Blog #10: Birth Control
Birth control (also known as contraception) is used to prevent unintended pregnancy, and there are many different methods out there. Read more below about the various types of birth control one could start!
Low Maintenance:
Arm Implant: a small plastic rod (the size of a matchstick) that releases progestin hormone and is placed directly under the skin of an upper arm through a small incision. The implant isn’t visible but typically can be felt with a hand over the area. Each rod delivers progestin for 3 years before needing to be replaced.
Intrauterine Device (IUD): a small, flexible, T-shaped device that is placed into the uterus through the cervix. IUDs are either made of copper or of plastic with very low doses of progestin. A copper IUD can last for 10 years, while plastic IUDs can last for 3 or 5 years depending on the brand.
Based on a Schedule:
Depo-Provera Shot: a progestin injection given every 3 months to the arm or buttocks. Each injection lasts 12-15 weeks, and there is a form that can be injected at home yourself.
Vaginal Ring: a small, flexible ring that releases progestin and estrogen and is placed inside of the vagina. The ring is replaced once a month.
Patch: a piece of material that releases progestin and estrogen and is placed on the belly, upper arm, back, or buttocks. Each patch lasts a week.
Pill: a daily pill that releases progestin and estrogen and is taken at the same time every day.
Used Every Time You Have Sex:
Condoms: external or internal barriers that prevent sperm from fertilizing eggs. See Blog #1 for best practices and more information!
Diaphragm: a round piece of flexible rubber with a rigid rim that is placed against the cervix, preventing sperm from entering the uterus. Spermicide must be used with a diaphragm: it is put around the rim and inside of the diaphragm before insertion inside the body, no more than 2 hours before intercourse. More spermicide should be inserted inside the vagina each time you have sex without removing the diaphragm.
Cervical Cap: a thimble-shaped cup made of plastic or soft rubber that fits snugly over the cervix and is coated with spermicide before insertion for sex. More spermicide must be inserted into the vagina each time you have sex. DO NOT remove the cap until at least 8 hours after intercourse. The cap can be kept in place for up to 48 hours, but spermicide must be applied inside the vagina no more than two hours before sex.
Sponge: a small, donut-shaped piece of absorbent material that is coated with spermicide, moistened with water, and inserted into the vagina. It is made of polyurethane foam that feels like natural vaginal tissue. Sponges are available without a prescription at most drug stores and provide continuous spermicide over 24 hours, allowing for multiple acts of intercourse without the need for additional spermicide during that time period.
Permanent:
Tubal Ligation: a surgery that blocks off the fallopian tubes to prevent sperm from ever reaching an egg. 1-2 small incisions are made in the abdomen, and the fallopian tubes are burned or sealed shut with surgical tools. The skin incision(s) is then stitched closed.
Vasectomy: a surgery that blocks off the vas deferens to prevent sperm from ever being ejaculated. A small incision is made in the upper part of the scrotum and the vas deferens tubes are tied off and cut apart. The skin incision is then stitched closed.
Lifestyle Choice:
Fertility Awareness: recognizing the days when a person who can get pregnant is fertile and abstaining from sex before and during those days.
Abstinence: not having sex.
Of course, every method of birth control has advantages and disadvantages, such as efficacy, side effects, cost, availability, etc. Be sure to do your research and talk to your provider about any method you’re interested in starting! Here are some resources that go more in depth into birth control: Planned Parenthood, Cleveland Clinic, and the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ Office of Population Affairs and Office on Women’s Health.