Many of us want to experience parenthood at some point in our lives, but just not yet! Or, perhaps we have chosen to remain happily child free. Whatever the reason for exploring birth control options, there are numerous contraceptive methods available today, available over-the-counter or with a prescription.
“Birth control is an important topic for all women of reproductive years to discuss with their family physician,” says Dr. Tasha Bienert, a family physician and HealthChoicesFirst.com partner. “This is because 85 out of 100 women who have unprotected intercourse for one year will get pregnant.”
What Are Your Birth Control Options?
If you don't want to become pregnant, there are many birth control options. While there is no method that works perfectly, today's contraceptives are very effective when used correctly.
“Birth control pills would still be our most common type of pregnancy prevention,” says Dr. Bienert. “There are a variety of pills available today, and these aren't your mothers pills. The pills we use now are very low hormone doses.”
Pros of using birth control pills:
*Certain pills may reduce menstrual cramps and improve acne
“Protection against pregnancy in 99.9% of patients if used right
*May reduce the risk of ovarian and uterine cancer and other diseases
Cons of using birth control pills:
*No protection against sexually transmitted diseases
*You need to remember to take a pill every day at the same time
*May increase the risk of blood clots, especially in women over the age of 35 who smoke
Another birth control method is an Intra Uterine Device (IUD), a T-shaped piece of plastic that is inserted through the cervix and placed in the uterus by a physician. A small string hangs down into the upper part of the vagina. An IUD works by changing the lining of the fallopian tubes and the uterus, affecting sperm motility and egg movement.
Pros of using an IUD:
*Can last from one to 10 years
*The device has a failure rate of less than one percent
*You don't have to remember to do anything
Cons of using an IUD:
*No protection against sexually transmitted diseases
*May cause side effects like headaches and nausea
*An IUD can come out of place, placing you at risk of becoming pregnant
For protecting against sexually transmitted diseases, condoms are still the “number one choice,” says Dr. Bienert.
Condoms are a barrier device used during sexual intercourse to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
Pros of using condoms:
*Inexpensive
*Don't need a prescription
*Men may be able to prolong intercourse
Cons of using condoms:
*Can only be used once
*Can break
*Women may be allergic to latex
“Your family physician can give you some info on how to protect yourself against a host of sexually transmitted diseases,” says Dr. Bienert. “You can get information regarding condom use, spermicidal jelly, diaphragms and other contraceptive choices from your family physician. So if you have any questions regarding birth control or sexually transmitted diseases, please make sure you book an appointment with your family physician.”