In the grand scheme of things, women only recently gained access to birth control. Nevertheless, under-cover methods for safer sex have been around for a long time. In 1550 BCE, an Egyptian Papyrus existed to teach women how to mix dates, acacia, and honey into a contraceptive paste. Casanova’s memoirs tell us that he used sheep-bladder condoms and lemon caps in the Renaissance, in order to prevent his myriad sexual conquests from becoming pregnant. In the 1880s, a large cervical cap was developed which became the predecessor for the modern day diaphragm. Today women have access to a number of different methods of birth control– all of varying efficacy and cost—that each come with their own list of pros and cons. No mode of birth control is 100% effective, save for abstinence. Even and especially in the 21st century, it’s important to keep in mind that no pill or patch is foolproof. Even the latex condom is only around 97% effective. (Here’s a shocker: they can break!) Check out Joey Tribbiani’s reaction to this news (and yes, in fact, they do tell you this on the box): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pb8RYD0fjbg
Here’s a quick rundown of the different methods of birth control available for men and women today (for visual reference, check out this chart from Planned Parenthood.)[1] The most effective methods of birth control are surgical; men can opt to get a vasectomy, or women can opt for either a sterilization implant, causing scar tissue to form around the fallopian tubes, or to get their fallopian tubes cut, tied, or sealed. An implantable rod is lumped with these higher-intensity methods of birth control (known by its brand name as ‘Implanon’), which is set in the woman’s arm and releases a progestin that prohibits sperm from joining with the woman’s egg. These methods of contraception result in fewer than 1 in 100 pregnancies, albeit they are much more invasive than the more every-day techniques.
More usual, but slightly less effective methods of birth control include oral contraceptives (the pill), the ring, the patch and the shot. Birth control pills are probably the most common mode among our particular demographic, but that’s not to say that this is the best, or that it works the same way for every woman. Most pills are ‘combination pills’, meaning that they contain both estrogen and progestin, which keep the eggs from leaving the ovaries and also serve to thicken cervical mucus. Note that the pill is only at its most effective when taken at the same time every day; according to Planned Parenthood, less than 1 in 100 women will get pregnant on the pill if they always take it at the same time. Failure to do so necessarily changes this statistic, which is why the overall estimation for the pill’s effectiveness hovers around 2-9 pregnancies per 100 women. For women who are adversely affected by birth control pills, the ring and the patch are similar and have around the same level of effectiveness; they also function to release hormones into the body, either via the woman’s vagina or through a patch that she places on her skin.
Among the lesser effective methods of birth control are the male and female condoms, the diaphragm, the sponge, the cervical cap, and withdrawal, or what is more commonly referred to as the ‘pull out method’. (Fun fact: If done incorrectly, the pull out method leads to 27 pregnancies per 100 women, and even when done correctly, can lead to around 4.) As Ross and Joey aptly communicated, the male condom is only effective insofar as it remains intact. Latex isn’t impervious, perhaps contrary to popular belief. The female condom works similarly, and is made out of the same material; it can be placed in the vagina prior to intercourse, and is significantly cheaper than other (more effective) modes of birth control. Compare the $4 condom to the $80 nuva ring. Price is definitely a formidable consideration. Finally, the least effective modes of birth control include spermicide and the ‘Fertility Awareness Based Methods’, or planning sex around the woman’s menstrual cycle, which usually results in around 25/100 pregnancies.
On Friday morning, a federal court ruled that the age limit on emergency contraception- the “morning after pill” – was to be lifted, so that even minors could now have access to it. Deeming the age limit ‘unscientifically proven’, the law is now poised to take effect this year.[2] There are many different ways to have protected sex, for men and women alike. Even if you make a mistake, emergency contraception is now easier to get your hands on than ever before. Take it upon yourself to decide what method is the best for you personally, and most importantly, know the risks and benefits of choosing what you do.