Introduction
The first step to taking control of your reproductive health is knowing what birth control options are available to you. Birth control, also called contraception, is a way to plan or prevent pregnancy. There are many types of birth control, including the pill, injections and implants. Dr. Nadine Haddad suggests, some methods are reversible (they can be taken out) while others are permanent (like having your tubes tied). Everyone’s situation is different so it’s important you talk with an expert who can help figure out which method works best for you!
Birth control pills
Birth control pills are the most common form of birth control. They’re taken daily, and you can get them without a prescription.
If you take birth control pills, it’s important that you don’t forget to take them every day. If you do forget, your risk for pregnancy increases significantly–and if this happens during your fertile period (the time when an egg is released from the ovaries), then it may not be possible to prevent pregnancy with just one missed dose. In addition, birth control pills may not be effective if they’re taken with certain medications or supplements or when other medical conditions are present; talk with your doctor about what’s best for your situation before starting on this type of medication regimen!
The shot
The shot is a hormone-based birth control method that’s 99% effective. It’s given in the arm or buttocks every 3 months and contains the hormone progestin. The shot can make some women have irregular periods, but others may not have any changes in their menstrual cycle at all.
The main side effects of the shot include:
- Weight gain (about 1 pound)
- Mood swings, depression and anxiety
Implants
An implant is a thin, flexible rod that’s inserted into the arm. It releases progestin (a hormone) to prevent pregnancy and lasts for 3 years. The cost of an implant ranges from $800 to $1,200 when you have it inserted at a clinic or doctor’s office.
The implant can be removed at any time if you want to become pregnant or switch methods of birth control.
Diaphragms and IUDs (intrauterine devices)
In addition to the birth control pill, there are two other forms of contraception that can be used by women: diaphragms and IUDs (intrauterine devices).
Both of these methods are effective for up to 10 years. They’re not as effective as the shot or pill because they only reduce your risk of getting pregnant by about 90%. But if you don’t want to take hormones or get shots every three months, these might be good options for you.
There are many options available for birth control.
There are many options available for birth control. Hormonal methods of birth control include the pill, the shot (called Depo-Provera), the patch (Ortho Evra) and ring (NuvaRing). These methods work by releasing hormones into your body that prevent ovulation. If you don’t ovulate, there’s no egg to be fertilized and no pregnancy can occur. Because of this, these methods are also known as “combined” or “monophasic” methods because they use only one type of hormone at a time during your cycle.
The intrauterine device (IUD) is another option that works differently than hormonal contraceptives do: it releases copper into your uterus to make it difficult for sperm to reach an egg even if one does get released by mistake during ovulation day(s).
Conclusion
Birth control pills, the shot and implants are the most popular forms of birth control for women. These methods are highly effective, but you should know the risks before deciding on one that’s right for you. Diaphragms and IUDs (intrauterine devices) are also options if they fit into your lifestyle.
