Guide to Types of Birth Control
🍋Understanding the ins-and-outs of birth control options can feel overwhelming and complicated, so I made this for convenience and to help people stay informed!
🩷Important facts to know about birth control:
1. Most birth control methods do not cause infertility. Fertility typically returns quickly after stopping birth control.
2. The only type of birth control that also protects against STI's is condoms/barrier methods (when used properly).
3. Some birth control options can slightly increase one's chances of getting certain cancers (like breast and cervical), but reduce the risk of others (like ovarian and endometrial). Typically, the benefits outweigh the risks for most users.
4. Birth control is not always taken to prevent pregnancy or by those having sexual intercourse! For example, some birth controls can be taken to reduce acne, lighten periods, and reduce PCOS symptoms.
5. Family planning methods like withdrawal ("pull out method"), calendar/rhythm method (avoiding sex during estimated fertile window), and fertility awareness methods (tracking menstruation to know when fertile, avoiding sex/using condoms during that time) ARE options. These options may be better than nothing, but are far less effective than the methods on this list. On average, those methods are only about 76-78% effective, meaning about 1/4 of people using those methods get pregnant every year.
📎Disclaimer: I am not a medical doctor, and I am not trying to tell you how to live your life or what is best for your health or personal journey! I believe in your choice to make decisions about your body. I simply seek to help you stay informed because life can get busy, theres a lot of misinformation out there, and not all schools teach people this stuff!
I have a degree in public health and have specialized sexual health experience from a previous job where I talked to college students about sexual health and their options. Additionally, I am currently employed in a healthcare facility and pursuing medical school, so I talk and think about this stuff often!
❔️If you have questions, please comment them below!
#birthcontrolawareness #letschat #letstalkaboutit #health #women
This detailed guide to birth control methods provides essential insights into different contraceptive options available today. The birth control pill, the most common hormonal method, comes in combination and progestin-only types, typically requiring daily intake and offering 91-99% effectiveness. The vaginal ring (NuvaRing, Annvera) and the patch (Ortho Evra) provide discreet hormone delivery with slightly different maintenance and side effects, both having similar effectiveness ranges. The injectable shot (Depo-Provera) is a progestin-only method given every three months, noted for its convenience and potential side effects such as irregular bleeding or weight gain. Intrauterine devices (IUDs), either hormonal or copper, provide long-term contraception lasting up to 12 years. Hormonal IUDs can lighten periods and reduce cramping, while copper IUDs are non-hormonal but may cause heavier periods initially. The implant (Nexplanon) is another progestin-only method that lasts three years and is inserted under the skin of the upper arm, offering high effectiveness with low maintenance. Emergency contraception (Plan B or morning-after pill) is designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex and is most effective when taken within 72 hours but can be used up to 5 days after. Barrier methods such as condoms remain unique in also providing protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) when used properly. Condoms are accessible and inexpensive but require usage compliance for maximum effectiveness. It is important to note that birth control is used for more than pregnancy prevention—it can manage menstrual symptoms, reduce acne, and alleviate symptoms of conditions like PCOS. Family planning methods like withdrawal or fertility awareness are considerably less effective than other contraceptive methods. When evaluating birth control options, consider personal health conditions, potential side effects, maintenance level, and your lifestyle. Many hormonal methods are not suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions, and consulting a healthcare professional is recommended for choosing the best option. Understanding the nuances of each method, including duration, hormone types, risk of cancers, and impact on fertility, empowers users to make informed choices aligned with their health goals. This guide is grounded in science and healthcare expertise, aiming to clarify common misconceptions and support reproductive autonomy.
Do you know how you would get the patch? I was on the pill and it messed my body up bad. I’m interested in trying the patch but I don’t know how to try to get one