Birth control has come a long way since the introduction of the birth control pill. There are now more than a dozen methods to choose from, including shots, rings and patches. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, which will differ for each women depending on her schedule, body and preferences.
Advantage: Efficacy
A major advantage of using birth control is that, when used correctly, it's very effective at preventing pregnancy. According to Planed Parenthood, many kinds of birth control are over 99 percent effective. If it's very important for you to not become pregnant, you can safely rely on methods like the pill, the patch, the shot or an IUD. Combined with using condoms for protection from STDs, birth control gives many women piece of mind and allows them to enjoy sex without worrying.
Disadvantage: Side Effects
According to the Center for Young Women's Health, hormonal methods of birth control, like the pill, can cause side effects for some women. These side effects can include nausea, headache, slight weight gain and in rare cases, stroke or heart attack. Most side effects from the pill go away quickly as your body adjusts to your new hormone levels, but for a small amount of women, these side effects are bothersome enough to dissuade them from using hormonal birth control. These women may instead opt for condoms, diaphragms or other non-hormonal types.
Advantage: Convenience of Some Methods
Another advantage of birth control is that some methods require little to no work. An IUD, for example, can stay in place for five to ten years, depending on the brand. Birth control shots can be given monthly or every three months. The ring is worn internally for 30 days while the patch is worn externally for one week at a time. Not having to remember to take a pill each day or not having to stop during lovemaking to use your contraceptive can be very convenient.
Advantages: Improved Hormonal Cycle
Many women take birth control for reasons other than contraception. Women who have heavy periods, severe cramping and uncomfortable mood swings often find relief of these symptoms through contraceptive use. Birth control is also often prescribed by dermatologists as a treatment for acne. According to The Center for Young Women's Health, hormonal birth control can also decrease symptoms associated with endometriosis and polycystic ovarian disorder as well as reduce the risk of certain reproductive cancers.
