Frequently asked questions regarding birth control/contraceptives
In this segment, we will consider the different types of birth control/contraception options available to you. This post is meant as an introduction to birth control/contraceptive measures and should be appropriate for women and girls of all ages. I should note that this piece does not cover the rhythm method which is an alternative, natural, and more acceptable form of family planning for some individuals and communities. You will find more in depth information regarding each type of birth control method, it's use, practicality, availability and effectiveness elsewhere in the blog section of this website.
In addition, there are other uses for some birth control prescriptions other than the prevention of pregnancy including dermatology, hormone regulation and decrease in menstrual discomforts.
All of these uses and more will be covered in future discussions.
Now let's begin with some of the more often asked questions regarding Birth Control/Contraceptives
What things should I think about when choosing a birth control method?
Which birth control methods are the best at preventing pregnancy?
Which birth control methods also protect against sexually transmitted infections?
What is the skin patch?
What is the vaginal ring?
What is the birth control shot?
What is the implant?
What is the intrauterine device?
What are condoms?
What is the diaphragm?
What is the cervical cap?
What is the sponge?
What is emergency birth control?
What are the types of emergency birth control pills?
Where can I get emergency birth control?
Also, I will furnish a glossary of terms at the end of this post.
To choose the right birth control method for you, consider the following:
How well it prevents against pregnancy
How easy it is to use
Whether you need a prescription to get it
Whether it protects against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Whether you have any health problems that may need to be considered in choosing a method
The male latex or polyurethane condom gives the best protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The female condom provides some protection. With all other methods, you also should use a male or female condom to protect against STIs).
What is the birth control pill?
The birth control pill is a pill that you have to take every day at the same time each day. It contains hormones- estrogen and progesterone- that prevent pregnancy. There are many types of birth control pills. A health care professional can help you choose the right one for you. If you miss a pill, you need to know what to do. Your healthcare provider will instruct you on the correct use of the birth control pills.
What is the skin patch?
The patch is a small (1.75 square inch) adhesive patch that is worn on the skin. It contains hormones that are slowly released into your body through the skin. A new patch is worn for a week at a time for 3 weeks in a row. During the fourth week, if a patch is not worn, and you will have your menstrual period during that time.
What is the vaginal ring?
The ring is a flexible plastic ring that you insert into the upper vagina like a tampon. It releases hormones into your body. It is worn inside the vagina for 21 days and then removed for 7 days. During those 7 days, you will have your menstrual period. Then you insert a new ring.
What is the birth control shot?
This shot is given in the upper arm or buttock every 3 months. It contains hormones that prevent pregnancy.
What is the implant?
The implant is a small plastic rod about the size of a matchstick that a healthcare professional inserts under the skin of the upper arm. It releases a hormone that prevents pregnancy. The implant is approved for up to 3 years of use.
What is the intrauterine device?
The IUD is a small, T-shaped plastic device that is inserted into and left inside the uterus. The IUD must be inserted and removed by a healthcare professional. There are two types of IUD s. One is a hormonal IUD. Depending of the brand, hormonal IUD s are approved for up to 3-5 years of use. The second type is the copper IUD. It is approved for up to 10 years of use.
What are spermicides?
These are chemicals that are put into the vagina to make sperm inactive. There are many types of spermicides: foam, gel, cream, film (thin sheets), or suppositories (solid inserts that melt after they are inserted into the vagina). Frequent use of spermicides may increase the risk of getting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from an infected partner. Spermicides should only be used if you are at low risk of HIV infection.
What are condoms?
Condoms come in male and female versions. The male condom (“rubber”) covers the penis and catches the sperm after a man ejaculates. The female condom is a thin plastic pouch that lines the vagina. It prevents sperm from reaching the uterus. Condoms work better to prevent pregnancy when used with a spermicide. Spermicides should only be used if you are at low risk of HIV infection.
What is the diaphragm?
The diaphragm is a small dome-shaped device made of latex or silicone that fits inside the vagina and covers the cervix. A healthcare professional needs to do a pelvic exam to find the right size of diaphragm for you. It always is used with a spermicide. Birth control methods that need spermicides to work should only be used if you are at low risk of HIV infection.
What is the cervical cap?
The cervical cap is a small, thin latex or plastic dome shaped like a thimble. It fits tightly over the cervix. You need a prescription for it. A healthcare professional needs to do a pelvic exam to find the right size for you. The cervical cap must be used with a spermicide. Birth control methods that need spermicides to work should only be used if you are at low risk of HIV infection.
What is the sponge?
The sponge can be bought without a prescription at drugstores and other stores. It is a doughnut-shaped device made of soft foam that is coated with spermicide. It is pushed up in the vagina to cover the cervix.
Birth control methods that have spermicides should only be used if you are at low risk of HIV infection.
What is emergency birth control?
If you have sex without using any birth control, if the birth control method did not work (for instance, the condom broke during sex), or if you are raped, you can use emergency birth control to prevent pregnancy. Emergency birth control is available in pill form or as an IUD. The pills must be taken or the IUD inserted within 5 days of having unprotected sex.
What are the types of emergency birth control pills?
There are three types of emergency birth control pills: The progestin-only pill (Plan-B) and regular birth control pills taken in certain amounts.
Where can I get emergency birth control?
Combined birth control pills are available only by prescription. Progestin-only pills are available on pharmacy store shelves without a prescription to anyone of any age. If you need more information about emergency birth control or need to find a health care professional who can provide a prescription, go to WWW.not-2late.com or call the emergency birth control hotline at 1-800-NOT-2-LATE.
Glossary
Cervix: The lower, narrow end of the uterus at the top of the vagina.
Hormones: Substances made in the body that control the function of cells or organs.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): A virus that attacks certain cells of the body's immune system and causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Pelvic Exam: A physical examination of a woman's reproductive organs.
Penis: The external male sex organ.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Infections that are spread by sexual contact, including Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Herpes, Syphilis, and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV, the cause of acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
Sperm: A cell produced in the male testes that can fertilize a female egg cell.
Uterus: A muscular organ located in the female pelvis that contains and nourishes the developing fetus during pregnancy.
Vagina: A tube-like structure surrounded by muscles leading from the uterus to the outside of the body.
As always, I suggest that you take into consideration the information that you find pertinent to you and your current situation. This information regarding birth control methods and much more in depth coverage will be available in future posts for your easy reference.
Please contact me at the clinic if you need more information or immediate assistance.
The effectiveness chart below shows all of the birth control methods and how well they protect against pregnancy.
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