There are many options available for women today when it comes to preventing pregnancy. From pills to shots to implants, it can all start to make your head spin. Your age, health, and lifestyle are just a few things to consider when choosing which method is best for you.
• Birth Control Pills: As TIME Magazine revisits its’ 1967 cover story this week, we look back and see how the lives of American women were radically changing after just a decade of the pill’s existence. Today, the pill is the most popular form of birth control, with over 10 million women using this method. It is over 99% effective when taken as prescribed. There are two types of pills-ones that contain both the hormones estrogen and progestin, and ones that only have progestin. Both pills make your cervical mucus thicker and thin the lining of the uterus. Progestin-only pills, or mini-pills, are option for women who are sensitive to estrogen, but can be associated with increased clotting risks and are slightly less effective.
• IUD: IUD stands for Intrauterine Device. It’s a small T-shaped, plastic device either wrapped in copper or containing hormones. Your doctor inserts the device for you into your uterus. A huge benefit with having an IUD is that you can protected for up to 10 years, depending on the device you choose. If your circumstances change at any point, the device is easily removed by your doctor and you can get pregnant right away.
• Other hormonal methods: Options include a shot of progestin in the upper arm or buttock every 3 months, a patch placed on the skin once a week, or an implant placed under the skin of the upper arm for up to 4 years. These options are over 90% effective.
• Barrier methods: Things like condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, and sponges all create a barrier between the uterus and sperm. These methods are less effective, usually between 79-88%.
• Natural family planning: Using ovulation as a guide, and avoiding sexual intercourse prior to and during ovulation.
• Sterilization: For women, having a tubal ligation or hysterectomy prevents pregnancy indefinitely, while a vasectomy does the same for men.
While there are many safe and effective birth control options, your choice should consider the risks and benefits of each. If you are looking for new options when it comes to your birth control, new research studies are currently enrolling at FMC Science! Participants are seen by board-certified physicians and other medical professionals throughout the study process. Compensation is also available for time and travel expense. To find out more about this opportunity, click HERE.
