Birth Control Methods
Birth control methods are varied and although the safest way to avoid pregnancy is still abstinence, various methods of contraception have been popular to many people who have chosen to be sexually active. These options are common to married couples who are not ready to have children just yet, or young adults who are already active sexually.
To choose the best birth control method that will work, consider these factors:
- Convenience - How convenient is it to use?
- Effectiveness - Is it effective? What are its success and failure rates?
- Safety and Disadvantages - Is it safe to use? Does it have health risks?
- Price - Is it affordable?
- Lifestyle Compatibility - Does it fit your lifestyle?
The following are birth control methods along with some information about their convenience, effectiveness, safety, and price and lifestyle compatibility.
1. Male Condoms
Convenience - Must be used every sexual intercourse.
Effectiveness - 99 percent effective, the remaining one percent is on the possibility of breakage or leakage.
Safety and Disadvantages - Very safe to use. It is the only method of contraception that also prevents sexually transmitted diseases.
Price - 50 cents and above. Health centers give away condoms or sometimes charge very little.
Lifestyle Compatibility - Appropriate for those who have several sexual partners, those who are sexually active and those who are not sexually active.
2. Birth Control Pills (one of the most popular birth control methods)
Convenience- Must be taken once every day.
Effectiveness - 99 percent effective.
Safety and Disadvantages - Generally safe but has very rare but serious health risks. These include blod clotting, stroke and heart attack. Other minor side effects are weight gain/loss, headaches and nausea. Women who are aged 35 and above may have greater health concerns regarding using pills.
Price - Ranges from 20 to 30 dollars per pack at drugstores. Health centers offer pills in a less price.
Lifestyle Compatibility - Might not be appropriate for people who have difficulty in keeping track with time schedules or women who smoke.
3. The Birth Control Shot
Convenience - Lasts for 12 weeks and may be used by women who do not take estrogen. This is also advisable for women who are breastfeeding.
Effectiveness - Up to 99 percent effective
Safety and Disadvantages - Weight gain, late periods, headaches, abdominal pain, nervousness, darkening of the skin or skin rash. This may also cause delays on pregnancy one the use is stopped.
Price - 30 to 75 dollars every injection but have less price in health centers.
This is definately the longest lasting birth control methods.
4. Birth Control Patch (Ortho Evra)
Convenience - It is convenient since there is no pill to take everyday because a woman will only have remove to a patch every seven days.
Effectiveness - It is Up to 99 percent effective.
Safety and Disadvantages - May result to skin rashes on the site of application and this is not applicable to women who are more than 198 pounds in weight. Also, there is always a possibility of pregnancy especially if the patch is applied incorrectly or id not removed for more than seven days.
Price - May range from 30 to 40 dollars per month?s supply of patches.
Lifestyle Compatibility - Not appropriate for those who smoke as it may increase the risk of blood clots or heart attack or worse, stroke.
Before starting on any birth control methods , never forget to ask for suggestions from your primary health care provider.