Birth Control Decision Help?
Answers:
There is no universal ''better'' method, as all women react differently to birth control.
There are several types. You'll necessitate to talk to your doctor about what brands and dosages will be best for you.
The birth control pill is a pill taken every day (works best if taken at one and the same time every day), usually three weeks on, one week off, but you can also take them for three months on, a week off, etc. Discuss this beside your doctor. They come in different brands and different hormone levels. The pill tricks your body into thinking it is pregnant by releasing hormones that are present during pregnancy. You stop ovulating, so there is no egg to fertilize, and your cervical mucus also thicken, making if more difficult for sperm to get into the uterus. You can get this for around $20-$50/month from your doctor, or discounted or free from a Planned Parenthood clinic or something similar. Discounted is often around $10 or so.
The birth control shot (Depo-Provera) is an injection any in the arm or buttocks every three months. It is great for people that can't remember to take a pill every light of day, but there are many side effects, and it is often used as a finishing resort when other birth control methods are inappropriate for the woman taking them. Around $40/shot
An IUD is a little plastic or copper T shaped implant, and it is placed inside the uterus. A hormonal IUD releases hormones close to the pill would, and also puts a foreign body into the uterus, so if an egg was fertilized it would not implant to the uterine lining because of the hostile environment. The non-hormonal IUD provides a hostile environment. These ending 3+ years depending on the type. Some doctors will not give you an IUD until after you've had children, as they have to dilate your cervix to put it within. Around $250
The patch is similar to a Nicorette patch, you place it on the skin and the hormones are absorbed. It works the same way the pill does, but you do not hold to take it daily. Change the patch once weekly. Some people find that the patch fall off or irritate sensitive skin. Around $30-$35/month
There is an implant you can gain under the skin in your arm called Implanon, and it is 40mm long and 2mm widespread, much like a match stick. It releases progesterone only, but again tricks the body into thinking it is pregnant. This last around three years but can be removed any time before this. $300 or more to insert, $100 to remove.
A vaginal ring (NuvaRing is a brand) is a thin ring that is inserted into the vagina, where on earth it then dissolves and is absorbed through the skin. It works the same as other hormonal contraceptives, by tricking your body into thinking it is pregnant. Many women I know find that the NuvaRing give them yeast infections or that they/their partner can feel it. Around $25-$35/month
Plan B (The Morning After Pill) is like the godzilla of birth control pills. It is to be used as an emergency contraception only, and no more than 6 times a year. It is a highly developed dose of hormones than the regular birth control pill, and if taken properly SHOULD prevent you from ovulating. If you are already pregnant it will NOT kill the fertilized egg or terminate the pregnancy. There is an 'abortion pill' that does this. Plan B can be bought over the counter from your pharmacist for around $40-$80 over the age of 18. Before this it requires a prescription.
Family Planning is a method of birth control for couples that can deal beside the consequences of an unplanned pregnancy. This involves avoiding sex the days you ovulate and are most likely to conceive.
A diaphragm is a cap placed over the cervix and prevents sperm from entering the uterus. These are less efficient and require a proper fitting.
Condoms, spermicides and female condoms are also other methods. You can usually get mannish condoms for free from sexual health clinics, the school nurse, etc. A larger box of condoms (12+ condoms) is around $10 or $12
Talk to your doctor about the right type for you, and be sure to know roughly any risks or side effects. Most commonly there is a little weight gain (less than 10 lbs), breast swelling and discomfort, headaches, dizziness, or mood swings at first. These should sort themselves out in three months. If not, it's time to look at a different hormone dose. Serious side effects include blood clots.
To be safe you should use a birth control method as ably as a condom to protect yourself from infection or the off chance of an unplanned pregnancy.
(All prices are based on what I see most normally in Canada. Medical insurance often covers some birth control methods, or there are aides and organization that provide it cheaper or free) Source(s): Entirely too many classes on the matter
Working in a hospital
Studying biomedical science
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