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Birth Control MethodsBirth Control has been a major advance in developed nations, allowing women to take control of their reproductive lives and control their family sizes. A century ago, families might have 6, 8, or 10 children, many of whom would not survive. Infant mortality rates were much higher, and sexually active couples had no reliable way to prevent pregnancy. Birth control comes in a variety of forms. The simplest of these is abstinence, avoiding sex during the fertile portion of a woman's menstrual cycle. This is also known as the rhythm method, but it often involves guess work and some luck to be effective. Normally, a woman is only fertile the 5 days before ovulation through about 2 days after ovulation. The next most reliable method of preventing pregnancy is through surgical sterilization - tubal ligation for a woman, or vasectomy for a man.
What is the best form of birth control?Before we talk too much about birth control, we want to point out the difference between birth control and safe sex practices to prevent STDs. You can avoid pregnancy while still catching an STD - the two are only loosely connected. Unless you are in a completely monogamous relationship with a partner with no known STDs, safe sex, which involves no exchange of bodily fluids, should be practiced at all times. Avoiding pregnany while catching AIDS or herpes won't make you too happy.. Barrier methods of birth control involve blocking sperm access to eggs - the condom, sponge, and diaphragm are the most common barrier methods of birth control. Condoms keep sperm entirely out of the woman's body, while the diaphragm caps the entrance to the uterus, preventing fertilization of the egg. Another mechanical method of birth control is the IUD. An IUD is a small metal or plastic device your doctor inserts into the uterus. It keep eggs from implanting in the uterine walls, preventing pregnancy. One of the most popular forms of birth control is the birth control pill, also just called "the pill" or oral contraceptives. The pill contains the hormones estrogen and progestin, which blocks the release of eggs from the ovaries and also keeps eggs from implanting in the uterus.Though they come in different doses, the pill is normally taken by the woman daily. How effective is the pill at preventing unwanted pregnancies? The stats work out to about 95-99.5%, meaning it is possible to get pregnant on the pill, but not likely. What is the mini pill? The mini pill contains only one hormone, progestin. It is safe for breastfeeding mothers, and it works by blocking the cervix with mucus and preventing eggs from implanting in the uterus. Mini pills need to be taken at approximately the same time each day, and they are 92-99% effective. Another option for birth control is something called Depo-Provera. It is delivered in shot/injection form into the arm or buttocks 4 times a year. While this obviates the need for remembering to swallow daily pills, it also has a side effect of temporary bone density loss, so most doctors limit patient use to 2 years at a time (after which bone growth will resume). How much do birth control pills cost? The average price of a month's supply of birth control pills is about $15-$45. Some of the leading birth control pill brands are: Alesse, Levlite, Estroprep, Ortho Evra, Levora, Ortho-Cept, Triphasil, Trivora, Ortho Cyclene, Ovcon, Modicon, Norethin, Ortho Novum, Ovral, and Demulen. For most women, the "best method" of birth control is the one that best suits their needs - some want to avoid hormones and chemicals, and thus use an IUD or diaphragm. Some want the simplicity of a daily pill that doesn't interfere with romantic moments. Birth Control Pill Side EffectsWhat are the possible side effects of taking birth control pills? The hormones found in birth control pills can increase your risk for certain diseases and conditions, like high blood pressure, heart disease, or blod clots. Women who smoke and are over the age of 35 face additional risks, as do women with a history of breast cancer or blot clots. Always consult with your doctor before taking any medication, including birth control pills. Also, never take birth control pills or medications prescribed to another person. Some side effects of the pill are irregular bleeding and spotting, nausea, mood changes, weight gain, tender breasts, and darkening in spots on the skin. Most side effects disappear within a few months of starting birth control - if they persist, let your doctor know. If you have severe headaches, blurry vision, chest pains, or painful arm or leg numbness, contact your doctor immediately. On the plus side, there are also some positive side effects of birth control pills that women recognize, like improved acne, fewer menstrual cramps, more regular cycles, and shorter cycles with less bleeding.How effective are different forms of birth control?The table below shows the approximate effectiveness of the leading forms of birth control.
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