Birth control has been a debated issues ever since the introduction of the birth control pill in 1906, and the availability of latex condoms in the 1930's. Myths of birth control have also been prominent, ranging from the use of Lysol disinfectant in the 1950's to prevent pregnancy, to the belief that all forms of birth control protect you from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as AIDS or syphilis. With so many people saying so many things, it's important to get the facts straight when it comes to birth control.
Health Effects
One of the commonly debated issues revolving around birth control are the possibilities of health issues arising from the use of certain products. For example, according to Planned Parenthood professionals, hormonal birth control methods (such as the pill or patch) can cause side effects including vomiting, nausea, breast tenderness, change in libido and an increase in menstrual bleeding. More serious side effects (which are usually rare) can include heart attack, stroke and blood clot formation.
Effectiveness
Birth control can also vary by effectiveness. Each birth control method has its own failure percentage rate. According to Planned Parenthood, the most effective birth control methods, with a 1 in 100 chance of becoming pregnant, are female sterilization, vasectomies, implants and IUD devices. Methods with between two and eight pregnancies per 100 include the birth control shot, pill, patch and ring. The condom, diaphragm, cap and sponge leave result in 15 to 25 pregnancies per 100 uses. The least effective methods for birth control include withdrawal ("pulling out") and spermicides, 30 pregnancies out of 100 uses.
STDs
Another commonly talked about aspect of birth control, is the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Only one type of birth control is available to prevent all sexually transmitted diseases, and that is abstinence. The next best protection against an STD is the use of a condom. According to the Mayo Clinic, unless you are in a mutually monogamous relationship, you should always wear a condom (male or female) for protection. Wearing a condom will protect you from most sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV. However, the condom does not fully protect against the human papilloma virus (HPV). The condom also does not fully protect against herpes infection if an open sore is present on one of the partners, and is not covered by the condom. No other form of birth control provides enough of a protective barrier to prevent the infection of a sexually transmitted disease.
Permanent vs Temporary
Birth control debates also revolve around permanent versus temporary birth control. The most temporary methods are condoms and withdrawal. The birth control pill, shot, patch and ring last longer, but each vary in how long the products work, before needing to be replaced or taken again. The IUD and implant last a little longer, but must be inserted and removed by a medical professional. Finally, the longest lasting forms (and in some cases permanent forms) of birth control are female sterilization and the vasectomy. In some cases these may be reversed, with less risk, and higher chances of reversal with a male vasectomy.
Adolescence
One of the most talked about issues surrounding birth control is with teenagers. According to the Guttmacher Institute, more than 750,000 teenagers between the ages of 15 and 19 become pregnant each year. Many of these teenagers do not have the resources or the ability to raise a child. This has led to an emphasis both in schools and the community on educating teenagers about birth control options. This has also led to a division between those who feel that teenagers should not be sexually active, and those who feel teenagers should be prepared if they choose to be active. Regardless of the feelings of the parents, according to the Maine Family Planning Center, many states allow children under 18 to gain access to birth control through family planning clinics, even without their parents knowledge or permission.
