Methods and availability of birth control have changed over the years, ranging from fish bladder condoms in 3000 B.C. to the first rubber condom in 1838. Today, there are many different contraception options, but availability, religious and cultural barriers, as well as myths and fears associated with birth control may prevent people from using birth control. There is no one right contraceptive method. Individuals need to first understand their options, and then choose a birth control method that will work best for them. The following criteria should be taken into consideration when choosing a birth control method:
Effectiveness: How well can the method prevent a pregnancy? This is usually calculated as the percentage of women becoming pregnant with the method in a year. Different quotes are often explained by “typical” and “perfect” use.
Safety: What side effects can be expected and how dangerous are they? Are there any other benefits of the method apart from preventing pregnancy? The World Health Organization developed medical eligibility criteria for each birth control method including fertility awareness methods in order to grade the safety of a method in certain conditions.
Availability: How expensive is the method? Where can I get it? Is it easy to access? How long does it last?
Compliance: Is the individual able to consistently follow a birth control method’s directions for use? For example, how good is she at taking a pill every day at the same time, using the patch weekly, or remembering to check her temperature? How good is her partner at withdrawal? How consistently do she and her partner use condoms?
Other factors to consider: Age, life style, number of children, reversibility of method, preference for non-hormonal methods, protection against sexually transmitted diseases, visibility.
Combined Oral Contriceptive with Estrogen/Progesterone (COC)
•Forms: Oral contraceptive pill, patch or ring. The pill can come in different strengths and combinations with different progesterones.
•Effectiveness: The probability of pregnancy using this method ranges between 1 and 9 percent, depending on perfect or typical use.
•Side Effects: Certain contraindications, risks of deep vein thrombosis.
•Other Benefits: Very regular periods, a reduction in pain and flow of periods, and a reduction in premenstrual syndrome symptoms, endometriosis symptoms, polycystic ovary syndrome and acne. A reduction in ovarian and endometrial cancer with long-term usage.
•Availability: The pill is the cheapest of the three forms.
•Reversibility: Return to fertility begins immediately after stopping use.
Progesterone-Only Pill (POP)
•Use: This pill must be taken at the same time each day and is often used during lactation with no effect on milk supply.
•Effectiveness: The probability of pregnancy using this method ranges between 1 and 13 percent (no significant differences in view of used progesterone).
•Side Effects: Irregular bleeding and spotting. Fewer side effects and contraindications than with estrogen/progesterone pill.
Long-Acting Progesterone-Only Methods
>Nexplanon:
•Form: A small, single rod underneath the skin that can stay for three years. The small rod must be inserted and removed in a clinic.
•Effectiveness: Less than 1 percent probability of pregnancy.
•Side Effects: Can lead to irregular spotting, mood effects and weight gain.
•Reversibility: Immediate return to fertility after removal.
>Depo-Provera:
•Form: A shot every three months.
•Effectiveness: The probability of pregnancy using this method ranges between 0.2 and 6 percent depending on perfect or typical use.
•Side Effects: Can lead to irregular spotting, mood effects and weight gain. Bone demineralization effect after five year of use.
•Reversibility: Fertility can be delayed after discontinuation.
Intrauterine Devices (IUD):
>Copper IUD
•Form: Small, T-shaped copper implant that can last for 10 years. The small implant must be inserted in a clinic.
•Effectiveness: The probability of pregnancy using this method ranges between 0.5 and 0.8 percent.
•Side Effects: May increase menstrual flow and cramps. •Other Benefits: Nonhormonal, highly cost effective. Can be used as emergency contraception.
•Reversibility: Immediate return to fertility after discontinuation.
>Mirena/Skyla IUD (differ in size and hormone content)
•Form: Small, T-shaped implant that can last for three to five years. The implant contains small amounts of progesterone that act locally on endometrium and mucous. The small implant must be inserted in a clinic.
•Effectiveness: The probability of pregnancy using this method ranges between 0.1 and 0.2 percent.
•Other Benefits: Can reduce monthly blood flow and cramps.
•Reversibility: Immediate return to fertility after discontinuation.
Male/Female Sterilization
•Form: Sterilization is a permanent method of birth control. Sterilization procedures for women are called tubal occlusion. The procedure for men is called vasectomy.
•Effectiveness: The probability of pregnancy using this method ranges between 1.8 and 3.5 percent.
•Risks: General risk associated with surgical procedures and risk of regret.
•Side Effects: No long-term side effects or hormonal effects.
•Reversibility: Sterilization is a permanent method and should be seen as nonreversible.
Male/Female Condoms (Do not use together!)
•Forms: Three different materials: latex, natural membrane (has small pores, less effective for STD prevention), or polyurethane (female). Latex allergy condoms are generally more expensive.
•Effectiveness: The probability of pregnancy using this method ranges between 2 and 18 percent.
•Other Benefits: Protects against sexual transmitted disease.
•Availability: Easy to access over the counter.
Vaginal Barriers with Spermicides
•Forms: Diaphragm, cervical cap, contraceptive sponge
•Effectiveness: The probability of pregnancy using this method varies widely between 5 percent and 30 percent.
•Side Effects: Spermicide can lead to vaginal irritation and therefore a higher chance of HIV infection and higher rates of urinary tract infections. Withdrawal (Coitus Interruptus)
•Effectiveness: The probability of pregnancy using this method ranges between 5 and 22 percent. This range depends on experience of withdrawal and semen content of preejaculate.
•Other Benefits: No cost, always available, no chemicals, fosters male responsibility and communication.
•Side Effects: May diminish pleasure for both partners.
Fertility Awareness-Based Methods (FAB)
•Effectiveness: The probability of pregnancy using this method ranges between 0.5 and 24 percent depending on cycle regularity.
•Other Benefits: Increased awareness of cyclic function, increased communication between partners, no chemicals.
The power to “choose a pregnancy” enables women and their families to better prepare for a pregnancy. For more information about different birth control methods, check out the online resources below.
Resources:
•bedsider.org/methods
•cdc.gov
•fertilityfriend.com
•ourbodiesourselves.org
•plannedparenthood.org