Thinking about Birth Control?
The thought of having sex without a condom scares many. Which is good and it should stay that way. But for those who would rather spare the rubber, begin to consider using other forms of contraceptives like birth control. Some women are looking to use birth control to ease those killer cramps. Whatever the reason is that you’re considering birth control, you should read up on your options and side affects.
There are different types of contraceptives available to women. Most women choose which type of birth control they prefer based on their lifestyle. Women who tend to have a more hectic life wouldn’t want the responsibility of taking a pill everyday, at the same time. While women who would like to have kids in the next few years wouldn’t want to insert an IUD. So it’s best to thoroughly think about which type of birth control would be best for you.
Health magazine offers a great explanation of the different types of contraceptives available for women. One of the most common type birth control is the pill. There are three different types of pills. Combination pill, progestin-only pill, and extended cycle pill. The pill must be taken at the same time every day, especially the progestin-only pill. Even forgetting to take your pill three hours late will put you in the danger zone. While the combination pill can help with some PMS symptoms, the extended cycle pill causes a woman to have her period three times a year.
The vaginal ring or the “Nuva ring” delivers progestin and estrogen. It’s a small flexible ring you put it in and take it out yourself. Put it in for three weeks, during the week of your period you take it out and then a week later you insert a new one. If you’re more on the lazy side when dealing with birth control this method isn’t really for you. A diaphragm looks similar to a Nuva ring but works differently. It’s a shallow silicone cup inserted into the vagina and covers the cervix. It prevents the sperm from joining with an egg, for it to be more effective it should used with spermicide. The only thing with the diaphragm is that you cant leave it in for more than 24 hours. But you cannot take it out immediately; it must stay in the vagina for 6 hours after you’ve had sex. The yucky part is that you have to take care of the diaphragm and wash it for it to last.
The IUD is a T-shaped device that may be copper or hormonal. Your health care provider inserts the IUD into the cervix. This type of contraceptive is usually recommended for women who have already had children. The ParaGard IUD is usually made of copper and lasts for up to 12 years. The Mirena IUD lasts for five years and Skyla lasts for three. If you plan on having kids within the next few years then it’s not worth spending money on an IUD. The cost of removing the IUD can be about $500. The female condom, looks like a stretched out version of the male condom. Unlike other forms of birth control, this protects from STD’s. It can be inserted up eight hours before sex. However if you are not in a monogamous, long-term relationship this type of contraceptive wouldn’t be best. Using a male condom would even be better.
The patch is more of a visible type of birth control, and by visible I mean you can physically see it on your body. Depending on where exactly you put it, other people can see it as well. The medicine is delivered transdermal (through the skin) unlike other methods. The patch works for one week so you must change it every seven days. Most women don’t like this method because the patch is visible and people will know their business. The implant is a type of birth control inserted under your skin. After it’s inserted you may be able to feel but not see the implant. The implant can last up to three years and then is removed. Depo-provera is a birth control shot. The shot is given every 12-14 weeks into the buttocks, but to have full protection it is best to get it every 12 weeks. If you aren’t fond of needles this is one method to avoid since the needle is quite large.
A more permanent type of birth control is sterilization this requires a lot of consideration since you can’t take it back. Plan B, is not a birth control method but can be used in emergency situations. If you’re considering birth control it’s good to do some research before actually using one.
Miquira J.
