Raise your hand if you’re too embarrassed to talk about your sexual health. We see you girlfriend. Sexual health is not the most thrilling topic to discuss at the brunch table on Sunday with your girlfriends. Sure, we may discuss some of our sexual escapades with our new hot neighbor or the guy at work. But it’s a rarity to talk about the actual health of our reproductive systems.
Why is that? is it because we’re embarrassed? Or is it something different entirely? Perhaps it’s because most of us have no idea what goes on down there. There are a few things that we should know like the back of our hands. One of which is birth control and contraception.
At this point, most of you are probably thinking, “Duh. birth control is the pill, condoms, or abstinence. We know that already!”
You are 100% correct if you thought of these birth control methods, but many women are unaware that there are multiple OTHER forms of contraception. We should have options when it comes to preventing pregnancy, because let’s face it, we all have different bodies. If you are someone that thinks the pill is the only way to go about this, then sit back, relax, and let us blow your mind. Below, we’ll walk through birth control options and the pros and cons of each. By the end of this article, you’ll feel like a freakin doctor, and will be able to make educated decisions about your sex life.
The Shot
Okay friends; let’s admit something to ourselves really quick. We are forgetful. It’s hard to admit but it’s very true. Ever leave the house and remember you forgot to turn your straightener off? Ever remember that you left the garage door open? Ever remember that you forgot to take your birth control pill at the appropriate time? Ooops. Remembering to take a pill everyday, consistently is a little difficult for some of us. And that’s completely alright. If you are not a fan of the pill for contraception there’s now a shot. The shot is taken once every three months and will protect you from pregnancy because of the injection of Progestin. Progestin is a hormone in your body that prevents the release of eggs, ultimately eliminating the chance of getting pregnant.
Pros: You don’t have to remember to take a pill everyday, it prevents pregnancy, it is about 99% effective if used correctly, and it may provide you with lighter periods.
Cons: It can be a little on the pricey side running you at about $120 dollars if your insurance doesn’t cover it, needles are involved, and you have to remember to give yourself the shot at the same time every three months. Negative side effects include: irregular bleeding, weight gain, and change in appetite.
If you are the type of person who wants a low maintenance, lazy kind of birth control, this option is for you. You don’t have to put in any effort for three whole months, which is pretty nice. However, if you are someone that gets shaky and sweaty at the sight of needles, then you’re gonna struggle with this route.
The Implant
The implant is a small rod that your health care provider will implant into your upper arm. No surgery involved; the doctor will numb the area and then stick it right up there. That’s it. You’re done and safe from pregnancy for up to 3 years. Pretty great right? Literally no effort from you whatsoever. The rod releases the same hormone described above, Progestin, which is a hormone that prevents the release of eggs. Once you receive the implant, you can keep it in for a few years, or, if you decide you do not want it anymore, the doctor will simply remove it. It’s as easy as that.
Pros: One of the most effective forms of contraception, no pills, no needles, no nothing for up to three years, fewer/ lighter periods, and it cannot be seen due to the fact that it’s under the skin.
Cons: Once again, this option is a little pricey. The implant can be about $800 if not covered by insurance. Also, you will have to make an appointment with your healthcare provider. Side effects of this form include: irregular bleeding, acne, and a change in your sex drive among other less common symptoms.
The good thing about this option is that it requires no input from you. The implant does the work for you. With this, a lot of women are concerned about decreased fertility once the implant is removed, however, the implant has no effect on fertility so once you take it out, you can have babies when ready.
The IUD
You’ve probably heard about it, maybe some of your friends have one, but if you don’t really know what it’s about, listen up. An IUD is an insert that is T shaped and gets put right up there into your uterus. There are two options when it comes to an IUD: a hormonal option and a non-hormonal option. Obviously, the hormonal version will release our favorite, Progestin, to protect against pregnancy. The non-hormonal version works by preventing sperm from swimming up, so it just acts as a barrier by building a wall of mucus. Both versions are equally as effective and are active for 3-12 years.
Pros: As with the examples before this, the IUD is an extremely low maintenance option. It is extremely effective and lasts up to 12 years. Compared to the other forms, this one is less expensive and will be about $77 at the most, but most insurance companies will cover this one.
Cons: Because this is something that is inserted up your uterus, there is a chance it could fall out or become disoriented. From time to time, you may have to check to make sure its properly set by using your fingers and by making sure the strings are there. Other side effects include: cramps and backaches, spotting between periods, and infection.
The Patch
This is like the pill except in patch form! The patch looks like a tiny, tiny Band-Aid and releases hormones just like the other forms. The patch is similar to the pill based on the idea that you put it on once a week. It is better than taking a pill every day, but you still have to remember to put a new patch on every 7 days. The patch can go on your booty, stomach, arm, or upper torso, so no one has to see it!
Pros: If you are someone that feels relieved by the sight of a period, then this form of birth control may be for you. The patch will provide you with protection and with a period once a month. This product is also FREE in most cases, so if you are looking to save a little cash, go this route.
Cons: Often times, women have issues with this one because once you put it on, you can’t take it off. If you put it on your stomach on Monday and then decide to go swimming on Tuesday, you’re SOL. The patch must stay on for a week to be completely effective. There is a chance that the patch will fall off, so you must also be cautious about this. Other common negatives include: irregular bleeding between periods, breast tenderness, and nausea.
The Sponge
In the heat of the moment, someone is usually the one to pull out a condom or suggest it. Instead of grabbing the typical rubber, grab a sponge! That’s right, we said it, a sponge. The sponge is exactly what it sounds like. It is a piece of white foam that is small and is inserted into the vagina before sex. It works by preventing sperm from traveling places they’re not supposed to go.
Pros: No prior effort needs to put in for this to be effective. Use it exactly like you use a condom. However, it is different from a condom in that you can use it as many times as you want while it’s inserted. No hormones are used, so your body will not react to it in any way. Also, you can insert it up to 24 hours before intercourse, so if you’re not sure if you’re getting lucky, stick it up there just in case.
Cons: The fact that there is a sponge up there may be uncomfortable for a lot of women. You have to take the sponge out 6 hours after sex in order for it to be effective, which is a little inconvenient. Also, the sponge can be difficult to insert, especially if you are putting it in right before sex. According to scientists, the sponge is only about 80% effective, whereas, other options named previously had almost 100% effective rates. This is definitely one to contemplate.
Whichever way you are leaning, isn’t it reassuring to know that you have OPTIONS? Sexual health is just as important as mental and physical health, so be proactive about it. Do some research, ask questions, figure out what works best. The website used to gather the information above was bedsider.org, and it is fantastic for all things birth control.
There are pictures, statistics, and videos of people discussing their experience with each form. It is a great way to compare and contrast the various options. Use this site and others to make a decision for YOU, regarding YOU, and ultimately making YOU happy. It’s all about you girlfriend.
The post Tired Of The Pill? Try These Alternative Birth Control Methods appeared first on the Lala.