Many women juggle with the decision to go on birth control, here’s what I learned.
About four months ago, I decided to hop on the bandwagon and try birth control. I was prescribed a hormonal pill, but the morning after I took my first pill, I found myself violently throwing up for hours in my boyfriend’s apartment. While my symptoms lessened with time, I was still experiencing morning nausea. It became extremely difficult to work at my summer job or perform daily tasks when I was throwing up every fifteen minutes. I started to feel frustrated. Why would I want to be on a pill that caused me an upset stomach, throbbing headaches, and a whirlwind of mood swings?
Although that particular dose and pill may work for someone else, it did not work for me. My gynecologist explained this to me, as she put me on a lower dose of the pill. I started to feel a sense of relief as my previous symptoms disappeared with my new pill. My horrible first experience with birth control taught me that birth control is not one size fits all, but it offers so many different options and methods that you are bound to find one that is right for you. Here are some of the different forms of birth control.
The Pill
The pill, or oral contraception, is an extremely common form of birth control that comes in the form of, you guessed it, a pill. There are two forms of the pill: combination pills, which contain estrogen and progestin, and progestin-only pills. The pill is made to be taken at the same time every day, so if you are a forgetful person, you may want to consider other options. However, I recommend setting a timer on your phone to help you remember. Also, please remember that the pill does not protect you against STDs, so make sure to use alternative contraception, such as a condom.
Effectiveness: 99% if taken every day at the same time
LARC
LARC, or Long-Acting reversible contraceptives, are forms of birth control that protect you from pregnancy for long periods of time with no interference. There are two types of LARCs, which are IUDs and implants.
An IUD is a small, plastic t-shaped device that is placed in your uterus to prevent pregnancy. They typically last for three to twelve years. You can either insert a hormonal or nonhormonal IUD.
Effectiveness: Over 99 percent
The implant is a small, match-stick sized device that is inserted into your upper arm. It lasts for three years, and is low maintenance.
Effectiveness: 99.95% effectiveness
Overall, LARCs are a highly effective form of birth control that requires little to no maintenance from the receiver, besides getting the IUD or implant put in by a doctor
Male or Female condoms
Condoms are a convenient way to protect against STDs and pregnancy without using hormones. They are typically made from latex rubber, polyurethane, or lambskin. However, they can be ineffective with errors, so many people recommend using alternative methods along with condoms.
Effectiveness: 98 percent without error; 82 percent effective in actual use
While these are just some of the common methods of birth control, there are various options of birth control available. If you are considering going on birth control, It is important to educate yourself on the numerous options provided. I would recommend contacting your local planned parenthood or healthcare provider for more information