make an informed choice - a choice that is right for you and your desires.
Here's a rundown of the different birth control methods that are available. When you come in to see us, we'll discuss each with you and will recommend the approach that best fits your sexual habits and desires.
We'll also talk with you about how to use your chosen birth control method effectively. No method will work if used incorrectly! For example, not everyone knows that you need to leave a little reservoir at the tip of a man's condom for the sperm (it can leak out, otherwise).
The most common birth control methods:
Abstinence
Sexual abstinence is the only 100% effective way of preventing pregnancy.
Periodic Sexual Abstinence
You'll essentially pay attention to your menstrual cycle. If your menstrual cycle is regular, then there will be about a week when you are fertile. If you don't have sex on the days you aren't fertile, then you won't get pregnant.
These fertile days are about 5 days before ovulation, the day of ovulation, and a couple of days after ovulation. Obviously, there is a margin of error that could easily result in your pregnancy. We generally recommend that if you're using this method, that you also use a condom, diaphragm, cervical cap, spermicide, or other methods of creating a barrier for the sperm. Note that these methods are only about 75% to 90% effective.
The Patch (Ortho Evra)
Here, you wear a little skin patch on your lower abdomen, buttocks, or upper body. It releases the hormones progestin and estrogen into your bloodstream. It's easy. You just wear a new patch once a week for three weeks, then don't wear it during the fourth week so that you'll have your period.
The patch is highly effective at preventing pregnancy, except for women who weigh over 200 pounds. When you come in for a visit, we'll talk about the pros and cons of the patch with you.
Birth Control Pills
The pill, or birth control pill, has been around for a number of years. You take the birth control pill daily to block the release of eggs from the ovaries. There are complications associated with the pill, such as high blood pressure or clogging of your arteries, especially if you smoke.
The pill is very effective - usually 95% effective or more. Since some antibiotics reduce the effectiveness of the pill in some women, it's best that we have a chance to discuss this option with you in person.
The Mini-Pill
The mini-pill is also taken daily, but it works differently than the birth control pill. It thickens the cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching the egg. It also prevents a fertilized egg from implanting in your womb.
Because the mini-pill doesn't contain estrogen, it's a good option if you're over 35 or have a risk of blood clots. It's still over 90% effective in preventing pregnancy. But you also have to be on time with this pill, as taking it late can result in pregnancy!
Intrauterine Device or IUD
An IUD is a small device that is shaped in the form of a “T.” We'll place it inside your uterus. There are different types of IUDs - a copper IUD and the Progesasert IUD.
The copper in one IUD stops fertilization by preventing sperm from making their way up through the uterus into your fallopian tubes.
If fertilization does occur, the IUD stops the fertilized egg from implanting in the lining of the uterus.
The Progestasert IUD contains the hormone progesterone, the same hormone produced by a your ovaries during your monthly menstrual cycle. The progesterone causes the cervical mucus to thicken so sperm cannot reach the egg.
The IUD can stay in your uterus for up to 12 years. and is about 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
The Female Condom
The female condom made of polyurethane and is packaged with a lubricant. It can be inserted up to 24 hours before you have sexual intercourse.
They're not as effective as some other methods - about 80% to 95%, but it is an option to consider.
Diaphragm, Cervical Cap or Shield
These methods block sperm from entering the cervix and reaching the egg. The diaphragm is shaped like a shallow latex cup. The cervical cap is a thimble-shaped latex cup. The cervical shield is a silicone cup that has a one-way valve that creates suction and helps it fit against the cervix.
They come in different sizes (except for the cervical shield), so we'll need to fit you to the right size when you come in.
You'll still use spermicide before having sex to block or kill the sperm. Be careful with which spermicide you get, though, as some women are sensitive to one or more of the ingredients.
We can help you to determine if this is a good birth control method for you. These devices range from 65% to 90% effectiveness, depending on whether or not you've previously had children.
Contraceptive Sponge
This fairly new birth control method was aproved by the FDA in 2005. It is a soft, disk shaped device, with a loop for removal.
The sponge is made out of polyurethane foam and contains a spermicide. Before having sex, you wet the sponge and place it, loop side down, inside your vagina to cover the cervix.
Again, the effectiveness of the sponge depends on whether or not you've had a child. When you come in, we'll let you know if we think this would be a good birth control method for you.
The Male Condom
The condom is the most widely used - and abused - birth control method. They are 85-95% effective when used properly.
Since there are many types of condoms, it's good to know which are best for you. For example, many of the "natural" condoms, made from animal products, aren't good for STD protection.
Condoms come lubricated and not lubricated. You can also use KY jelly or water-based lubricants, which don't weaken the condom like oil-based lubricants.
Surgical Sterilization (Tubal Ligation or Vasectomy)
These methods are permanent (although it is possible to reverse a vasectomy). You'll want one of these options if you do not want any more children.
Tubal ligation is an operation you undergo to stop the eggs from going down to your uterus, where they can be fertilized.
A vasectomy will keep a man's sperm from going into his penis. His ejaculate won't ever have sperm that can fertilize your egg. These methods are almost 100% effective.
Which birth control method is best for you?
As you can see, there are many options. Should you use a spermicide? How about "withdrawal" where the man pulls out before he ejaculates? (We don't recommend this method).
Birth control can be daunting and confusing. Please call us for an appointment. We'd be happy to discuss the alternatives and help you to decide on the best option for you.
More birth control information:
The National Women’s Health Information Center - (800) 994-WOMAN (9662)
Food and Drug Administration
Phone Number: (888) 463-6332
Internet Address: http://www.fda.gov
Planned Parenthood Federation of America
Phone Number: (800) 230-7526
Internet Address: http://www.plannedparenthood.org/
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Resource Center
Phone Number: (800) 762-2264 x 192 (for publications requests only)
Internet Address: http://www.acog.org/
Population Council
Phone Number: (212) 339-0500
Internet Address: http://www.popcouncil.org/