Have you ever had a hard time choosing the right birth control for different reasons? Could you not keep track and remember to take the pill? Were you experiencing unwanted side effects with other methods? That is perfectly normal. Every woman's body can react differently to the hormone's going through your system. So, if you get feedback from a friend that had terrible side effects using one of the birth control methods, you may experience the exact opposite. To get to where you want to be with picking a birth control, you need to ask yourself what you want to achieve. Do you not want to experience a menstrual period? Or are you just trying not to get pregnant? After you have made your assessments you then need to experiment a little. It is okay to try different birth control methods to get to where you need to be. It is a possibility that none of them may work for you but there is always one that works a little better than others. But remember, the only birth control that is 100% effective is abstinence.
CONDOMS:
Everyone having sexual intercourse should know what condoms are. If not, you are not ready to be having sex. Condoms are typically worn on the genitals of men and help to prevent pregnancy and STD's. If you used properly, condoms are 98% effective in preventing pregnancy. Statistically speaking, 18 out of 100 women will get pregnant even using a condom. So, if this is your only method of birth control make sure you practice more and more using a condom and keep in mind of the expiration date on the box. Some individuals may be unable to afford or even gain access to condoms and that is by any means no reason to not obtain them in some way. There are tons of outlets where you can get free condoms. If you go to planned parenthood, or ask your doctor, they will give you free condoms. There is never a reason to go without unless your end goal is pregnancy. One of the best things about condoms is that there are no side effects like some other methods of birth control. A disadvantage to using condoms are the fact that your partner has to wear one every time you have sex.
BIRTH CONTROL IMPLANT:
I myself have the Nexplanon implant. As I said, every woman's body reacts differently to hormones. For some of you who are not familiar with the arm implant, it is basically the size of a matchstick-sized rod. It can be inserted into your arm by a licensed physician, most likely your OBGYN. The implant can cost anywhere from $0-$800 and lasts up to four years. The hormone Progestin is released into your system. The Progestin keeps your eggs from leaving your ovaries. This method of birth control is extremely effective. If you take medications for HIV, TB, anti-seizure, mental disorders, and St. John's wort this may make the birth control less effective. This method does not protect you against STD's so you must use a condom for extra protection. The upside to the Nexplanon is you immediately have the ability to become pregnant after you get the implant removed. Another upside is, you do not have to remember to take it like the pill. There can always be unwanted side effects with this choice of birth control. For instance, you can experience heavy bleeding for longer periods of time. Do not make the decision to remove the implant unless you wait three months. What your body experiences in three months is typically what you will experience the next four years. If then the side effects are undesired, then you should speak with your doctor about other methods.
THE PATCH:
The patch may take some time getting used to. If you are a busy woman and do not have the time to get a new patch every week I would not recommend this method for you. The patch needs to be replaced every week and the fourth week you go patch free then start all over again. The hormone's used in the patch are the same as the pill. The patch is very effective if put on on time. The benefits you receive from using the patch will be the same as taking the pill. These benefits include: less acne, less cramping during your period, and no heavy or irregular periods. The side effects can include nausea and vomiting, and you may experience some breast tenderness. You may be paying $0-$80 monthly for this method.
THE PILL:
The pill is classic and probably the most well known birth control there is. If you cannot remember to take a pill every single day then this is not the right method for you. It may help if you take other medications every day so that way it would not be a problem to add another. The pill will cost around $0-$50 each month. The pill is very effective if taken every day without missing a dose. The pill has the same side effects and benefits as the patch. In the pack there are usually 21 pills that contain hormones. There are seven pills that do not have hormones. Just like the patch, you take the pill for three weeks then you take placebo's for one week and then repeat every month.
THE SHOT:
If you do not like needles than skip this one. Each shot needs to be injected every three months to prevent pregnancy. The shot is one of the most effective birth control methods to date. Benefits include: no pill to remember, and can prevent cervical cancer. Downside: irregular bleeding, longer heavier periods, and weight gain. The shot may cost you $0-$150 each injection.
THE RING:
The ring is also something I have tried and actually worked well for me. The only side effect I experienced was being a little more emotional than usual. The ring is exactly what is sounds like. It is a bendy ring that contains hormones and you insert it into your vagina once a month and take it out for up to five days and insert a new one. It is very easy to remember but some women may need time getting used to it. If it is inserted properly you should not feel it. There is a chance it may become loose and slip out slightly but it will never fall out. The ring is very effective in preventing pregnancy. The benefits are usually the same as the pill and the patch. The ring ranges from $0-$80 a month.
IUD:
An IUD is similar to getting the implant. An IUD is inserted into your uterus for long-term, is reversible, and is very effective. In fact, it is one of the most effective birth control methods out there. If you have never been pregnant or given birth before you may find the IUD a little uncomfortable. There are two different types of IUD's. One is made of copper and can prevent pregnancy for up to 12 years. Another has hormones similar to the arm implant Nexplanon. Depending on the brand of hormone IUD you choose, they can last anywhere from three to six years. The benefits to the IUD include: if you for some reason cannot have hormones the copper IUD can be an option, you may stop having periods all together, and you can get pregnant immediately after removal. Some downsides include: mild to moderate pain, spotting or heavy periods, and cramping or backache.
AFTERTHOUGHT:
After reading this, do you think you have found which birth control is right or not right for you? If you have that is great. Just remember to speak with your doctor about whichever birth control you may be thinking about to get a better understanding of what you might experience. I cannot stress more that everyone's body is different so your body will react differently to hormone's than other women.
