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Half of all pregnancies in the U.S. are unwanted. Here's a look at the most common forms of birth control.
Women have more birth control options than ever. Which method is the right one? That depends on each woman's needs, health and age.
Women should check with their doctors to discuss options. National Women's Health Week, May 13-19, is the perfect time to schedule an appointment.
Risks such as smoking, high blood pressure and heart conditions need to be taken into consideration. Manufacturers of most hormone forms of birth control say they're a little less effective for overweight women. Women also should consider options if they're planning to get pregnant after discontinuing a method. There also is emergency contraception, Plan B, also known as the morning-after pill, which prevents pregnancy. It must be used within 72 hours of unprotected sex (you forgot to take your pill, the condom breaks, the diaphragm is out of place, etc.) The more controversial RU-486 pill can be used in the first nine weeks of pregnancy and results in a nonsurgical abortion.
Of course, the Food and Drug Administration gives this piece of advice: The only way to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease is to practice abstinence. That being said, here's an overview of the most popular birth-control methods.
The Rundown
CONDOM
How it works: Sheath of latex, plastic or lamb membrane covers the penis and blocks sperm.
Failure rate: Out of 100 women, 11-15 pregnancies with somewhat consistent use, two pregnancies with perfect use.
Side effects: Some people have an allergic reaction to latex.
Where to get it: Over the counter
STD protection: Yes, except the lambskin
The good: Convenient and the only form of birth control that also protects against STDS.
The bad: Spontaneity suffers. Must be used correctly — put it on before sexual contact; use a new condom with each act of intercourse; remove it immediately after.
Who should use it: Men and women of any age who want to guard against pregnancy and disease.
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DEPO-PROVERA SHOT
How it works: The hormone progesterone is injected in a woman's hip or arm every 12 weeks, preventing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus and altering the lining of the uterus.
Failure rate: Fewer than one in 100 women per year got pregnant
Side effects: Spotting, irregular or no periods. More serious risks include depression and heavy bleeding.
STD protection: No
Where to get it: Must be prescribed by a doctor.
The good: You don't have to take it every day; it's effective for 12 weeks.
The bad: It can result in loss of bone density, and it can take up to a year to have a period or get pregnant after discontinued use.
Who should use it: Women who can't take estrogen and don't want to get pregnant in the next year.
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DIAPHRAGM
How it works: A rubber-domed shield covers the cervix to block sperm. Must be used with a spermicide, which immobilizes the sperm.
Failure rate: Out of 100 women, 16-17 pregnancies occurred with somewhat consistent use, six with perfect use.
Side effects: Some women are irritated by spermicide and get urinary tract infections. Risk for toxic shock syndrome increases when it's left in longer than 24 hours.
STD protection: No
Where to get it: Must be prescribed by doctor.
The good: No hormones; easily transportable.
The bad: Difficult to insert. Must be left in for six hours after last act of intercourse. Additional spermicide must be re-applied before each sexual encounter.
Who should use it: Women of any age who don't want to take hormones and aren't on their periods.
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IUD
How it works: A T-shaped intrauterine device is inserted. It affects the way sperm swim and prevents them from reaching the egg. A Mirena IUD also emits a progestin hormone that thickens the mucus in the cervix.
Failure rate: Fewer than one pregnancy occurred in 100 women.
Side effects: Cramping, bleeding.
STD protection: No
Where to get it: Must be inserted by a doctor.
The good: A copper IUD can remain in place for up to 12 years. A Mirena IUD is effective for five years.
The bad: It must be removed by a doctor.
Who should use it: Women who are looking for a long-term method or who want to get pregnant quickly after discontinued use.
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THE PATCH
How it works: A skin patch releases hormones progestin and estrogen into the bloodstream. A new one is placed on the buttocks, stomach, arm or torso once a week for three weeks. No patch is used during the fourth week.
Failure rate: One-two pregnancies occurred per 100 women. Pregnancy rates increased for women over 198 pounds.
Side effects: Nausea, dizziness, change in period, weight gain. More serious risks include blood clots, high blood pressure, heart attack and strokes. Smoking can increase those risks.
STD protection: No
Where to get it: Must be prescribed by a doctor.
The good: Easily reversible; only has to be applied once a week.
The bad: You have to make sure it doesn't fall off.
Who should use it: Non-smoking women younger than 35 without a history of heart disease or high blood pressure.
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THE PILL
How it works: Uses hormones estrogen and/or progestin to thicken cervical mucus and/or prevent ovulation.
Failure rate: Out of 100 women, there were eight pregnancies in the first year of use, one or two pregnancies after it was used for a year.
Side effects: Nausea, dizziness, change in periods, weight gain. More serious risks include blood clots, high blood pressure, heart attack and strokes. Smoking can increase those risks.
STD protection: No
Where to get it: Must be prescribed by a doctor.
The good: It's the most effective form of birth control.
The bad: You have remember to take it every day.
Who should use it: Non-smoking women under the age of 35 without a history of heart disease or high blood pressure.
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SPERMICIDE
How it works: Inserting a jelly, cream, film or suppositories containing sperm-killing nonoxynol-9, which foams and bubbles to block sperm from entering the uterus.
Failure rate: 20-50 pregnancies occurred per 100 women.
Side effects: Some women become irritated or get urinary tract infections from using nonoxynol-9, especially with repeated use.
STD protection: No
Where to get it: Over the counter
The good: Cheap and portable.
The bad: Must wait about 10 minutes to become effective, and all that foam and cream gets messy. Additional spermicide is required for each encounter.
Who should use it: Women of all ages who aren't allergic to nonoxynol-9, can't take hormones and are with a committed partner.
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THE SPONGE
How it works: A disk-shaped device containing spermicide is inserted to fit around the cervix, blocking and immobilizing sperm.
Failure rate: 14-28 pregnancies occurred per 100 women. Pregnancy risk increased in women who had given birth.
Side effects: Irritation; some women are allergic to nonoxynol-9 spermicide.
STD protection: No
Where to get it: Over the counter
The good: Effective for 24 hours.
The bad: Must be left in for at least six hours after intercourse. Can get messy because the sponge must be wet and foamy before insertion.
Who should use it: Women of all ages who are looking for a portable, disposable form of birth control.
Sources: FDA.gov, plannedparenthood.com, CDC.gov
Jennifer McInnis | 210SA |
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