Birth Control Options
Combination Birth Control Pill
What it is: Most birth control pills are “combination pills” containing both the hormones estrogen and progesterone. These pills are taken daily to prevent ovulation in women and thicken the mucus around the cervix, making it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus and reach any eggs that may have been released.
Efficiency: Taken properly, the combination birth control pill can be 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. If a day is missed from taking the pill, the efficiency rate is dramatically reduced. Other factors can affect the efficiency of the pill as well including antibiotics and other medications.
Side Effects: The pill can cause spotting, increased headaches, mood changes, breast tenderness, depression, a decrease in libido and weight gain. It is also important to note that the birth control pill does not offer any protection against sexually transmitted diseases.
Depo-provera (DMPA)
What it is: Depo-provera is a shot given every 3 months containing the hormone progestin. The injection is similar to the combination pill in that it suppresses ovulation and thickens the cervix mucus, making the fertilization of any eggs released difficult.
Efficiency: Depo-provera is one of the most effective forms of hormonal birth control, with an average failure rate of less than 0.5%. However, the shot is not suggested for women who plan to become pregnant within a year as progestin has been proven to cause fetal defects and higher neonatal and infant mortality rates.
Side Effects: Women who are administered the injection may experince irregular periods, change in menstruation (may be lighter or heavier; shorter or longer), spotting and breakthrough bleeding, weight gain, dizziness, nervousness, change in libido, headaches, rash or skin discoloration, breast tenderness, depression, increase or decrease in facial and body hair, hair loss, and a decrease in bone mass. It is also important to note that DMPA does not offer any protection against sexually transmitted diseases.
Intrauterine Device (IUD)
What it is: An IUD is a small plastic device inserted into a woman’s uterus by a doctor. The device releases either copper or hormones to prevent the fertilization of an egg. IUDs also thicken the cervix mucus, but unlike combination pills and DMPA, ovulation still occurs.
Efficiency: When inserted properly, the IUD can be 99% effective. It is important to discuss this form of birth control with your health care provider as not every woman is able to use an IUD.
Side Effects: IUDs may cause menstrual irregularities and spotting and side effects similar to those associated with birth control pills. Some women have found the insertion and removal of an IUD to be painful. Although rare, IUDs can pose certain health risks such as uterine punctures, expulsion, tubal infections and pregnancy. It is also important to note that IUDs do not offer any protection against sexually transmitted diseases.
Female Sterilization
What it is: Women interested in permanent birth control may choose to have a tubal ligation, also called female sterilization. During this surgical procedure, a woman’s fallopian tubes are cut, clamped, blocked or tied to prevent eggs from traveling down the tubes and sperm traveling up to meet the egg. Although it is considered a permanent solution, tubal ligation in many cases may be reversed.
Efficiency: Female sterilization is very effective with a failure rate of only 0.4%.
Side Effects: Side effects from female sterilization are rare, but it does pose certain health risks such as infection and uterine perforation. Additionally, women who have had their tubes tied and become pregnant are more likely to experience an ectopic pregnancy. Other possible risks associated with having your tubes tied include menstrual cycle disturbances and gynecological problems. It is also important to note that female sterilization does not offer any protection against sexually transmitted diseases.
Barrier Methods
What they are: Barriers are materials (often used with spermicide) inserted into the vagina to block sperm from entering the uterus. Barriers such as the diaphragm, cervical cap, contraceptive sponge and female condom can be inserted prior to sex but must be left in place for up to six hours after sex.
Efficiency: The barrier method can be very effective when used correctly and consistently with each intercourse. However, accidental pregnancy rates are high compared to many other methods. Barriers can provide important protection from sexually transmitted diseases and can be used even if a partner refuses to use condoms.