For anyone who plans on having sex but isn't quite ready for a baby...
I am in a Gender and Women's Studies class right now and we recently had a big discussion of reproductive rights. Abortion tends to dominate all discussions of reproductive rights, but I am not interested in debating or even really discussing with any of you about your views on abortion (at least definitely not on my blog), but I do believe we should make a point that access to effective and affordable birth control is of the utmost importance at this point. If nothing else, EDUCATION about effective birth control is important. So, let's talk...
Option 1: Intrauterine Device (IUD)Small piece of plastic with copper inside it that is inserted into the uterus. It prevents implantation of a fertilized egg. It lasts up to 10 years, can result in heavier periods, and may increase the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease among women with multiple sexual partners. IUDs do NOT protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
(Reportedly 99.9% effective)
Option 2: Hormone Regulation MethodsThe pill
An Oral contraceptive that contains combinations of two hormones: progestin and estrogen. Side effects include nausea, weight gain, breast tenderness, and headaches. Usually work by preventing a woman's ovaries from releasing eggs (ovulation). They also thicken the cervical mucus, which keeps sperm from joining with an egg.
(Reportedly typical use - 92% effective, but perfect (daily, same time) use - 99.7% effective)
The minipill
Contains no estrogen and a small dose of progestin and has fewer side effects than a regular pill, and it works by thickening cervical mucus and/or preventing ovulation.
NorplantA contraceptive device that lasts 5 years. Six flexible capsules are inserted beneath the skin on the upper arm where they release progestin to suppress ovulation. Implants are continuous long-lasting birth control without sterilization and can be used by women who cannot take estrogen. The ability to become pregnant returns quickly when use is stopped. They implants can cause irregular bleeding and the possibility of pain and scarring upon removal.
(Reportedly 99.9% effective)
Depo-proveraAn injection of synthetic hormones that suppress ovulation for 11 to 13 months. There are similar side effects as the pill, including depression and heavier, more frequent periods. The effects are not easily reversible and it may take up to a year before a woman is fertile again.
(Reportedly 97 - 99.7% effective)
NuvaRingFlexible, transparent ring about 3 inches in diameter that is inserted vaginally once a month. It releases a continuous dose of estrogen and progestin. It remains inserted in the vagina for 21 days and then is removed and discarded and a new ring inserted.
(Reportedly 92 - 99.7% effective)
Option 3: Barrier MethodsDiaphragm, Cervical Cap, Shield
Barrier methods that are inserted into the vagina before intercourse. They fit over the cervix and prevent sperm from entering the uterus. They work in conjunction with spermicide jelly that is placed around the rim of the device.
(Reportedly 84 - 94% effective)
Spermicide
Jelly used with items above. Spermicidal foam is inserted into the vagina with a small plunger. Unlike many other methods, spermicides are available at any drugstore. These (and the items above) work best when used in conjunction with a condom. Much less effective when used alone.
(When used alone, reportedly 74 - 80% effective)
Condom
Male condom is a latex rubber tube that is unrolled on the penis. The female condom is a floppy polyurethane tube with an inner ring at the closed end that fits over the cervix and an outer ring at the open end that hangs outside the vagina. Condoms block sperm from entering the vagina. Condoms are the only form of contraception that offers prevention against sexually transmitted diseases generally and HIV/AIDS in particular. All health care providers emphasize that individuals not in a mutually monogamous sexual relationship should always use condoms.
(Reportedly 85 - 98% effective)
Option 4: Emergency Contraception Pills (ECPs)
Used after unprotected heterosexual intercourse. Commonly known as the "morning-after pill." ECPs are effective if taken up to 120 hours after unprotected intercourse, although they are most effective if taken within 12 hours. They provide a high dose of the same hormones in birth control pills to prevent ovulation and fertilization. They DO NOT terminate a pregnancy, but rather PREVENT one from occurring. They are available by prescription only.
(Reportedly 74 - 89% effective, depending on how quickly they are taken)
Basically, for whatever reason, just get educated about birth control. The best way to prevent abortions is to use birth control to prevent unplanned or unwanted pregnancies. Although, not all unplanned pregnancies are unwanted! Just be safe!! Ask your gynecologist, your mother, your teacher, your friend. Ask!!
(I took some of the descriptions for these things word-for-word from my GWS book. It's is called Women's Voices Feminist Visions and it's by Susan M. Shawn and Janet Lee.)
Barrier methods that are inserted into the vagina before intercourse. They fit over the cervix and prevent sperm from entering the uterus. They work in conjunction with spermicide jelly that is placed around the rim of the device.
(Reportedly 84 - 94% effective)
SpermicideJelly used with items above. Spermicidal foam is inserted into the vagina with a small plunger. Unlike many other methods, spermicides are available at any drugstore. These (and the items above) work best when used in conjunction with a condom. Much less effective when used alone.
(When used alone, reportedly 74 - 80% effective)
CondomMale condom is a latex rubber tube that is unrolled on the penis. The female condom is a floppy polyurethane tube with an inner ring at the closed end that fits over the cervix and an outer ring at the open end that hangs outside the vagina. Condoms block sperm from entering the vagina. Condoms are the only form of contraception that offers prevention against sexually transmitted diseases generally and HIV/AIDS in particular. All health care providers emphasize that individuals not in a mutually monogamous sexual relationship should always use condoms.
(Reportedly 85 - 98% effective)
Option 4: Emergency Contraception Pills (ECPs)Used after unprotected heterosexual intercourse. Commonly known as the "morning-after pill." ECPs are effective if taken up to 120 hours after unprotected intercourse, although they are most effective if taken within 12 hours. They provide a high dose of the same hormones in birth control pills to prevent ovulation and fertilization. They DO NOT terminate a pregnancy, but rather PREVENT one from occurring. They are available by prescription only.
(Reportedly 74 - 89% effective, depending on how quickly they are taken)
Basically, for whatever reason, just get educated about birth control. The best way to prevent abortions is to use birth control to prevent unplanned or unwanted pregnancies. Although, not all unplanned pregnancies are unwanted! Just be safe!! Ask your gynecologist, your mother, your teacher, your friend. Ask!!
(I took some of the descriptions for these things word-for-word from my GWS book. It's is called Women's Voices Feminist Visions and it's by Susan M. Shawn and Janet Lee.)
1 comment:
i will take one of each
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