Birth control has been used for many years. Today, there is a variety of birth control methods, making it easier to find the one that works just right for you. Though birth control does not protect against STI’s and other sexual transmitted diseases, it is very important for all sexually active women to understand how they work.
Birth control is the practice of preventing unwanted pregnancies. Whenever birth control is needed exploring your options is key. Here are some of your options:
1. Birth Control Implant: A birth control implant is a small flexible plastic piece inserted in to the arm by a healthcare physician. The option can be pricey but its effects last for three years. The effectiveness of this method is rated that less than 1 out of 100 women a year will become pregnant while using the implant. This choice is both convenient and very effective. Also, after the removal of the implant the ability to get pregnant is restored.
2. Birth Control Patch: A birth control patch is a small patch that is placed on any fleshy surface on the body. The patch is effective in intervals of one week at a time, after one week the patch is then replaced. Similar to birth control pills, the patch is used three weeks in a row followed by one patch free weak. Also, the patch has been known to alter menstrual flow, making your periods lighter and shorter than normal.
3. Birth Control Pill: “The pill” is a form of oral contraception. The pill is supposed to be taking daily at a scheduled time in order for its effects to take place. The pill is easy to obtain with or without insurance. The pill is the most common method of birth control, in that it also said to have other effects such as helping with menstrual cramping, acne, breast growth and much more. The problem that most women have with the pill is consistency. Not taking your pill daily or timely can override its purpose making it ineffective. One serious risk that accompanies the pill is the risk of blood clotting. This risk is less in pills that are strictly progestin but high in combination birth control pills.
4. Birth Control Shot: The shot is one of the pricier options. The birth control shot is a hormone injection that prevents pregnancy. Its effects last up to three months. The shot is one of the most effective pregnancy prevention yet. Statistically speaking 1 out of 100 women will get pregnant if they use the shot as directed. One aspect that my hinder your ability to get the shot, is the fact that is must be re administered every 12 weeks to work effectively. Some benefits of the shot are its immediate protection, convenience, its lack of estrogen and the fact that it is one of the most private methods. One disadvantage is after its use it may take a long time to become pregnant, usually up to 6 to 10 months.
5. Vaginal Ring: A vaginal ring is a small ring that is placed in the vagina to prevent unwanted pregnancy. The ring is set for three weeks at a time and is replaced after the 4th week. If used as directed 1 out of 100 women will get pregnant while using the ring. After use of the ring ability to conceive is restored almost immediately. Because it has similar effects as the pill the ring is also said to help with acne, cramps, and breast growth. The disadvantages of the ring or similar to those of the pill as well.
These are just a few of the many options avaiable for birth control. So next time your thinking about changing or switching your birth control, be sure to do your research!