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WOMEN'S HEALTH: BIRTH CONTROL

Sexual intimacy is about making choices. We choose when we are ready to become sexually active and with whom. We must choose to do it in the safest way possible, in terms of prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Eighty five percent of women who use no contraceptives during vaginal intercourse become pregnant each year. The only guarantee against pregnancy is not having vaginal intercourse. Other contraceptive methods can greatly reduce the risk of pregnancy during vaginal intercourse. Contraceptive needs may change throughout life. To decide which method is appropriate for you to use, you need to know:

  • How well will it fit into your lifestyle?
  • How convenient will it be?
  • How safe is this method?
  • How much will it cost?
  • Is this method reversible?
  • Will it protect against sexually transmitted infections?

Types of Methods Available
There are various types of methods of birth control. Barrier methods include condoms (for men and women) and spermicides, diaphragms, and cervical cap. Hormonal methods are birth control pills, the patch (Ortho Evra), the ring (Nuvaring), implantable tubes (Norplant), Intrauterine device, and the monthly (Lunelle) or every three month (Depo Provera) shots. Behavioral methods are abstinence, withdrawal, outercourse, and (possibly) continuous breast-feeding. Non-reversible methods of birth control include tubal ligation for women and vasectomy for men.

The advantages and disadvantages of each method should be discussed with your health care provider because many questions or issues related to birth control may pertain to an individual's lifestyle and personal preferences.

Safety of Various Methods
All the methods are safe if used properly and appropriately prescribed for an individual based on one's personal history. For instance, a woman with a history of blood clotting problems should be evaluated thoroughly before hormonal methods of contraception are used. 

Women with a previous history of pelvic infections probably is not a good candidate for an intrauterine device. Some of the hormonal methods of contraception have an upper weight recommendation for their use. Despite the "old wives' tales," a woman does not need to periodically stop hormonal methods of contraception in order to "give her body a rest!" Only the barrier method of a condom and spermicide can protect against sexually transmitted infections.

Costs of Various Methods
The monthly cost of hormonal methods of contraception are about $15-40 per month. Depo Provera is about $50 per injection. Diaphragms cost about $15-25 plus $4-8 for spermicidal cream or jelly. Norplant costs are $500-750 for the exam, implants, and insertion plus $200 for removal. Condoms are $2.50 for the female version and $.50 for the male condom. These costs are estimates and may vary according to the source and associated exam costs.

For more specific information, make an appointment to discuss issues with your health care provider or refer to other reputable sources on the internet.

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