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 "Woman must not accept; she must challenge.
She must not be awed by that which has been built up around her;
she must reverence that woman in her which struggles for expression." ~ Margaret Sanger Birth Control Options Condoms every time, (even with long-term boyfriend) plus: - The Pill – oral contraceptive pill: 92% efficacy, take one a day, every day around the same time, side effects generally acceptable.
- The Ring – Nuvaring: 92% efficacy, only once a month. you place the plastic ring in the vagina for 3 weeks, discard for 1 week (when you will get your menses) and then a new ring is replaced. Can have sex with ring in place (or can be removed for up to 3 hours and replaced without losing efficacy.) low hormones, few side fx. Can be inserted with tampon applicator or folded and placed in vagina.
- The Shot – Depot-Provera: 99% efficacy,given every 3 months. Works well, but many unpleasant side effects, including reversible bone loss, depression, acne, hair loss and significant weight gain.
- The IUD – intrauterine device: 99% efficacy, slightly painful insertion. Best for monogamous partners. Mirena (progesterone IUD)Lasts 5 years, lightens menses. Paragard: (copper IUD): lasts 10 years, can cause menses to be heavier, crampier.
- The Implant – Implanon: 99% efficacy, painless, 2 inch rod placed inside your upper arm, under the skin between bicep and tricep, lasts 3 years. Minimal side effects, patients love it's ease of use, convenience. Only downside: unpredictable bleeding pattern (20 days bleeding or spotting/90 days. ) Same # days of bleeding/90 days but irregular: progesterone-only, anyone can use.
- Condoms - alone, 90% efficacious, add spermicide (also over the counter) to increase efficacy to 98%. Works well, without any hormonal side effects.
Birth Control Method | Efficacy | Pros | Cons | Condoms | 90% | - prevents STDs
- inexpensive
- easily available
| - only 90% effective
- reduced
- spontaneity
| The Pill | 92.4% | - effective
- other benefits:
- decreases cramps
- less blood loss
- helps acne
| - some women cannot use estrogen due to medical probs: migraines w/aura, thrombophilia, certain seizure medications
- easy to forget
| | 92.4% | | - some women uncomfortable with placing
| | 99.4% | - lasts 3 yrs
- fertility returns quickly
| | Intrauterine Device (IUD):
Mirena | 99.4 | - extremely effective
- decrease cramps, blood loss
- lasts 5 years
| - painful to place if no vaginal births
- expensive if not covered by insurance
| Tubal Ligation | 99.4% | | - considered irreversible
- requires general anesthesia
| Vasectomy | 99.4% | - extremely effective
- local anesthesia
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“It has been said that we need just three things in life: Something to do, Something to look forward to, and someone to love.” |
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