Added: 11/26/2005 |
Up And Coming Types Of Birth ControlMost everyone has heard of the contraceptive pill, the patch, the shot and even tubal ligation. But what if those options don't appeal to you? There's no need to worry because there are many other types of birth control available that are just as effective, if not as widely advertised.
One of the up and coming types of birth control is the NuvaRing. The NuvaRing is a comfortable, flexible ring that is about two inches in diameter and is used to prevent pregnancy. The user inserts a new NuvaRing once a month and it is held in place by the vaginal walls for three weeks. During that time, the ring releases a low dose of hormones to prevent pregnancy. After the three weeks are up, the user removes the ring to allow the body to complete its menstrual cycle. After a seven day break, another new ring is inserted.
Like the contraceptive pill and some other types of birth control, the NuvaRing contains both estrogen and progestin to prevent pregnancy. These hormones can sometimes cause side effects such as such as headaches, nausea, breast tenderness and breakthrough bleeding. Like the pill, not everyone is a candidate for the NuvaRing including smokers, those over 35 and those with a history of heart disease. If you do choose the ring, it is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy, with perfect use.
Another one of the types of birth control options growing in popularity is the IUD or Intrauterine Device. IUDs are small, T-shaped, devices made of flexible plastic. They are inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. There are currently two types of IUDs available in the US - the ParaGard and the Mirena. The ParaGard contains copper, which helps to inhibit sperm motility and prevent pregnancy. The Mirena releases a low dose of the hormone progestin, which also inhibits sperm motility and prevents some women from even ovulating.
The ParaGard IUD lasts for up to 10 years and only requires that you check the strings monthly to ensure proper placement. Potential side effects include heavier and/or longer periods, possible increase in cramping during periods, expulsion of the IUD, perforation of the uterus (rare), increased risk of pelvic infection and increased risk of ectopic pregnancy. It is over 99% effective against preventing pregnancy.
The Mirena IUD last for 5 years and, like the ParaGard, only requires that you check the strings monthly to ensure proper placement. In addition to the side effects of expulsion, perforation and increased risk of pelvic infection associated with the ParaGard, the Mirena can also cause decrease or stop menstruation, or cause breast tenderness, nausea, headaches, and mood changes. The Mirena is over 99% effective against preventing pregnancy.
Natural family planning (NFP), also known as the fertility awareness method (FAM), is another one of the increasingly popular types of birth control. NFP requires no prescription, no medication and no hormones. It is based on a woman's temperature and cervical mucus changes that naturally occur during her cycle. The basic premise is that you chart your morning temperature and cervical mucus texture every day and look for key signs that tell you when you are about to ovulate, or when you have ovulated. As a form of birth control, sex should be avoided near ovulation, or another method of birth control (such as a condom) should be used.
For those interested in learning more about NFP, Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler is a great tool. In her book, Toni teaches you how to keep track of your fertility signs and learn to predict when you are ovulating. There are helpful pictures and diagrams to further illustrate how to track your temperature, cervical mucus and even cervical position so you'll know when to avoid intercourse if you don't want to become pregnant.
More types of birth control become available all the time, but it's important to know the risks and benefits of each type before trying it. While doing research on your own is an important first step, your doctor is your best resource when deciding which form of birth control is right for you.
Article comments:
No comments for this article yet. Post your comment now!
