Multitudes of birth control options exist for women desiring to avoid pregnancy. Pills, patches, creams, inserts, hormone shots and implanted devices are a few of the options available for women. Risks to health, however, exist and increase with certain factors like age, weight and smoking. Consider the effectiveness, ease of use, costs and permanence when deciding on a birth control method. Additionally, get the facts about your risks.
Sponge
Vaginal contraceptive sponges are spermicide-soaked sponges available over-the-counter. Placed over the cervix before intercourse, the sponge is left inside to absorb semen for up to eight hours. This is considered a barrier method. It is less accurate when compared to other birth control methods, such as the pill and other hormones, and particularly among women who have already delivered a child. The health risks associated with the sponge include minor risks like vaginal irritation and more serious problems like toxic shock syndrome, a potentially fatal, though rare, reaction.
IUD
The IUD (intrauterine device) is a small device made of either copper or plastic and inserted in the uterus. Some brands (such as Merena) work with a hormone like progestin, which is released slowly into the body for added protection. An IUD must be inserted by a health care provider, a painful process for some, though the benefit of having a long-lasting, low-maintenance method is well worth the temporary discomfort for many women. The IUD is as effective as the birth control pill, though health risks like cramps, bleeding and perforation of the uterus exist.
The Pill
Birth control pills are a frequently used pregnancy prevention method. A prescription is needed for pills containing hormones like progestin and estrogen, which are used to prevent ovulation. A host of brands are available, some of which claim to reduce the frequency of menstrual periods, clear acne and decrease adverse menstrual symptoms. To be effective, you must take the pill regularly at similar times each day. Health risks include weight gain, high blood pressure, blood clots and stroke, which are more likely to occur among women who smoke, are over 35 and who have other health conditions such as cancer, liver disease, unexplained vaginal bleeding and history of heart attack or stroke. These women are advised to use other methods of birth control.
