Do you know all of your options when it comes to birth control? How effective is the method you use? Not sure? You're not alone.
In a recent study by the American College of Nurse Midwives showed that the majority of women between 18-45 years of age are NOT aware of their options when it comes to birth control or how effective those methods are. Come on ladies- we need to get informed!! Let's be honest- if you don't take charge of your body and choose the best, most effective for you- WHO WILL??
I attached some diagrams here to show you how often certain birth control methods are used compared to how effective each method is. Review the info, talk to your health care provider, and make the best choice for you and/or your family.
What's important here is that the methods that most women are using (pills, condoms, fertility based awareness) are not the most effective while the MOST effective methods (Nexplanon implant & IUDs) are being used the least!
Why??
How effective is your method? Shocked to learn that your birth control pills or patch are not 100% effective?
SO now that the shock has set in that your method may not be 100% effective at preventing pregnancy- let's talk options.
I'm going to start from most effective to least effective...
1. Nexplanon - 99.95% effective. Previously known as Implanon or also known as the implant. This is a 3 year method of birth control (BC) that gets inserted just under the skin near the bicep of the arm
Pros:
It is a progesterone only method- No estrogen. So this may be good for someone who cannot tolerate estrogen ( elevated BP, smoker, history of certain cancers)
Long term method- you don't have to remember to "take anything" which is great for teens and young adults
The most effective method of birth control!
Easy to insert, almost completely painless
Cons:
Biggest Misconception: "I will feel it in my arm and be limited in how I move/use my arm". You will only feel Nexplanon when you feel for it with your fingers. You will not "feel" it under your skin just by using your arm, nor willyou be able to see it just by looking.
2. IUD's- 99.2% effective. Currently there are 3 IUDs (intrauterine devices) on the market.
Skyla- progesterone only method. 3 years of BC
Mirena- progesterone only method. 5 years of BC
Paraguard- HORMONE FREE! 10 years of BC
Pros:
Long term birth control
Easy to use
Skyla and Mirena are estrogen free so good for people with medical conditions that contraindicate estrogen as mentioned above.
Paragard is completely hormone free so it is safe for almost everyone to use regardless of medical conditions
Cons:
Skyla and Mirena are progesterone methods so you can expect irregular bleeding for the first few months of use. After that most women have very few periods.
Some women report abdominal cramping with IUD use. This is sometimes associates with having a period and sometimes not.
This is not a safe method of BC if you have multiple sex partners and are at high risk for pelvic infections.
Biggest Misconception: "IUDs cause you to get pelvic infections like the old IUD called Dalkon Shield in the 1970's". The Dalkon Shield was an early IUD type device which had a string that allowed bacteria to "crawl" up from the vagina into the uterus- causing infections. The IUDs on the market today have strings that are formulated to resist bacteria from hosting on them. The IUDs of today do not cause pelvic infections in this manner and are very safe.
For More Information:
3. "Depo" aka the birth control shot- 94% effective. A progesterone only method of birth control that is administered via intramuscular injection in an office every 13 weeks.
Pros:
Injections are only every 13 weeks so it requires less energy to remember than other methods.
Progesterone only- so as mentioned above is safer for some people who cannot tolerate estrogen
Good option after having a baby- you can start it sooner than estrogen methods ( same goes for IUDs and Nexplanon)
Like other progesterone only methods most women can expect irregular bleeding initially followed by infrequent periods
Cons:
Some women notice side effects such as weight gain and hair loss when using this method. The average weight gain in 1 year is 3.5 pounds (Hatcher, 2011)
If you are trying to get pregnant in the near future this method may not be for you. You can expect a delay of up to10 months before conceiving after using this method.
Can you remember to keep an office appointment every three months?
Long term use can lead to bone loss
Biggest Misconception: "my friend used depo and she gained a ton of weight". While depo is known for causing weight gain more than other methods, it is not the depo directly that causes weight gain. Depo changes cravings which then in turn causing increased eating which causes weight gain. Many women can use depo without weight gain if they are mindful of cravings and choose healthy food options.
4. Nuva Ring- 91% effective. Vaginal ring you leave in for three weeks, and take out the 4th week to have your period
Pros:
Cons:
Some women report increase in discharge with this method
Some men report being able to feel the ring during intercourse- however you can take it out for up to 3 hours to have intercourse and replace afterwards. If you have it out longer than 3 hours you need to replace ASAP and use an additional form of BC for 7 days
Is activated by heat so it needs to be kept in the refrigerator until use
Biggest Misconception: "I don't want to have to insert anything up there"- If you are a new NuvaRing user you can insert using a tampon applicator to make it easier. Simply remove the cotton tampon out of the applicator and replace it with the nuva ring- insert as usual.
5. Ortho Evra Patch- 91% effective. Trans dermal patch you replace weekly for three weeks, followed by a patch-free week to have a period.
Pros:
Cons:
Biggest Misconception: "I heard on the news that the patch is dangerous". Tow thoughts on this. First, the media is a very misrepresenting entity. Just about every medicine on the market has had bad press for some reason or another and the media over-explodes it for ratings. Just this week I saw bad press about vitamins- I mean come on and let's focus on real issues...Second, ALL birth control methods have hormones which may not be safe for all people. It is important to discuss your risk factors with your provider to find the best method for you.
6. Birth Control Pills- 91% effective. Come in many varieties and are taken daily. Some women take active pills for three weeks followed by 1 week of inactive pills in which you have a period. However some women take active pills continuously without having periods.
Pros:
Cons:
Disclaimer: This blog is intended to provide basic information to educate and inform the public consumer. This is not intended to replace the advice given to you by your medical provider. When it comes to BC, it's important to talk to your provider about what methods might be best for you. Depending on certain medical conditions and history some methods may not be safe for you.
I hope you review the information here and make the best choice for you and your family!
