{"id":1082,"date":"2021-08-10T09:23:00","date_gmt":"2021-08-10T09:23:00","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2021-08-10T07:23:46","modified_gmt":"2021-08-10T07:23:46","slug":"guide-to-birth-control-methods","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magazine.circledna.com\/guide-to-birth-control-methods\/","title":{"rendered":"Birth Control Methods: A Comprehensive Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

One of the great debates among women is the debate of birth control methods. There is quite a broad selection of different birth control options. For most of these methods, the onus is on the female. Since most young women are very fertile, it goes without saying that choosing a birth control method that works is crucial.<\/p>\n

The issue most women have is that there are drawbacks and significant cons to almost every birth control method out there. Many women feel that all birth control methods are horrible, and choosing one feels like choosing the lesser of several evils.<\/p>\n

While the majority of women acknowledge the importance of avoiding unplanned pregnancies and the importance of birth control, that doesn\u2019t change the fact that there are cons to almost any of the birth control methods available to women. No \u201cperfect\u201d birth control method exists, and that\u2019s one of the most frustrating struggles for women.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s a reason why so much excitement spread online about the possibility of a male birth control pill. In reality, however, men would have less motivation to take that pill consistently since they\u2019re not the ones who can get pregnant. While men might be motivated to take birth control pills to avoid unwanted responsibilities and unplanned pregnancies with their partners, their motivation to take the pill properly would be hindered. Why? Because if they used the pill incorrectly, the majority of the burden would be on their partner. Their bodies wouldn\u2019t undergo the pregnancy, potential miscarriage, termination, or any of the bodily changes that come with pregnancy.<\/p>\n

Birth Control Methods: Challenges from Every Angle<\/h2>\n

No matter how you approach it, choosing and accurately using a birth control method is almost never going to happen without significant challenges. Again, it\u2019s clear for many reasons why birth control is so important. The ability to choose when (and if) we have children and the right to decide our own family planning is huge. Not having children when you cannot be financially or emotionally responsible for them is ethical. <\/strong>Population control is of course another important purpose of birth control.<\/p>\n

The main challenge is that all birth control methods will typically have some sort of negative side effect. From messing with our emotions and hormones to messing with our bodies via birth control related weight gain,<\/a> for example. Birth control drawbacks also include the expense (especially for those who don\u2019t have coverage) and the responsibility to remember to administer it correctly.<\/p>\n

Which birth control method is best? That\u2019s for you to decide. Below is an overview of 10 birth control methods to consider:<\/p>\n

1. The Birth Control Pill<\/strong><\/h2>\n

For our guide on birth control methods, let\u2019s start with the most common method used: the birth control pill. There is so much wrong with this method. For one thing, it\u2019s not deemed fully effective unless you take it at the same time every day, and it\u2019s very easy to forget. Even if you have a daily reminder set on your phone, sometimes unexpected personal problems cause women to forget to take it. Sometimes you get stuck somewhere without your birth control pills on hand, and other times you might have too much on your mind and simply forget.<\/p>\n

Remembering to take the pill every day (which again is crucial for its effectiveness) is only one of the problems with the pill. It also can cause mood swings, weight gain, and other negative side effects. Some low hormone versions of the birth control pill might have fewer side effects, and you can speak to your doctor about that. The birth control pill does not protect against STDs, which is considered another drawback of this particular birth control method.<\/p>\n

2. Condoms<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"circlemagazine-circledna-birth-control-methods\"<\/figure>\n

Speaking of STDs, condoms are a birth control method that does prevent STDs. They can also prevent pregnancy without any major side effects like changes in weight, mood or emotions.<\/p>\n

However, condoms simply aren\u2019t reliable as a birth control method to count on. Condoms break. Condoms also decrease the sexual sensations that people engage in intercourse to experience.<\/p>\n

Since condoms can break, they should be used in combination with another birth control method.<\/p>\n

3. Ovulation Tracking<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Sometimes, women combine the method of condoms with ovulation tracking. That way, even if the condom breaks, it\u2019s quite unlikely to get pregnant if you abstain from sex while you\u2019re ovulating.<\/p>\n

Some women buy ovulation testing kits because they want<\/em> to get pregnant. Other women buy them as a form of birth control (typically used in conjunction with another birth control method). It works because you can find out when you\u2019re ovulating and most likely to get pregnant, and simply avoid sex on those days.<\/p>\n

There are typically 3 days per month where you are your most fertile, ovulating and most likely to get pregnant. It is wise to avoid sex on those days of the month if you take birth control seriously.<\/p>\n

4. IUD Insert<\/strong><\/h2>\n

People like IUDs because they can forget about birth control for years, knowing they\u2019re protected without having to remember to take something. There are two versions of the IUD: The hormonal version lasts for five years, and the non-hormonal version lasts for 10 years. An IUD is a T-shaped device that specialist doctors can insert for you.<\/p>\n

The hormonal version of the IUD works by releasing progestin, which thickens cervical mucus and basically makes the womb incapable of hosting your eggs. You\u2019ll probably experience shorter, lighter periods on this type of IUD.<\/p>\n

The non-hormonal version is a copper IUD. The copper is released into the uterus to prevent sperm from fertilizing an egg.<\/p>\n

IUDs allow you to forget about birth control methods, and they\u2019re 99 per cent effective at preventing pregnancy.<\/p>\n

This sounds pretty good, so you\u2019re probably wondering what the drawbacks of this birth control method are. IUDs are costly and they\u2019re also an uncomfortable, invasive procedure. Painful cramping occurs for about a week after insertion while your body gets used to the device. For some women, this pain is quite intense. Another drawback? IUDs can be quite expensive.<\/p>\n

5. Birth Control Patch<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Since you only have to change the patch once per week, it\u2019s an easier birth control method than the pill which has to be taken every single day.<\/p>\n

Weight gain, however, can be very significant on the patch. For most women, it\u2019s a much more noticeable weight gain than the pill.<\/p>\n

You also have to have a patch on your body which is not always easy to cover up, especially in the summer. The sticky residue left behind by the patch is not well-liked, either.<\/p>\n

6. The Shot: Depo-Provera<\/strong><\/h2>\n

You\u2019ve just learned about the patch which only has to be remembered to be administered once per week. The shot can seem even more appealing because it\u2019s a birth control method that only requires one shot every three months.<\/p>\n

This birth control shot is called Depo-Provera and it contains progestin, which prevents ovulation and thickens the mucus lining the cervix.<\/p>\n

The shot is 99 per cent effective, but it has negative side-effects similar to the pill such as mood swings, an increased appetite, weight gain, decreased sexual drive, nausea and sore breasts.<\/p>\n

Similar to the patch, weight gain can be quite significant on Depo-Provera.<\/p>\n

7. The Pull-Out Method<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Ask any prenatal doctor, and they\u2019ll tell you how many unplanned pregnancies happened by using the pull-out method as a birth control method. Pre-ejaculation happens during sex which does contain semen that can get a woman pregnant. That\u2019s why unplanned pregnancies occur from using the pull-out method.<\/p>\n

However, that\u2019s not the only drawback to this \u201cbirth control method\u201d many young people use. It\u2019s messy, sticky, and you can\u2019t always rely on a man to pull out in time (or at all).<\/p>\n

This is one of those silly birth control methods that has one of the lowest effectiveness rates. It\u2019s only about 60% effective, and there\u2019s no protection against STDs, either.<\/p>\n

8. The Morning After Pill<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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If an unwise birth control method was used such as the pull-out method, and the man did not pull out in time, there\u2019s always the morning after pill, right?<\/p>\n

Wrong. Even the morning after pill doesn\u2019t always work. First of all, many people are unaware that there\u2019s a weight restriction where women over a certain weight will experience less effectiveness of the morning after pill. Even if you\u2019re not over that limit, it\u2019s still not guaranteed to prevent pregnancy. The morning after pill is meant to stop the release of an egg from the ovary and prevent fertilization, but it\u2019s not a guarantee.<\/p>\n

Not to mention, the morning after pill can make you feel quite sick. It has some horrible side effects for many women, such as abdominal pain, headaches, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and dizziness.<\/p>\n

9. NuvaRing<\/strong><\/h2>\n

NuvaRing is a more reliable birth control method, not without side effects, though. It\u2019s a flexible vaginal ring used to prevent pregnancy that you change every three weeks.<\/p>\n

It has a high effectiveness rate (99%) just like the pill, although, unlike the pill, you don\u2019t have to always remember to self-administer.<\/p>\n

Cons of the NuvaRing include breast tenderness, vaginal irritation, nausea, mood swings, bloating and weight gain.<\/p>\n

10. Abstinence<\/strong><\/h2>\n

If reading about the negative side effects of every birth control method out there has you feeling dejected, you might be considering abstinence.<\/p>\n

Abstaining from sex is a birth control method, although it\u2019s not one that many people want to choose. Funnily enough, abstinence doesn\u2019t allow you to escape negative side effects. No sex means you get less oxytocin, and that\u2019s the feel-good hormone that improves your mood and reduces stress.<\/p>\n

Although abstinence guarantees no unplanned pregnancies, most people end up choosing a different birth control method and hoping for side effects that aren\u2019t too bad.<\/p>\n

Vasectomy: Another Birth Control Method to Consider?<\/h2>\n

If you and your partner know that you don\u2019t want children, your partner might consider getting a vasectomy if he\u2019s comfortable with it. Many men are comfortable with this decision since it guarantees there are no unplanned pregnancies, and it\u2019s not an incredibly serious procedure, nor is it all that uncomfortable. There will be some temporary pain and discomfort that won\u2019t be too bad. Vasectomy pain is typically minor and easily treated. The procedure itself is considered a very simple one. Also, it\u2019s important to note that a vasectomy is reversible if the couple changes their mind about having children. Similarly, if a couple breaks up and the man\u2019s next partner is someone he wants kids with, he can get his vasectomy reversed.<\/p>\n

This birth control method won\u2019t be right for everyone, but some couples find that a vasectomy reduces a lot of stress, and increases the ability to enjoy sex and each other.<\/p>\n

Low Estrogen Levels While on Birth Control: What You Need to Know<\/h2>\n
\"circlemagazine-circledna-birth-control-methods\"<\/figure>\n

Some of the most common types of birth control methods such as the birth control pill keep estrogen levels low. Women taking birth control should therefore be aware of the side effects of low estrogen levels.<\/p>\n

Did you know that estrogen makes enjoyable or rewarding things feel even more enjoyable or rewarding? For example, estrogen makes sex feel better, and chocolate tastes better.<\/p>\n

Since birth control methods such as the pill work by keeping estrogen levels low while stimulating progesterone receptors, the pill could make you feel depressed or \u201clow\u201d. It can hinder your brain\u2019s reward centre and negatively affect your mood.<\/p>\n

Abortion: The Most Controversial Birth Control Method<\/h2>\n

Abortion is definitely the most debated and most controversial birth control method and it\u2019s typically not considered a birth control method at all. Abortions happen when all else fails, an unplanned or unwanted pregnancy occurs, and the woman is pro-choice. Some women get abortions because several birth control methods failed them. For example, perhaps the condom broke, and the morning after pill didn\u2019t work in preventing pregnancy either.<\/p>\n

Medical abortion is a pill (typically two pills) you can take that end a pregnancy without surgery. This is painful as when the pregnancy ends, you can expect bleeding and cramping. This type of abortion is typically only offered if you are less than 8 weeks along. If you get an ultrasound and you\u2019re more than 8 weeks pregnant, you\u2019d have to get a surgical abortion if you still want to go through with it.<\/p>\n

Surgical abortions are so painful that they generally require fentanyl to numb the pain. Many women are uncomfortable with the idea of being given fentanyl, but the other option is to feel the painful procedure which can be quite traumatic.<\/p>\n

Whether you\u2019re pro-choice or not, it\u2019s undeniable that abortions are not pleasant and can cause residual trauma. Most abortion clinics have mandatory counselling prior to the procedure for this reason.<\/p>\n

What if You Want to Get Pregnant?<\/h2>\n

If you decide you want to get pregnant and you\u2019re currently taking a self-administered birth control method, what should you do? In most cases, doctors will tell you that you can likely get pregnant after you have stopped taking birth control for 1-3 months. This means you have to stop taking birth control pills and stay off of them for about 1-3 months before it\u2019s likely you\u2019ll be able to conceive.<\/p>\n

Birth Control Ethics<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re not on birth control, it\u2019s important to notify whoever you\u2019re sleeping with, dating or in a relationship with. If you have a partner with who you use birth control, and you decide you want to get pregnant, this should be a mutual conversation before you stop taking your birth control. In any partnership, there needs to be a mutual understanding and an agreement about going off birth control.<\/p>\n

In general, family planning should be your choice. If you\u2019d like to learn more about how your genetics play a role in your family planning, order your CircleDNA kit here.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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