If you are sexually active, there are certain precautions you should take. I hate to sound like another TV commercial, but getting pregnant before you're ready could seriously damage your future, girls! So, it's well worth your while to take a few minutes to read up on the various methods of birth control. After all, it's better safe than sorry.
Abstinence- Yes, I know, this doesn't exactly work for those of you who are sexually active. But if haven't had sex yet then seriously consider this: Abstinence is the 100% surefire way to prevent pregnancy. So before you have sex, just remember what's at stake.
Condoms- The condom is a sheath made of latex, plastic, or animal tissue that fits over the penis, and collects semen before, during, and after ejaculation. This prevents sperm from fertilizing an egg. The latex condom is probably the best, since it protects against STDs better than any birth control method. Condoms made of plastic or animal tissues aren't recommended for prevention of STDs. NOTE: Condoms should only be used once and should be changed after each erection.
Female Condoms- Although not as effective as the male condom, it doesn't require a man to maintain an erection during use. Instead, it fits inside the vagina, covering the vulva as well. Like other condoms, it helps protect against STDs and an unwanted pregnancy.
Diaphragms and Cervical Caps- Both of these are soft rubber barriers, which cover the cervix. The diaphragm is shallow and dome shaped, with a flexible rim, while the cervical cap is smaller and thimble shaped. The diaphragm fits in the vagina and over the cervix; the cervical cap fits onto the cervix snugly.
They prevent sperm from fertilizing the egg, by blocking the opening to the uterus to keep sperm out. Contraceptive cream or jelly, necessary for the use of either, immobilize sperm. Before getting either one, a pelvic examination by a clinician is necessary to determine the size you need. Diaphragms have a wide range of sizes, while cervical caps come in only 4 different ones. Both offer limited protection to some STDs, like gonorrhea and chlamydia, as well as limited protection against pelvic inflammatory disease, or PID. Use of the diaphragm by some women results in frequent bladder infections though, and in rare cases, toxic shock syndrome (TSS). In rare instances, abnormal cell growth sometimes occurs in the cervix after the first few month using a cervical cap, although the condition usually corrects itself. Diaphragms and cervical caps cost from $13 to $25, while a necessary kit of spermicidal cream or jelly costs $8 to $17. The pelvic examination needed before getting the diaphragm or cap costs between $50 and $120.
Tubal Sterilization- This is a permanent surgical method, so it's usually used either by women who have as many children as they want, or women who don't wish to have children. The procedure involves the closing off of the Fallopian tubes, which is where the eggs are fertilized by sperm. Although sometimes it's possible to reverse the procedure, make sure you absolutely positive you won't change your mind before you get it done. And just in case you're worried, having this procedure done has no effect on sexual pleasure. But, like any other surgical procedure there are complications that occur in rare instances, such as bleeding, infection, or reaction to the anesthetic. Sterilization will NOT prevent menopause or protect you from getting STDs. The procedure is quite costly, ranging from about $1,000 to $2,500 for the most common procedures. There are several different methods of sterilization, so be sure to read about the various options in detail before making a decision.
Norplant ®- Norplant consists of six thin, flexible, soft, plastic, capsule-shaped implants which are inserted under the skin on your upper arm. They are about the size of a cardboard matchstick. In each capsule is a hormone, specifically a progestin called levonorgestrel, which is similar to the progersterone produced in the ovaries. Small amounts of levonorgestrel are released continuously, which normally prevents the ovaries from releasing eggs, as well as thickens the cervical mucus, which prevents sperm from joining with the egg. It last about 5 years, and it one of the more effective reversible methods of birth control, although it doesn't protect against STDs. To insert it, a small cut is made on the arm, into which the six capsules are inserted.
Insertion is simple, and only takes about 10 minutes, but removal can be more difficult. It sometimes involves several incisions, because the implants are sometimes more difficult to locate at the time of removal. The cost ranges from about $500 to $750, plus an additional $100 -$200 for removal. Over 80% of women who use this method notice variations in the menstrual cycle which may include irregular intervals between periods, longer or heavier menstrual flow, irregular bleeding or spotting between periods, or no menstrual bleeding for months at a time, although bleeding usually becomes more regular after the first 2 years.
Depo-Provera ®- Like Norplant, this method involves a hormone like progesterone, but instead of levonorgestrel, depot- medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) is used. DMPA can be administered in the buttock or the arm, and can prevent pregnancy for 12 weeks, because it keeps the ovaries from releasing eggs and thickens the cervical mucus. (Same as Norplant). Sometimes called "The Shot", it is 99.7% effective against pregnancy. But, it doesn't protect against STDs. Common side effects include irregular bleeding (the most common), fewer and lighter or longer and heavier periods, and light spotting and breakthrough bleeding. After fire years of use, most women have no period. But, side effects can last for up to eight months after DMPA has cleared from your system. Before getting the shot, your clinician will look at your medical history and give you a physical exam, which may cost between $35 and $125. An individual shot costs from $30 to $70, while a year of use ranges from $215 to $545.
"The Pill" (aka oral contraception)- This is one of the most effective methods of birth control, which is probably why it's so common. There are two basic varieties-combination pills, which contain estrogen and progestin, and progestin-only pills. Both pills can work by preventing ovulation, but progestin-only pills usually work by thickening the cervical mucus which prevents sperm from uniting with an egg. Combo pills can thicken the cervical mucus as well. Both combo and progestin-only pills may prevent fertilized eggs from implanting in the uterus. Although both varieties work well, combo pills are slightly more effective that progestin-only pills. Neither variety protects against STDs. A visit to a clinician, which will cost from $50 to $125, is necessary to determine whether you can take the pill and to determine the best dosage for you. If you do take the Pill, you'll receive the lowest amount of hormone to effectively protect against pregnancy. From a drugstore, your monthly prescription can be filled for $20 to $35, although pills are cheaper in a clinic. Some people are unable to use the Pill, including those who have high blood pressure or cholesterol levels, or those who smoke over 15 cigarettes a day and are 35 and older. Side effects sometimes occur, including bleeding between periods, weight gain or loss, breast tenderness, and depression, although they usually clear up after two or three months. If you do decide to use the pill, remembering to take it on a daily basis is extremely important!
For more information on contraception and other related topics, check out Planned Parenthood's web site(www.plannedparenthood.org/)or ask your doctor.
