Contraception, also known as birth control, is a method used to prevent pregnancy. They work by inhibiting ovulation, fertilization, or implantation of a fertilized egg. Contraceptives can be temporary or permanent, and they can be used alone or in combination with other methods. They can be hormonal, barrier, or intrauterine, and they can be obtained with prescription or over the counter.
Contraceptives can help reduce the risk of unintended pregnancies, which can have positive effects on health, education and economic status of individuals and families, and on the overall population. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports data on the use of various types of contraceptives among women in the United States. It includes information on the effectiveness of different methods, as well as access to and use of contraceptives among different population groups.
There are many different types of contraception available, each with their own set of benefits and drawbacks. In this article, we will discuss the various contraceptive options available and their effectiveness in preventing pregnancy.
BIRTH CONTROL PILL
One of the most popular and effective types of contraception is the hormonal birth control pill. This method uses hormones to prevent ovulation, which is the release of an egg from the ovary. The pill is taken daily and is over 91% effective when used correctly. However, it is important to note that the pill does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
The pill also requires daily dosing, which can be a burden for some people. Additionally, some women may experience side effects such as nausea, headaches, and changes in mood or sex drive. The Population Council is an international, non-profit organization that conducts research on population and reproductive health, including on the development, testing, and introduction of new contraceptive methods. While the pill is generally considered safe for most people, it can cause some side effects. These side effects can vary depending on the individual and the type of pill used.
Some women may experience nausea when they first start taking the pill. This is usually temporary and can be relieved by taking the pill with food or at bedtime. Some may experience headaches or migraines while taking the pill. If this is a problem, switching to a different type of pill may help. Changes in mood or sex drive are usually temporary and may be related to fluctuations in hormone levels.
Breast tenderness can also be experienced while taking the pill. This is usually temporary and can be relieved by switching to a different type of pill. Some women may experience spotting or breakthrough bleeding while taking the pill. This can usually be resolved by continuing to take the pill or switching to a different type of pill. You may experience weight gain while taking the pill. This is usually temporary and may be related to changes in water retention or appetite.
CONTRACEPTIVE PATCH
Another hormonal option is the contraceptive patch, which is applied to the skin once a week and releases hormones to prevent ovulation. The patch is over 91% effective when used correctly. Similar to the pill, it does not protect against STIs and some people may experience skin irritation from the patch. The contraceptive ring, also known as the NuvaRing, is inserted into the vagina and releases hormones to prevent ovulation. The ring is also over 91% effective when used correctly and like the pill and patch, it does not protect against STIs. The ring also requires monthly replacement.
The most common side effects of the contraceptive patch are similar to those of other hormonal contraceptives, such as the birth control pill. Some people may experience redness, itching, or rash at the site of the patch. This is usually temporary and can be relieved by switching to a different location on the skin or by using a different type of birth control.
INTRAUTERINE DEVICES
Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are another highly effective form of contraception. These small, T-shaped devices are inserted into the uterus by a healthcare provider and can remain in place for up to five or ten years. There are two types of IUDs: hormonal and copper. Hormonal IUDs release hormones to prevent ovulation, while copper IUDs use copper to create an environment that is hostile to sperm. Both types of IUDs have a failure rate of less than 1%, making them one of the most effective forms of contraception available. However, it’s important to note that insertion and removal of the IUD can be uncomfortable or painful.
Some people may experience side effects after having an IUD inserted or while it’s in place. Some women may experience cramping or pain during or immediately after the insertion of the IUD. This is usually temporary and can be relieved with over-the-counter pain medication. During the first few months after the insertion of the IUD some people may experience spotting or breakthrough bleeding This is usually temporary and can be resolved with time.
In rare cases, the IUD may be expelled from the uterus. This usually happens in the first few months after insertion and can be caused by a variety of factors such as infection, heavy menstrual bleeding or physical activity. Some people may experience changes in their menstrual cycle after having an IUD inserted, including heavier or longer periods. This can be a side effect of the hormonal IUDs.
In some cases, the IUD may lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which is an infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries. Symptoms of PID include fever, pain during intercourse, and abnormal vaginal bleeding.
CONDOMS AND DIAPHRAGMS
Barrier methods of contraception, such as condoms and diaphragms, physically block the sperm from reaching the egg. When used correctly and consistently, condoms can be over 98% effective in preventing pregnancy. However, the effectiveness of condoms decreases when they are not used correctly or consistently.
Additionally, some people may have an allergic reaction to the material used in condoms. Diaphragms are similar to condoms in that they physically block the sperm from reaching the egg, but they must be inserted into the vagina before intercourse and left in place for at least six hours after. Diaphragms also require a prescription and fitting by a healthcare provider, and they have a failure rate of around 12%.
Some people may have an allergic reaction to the materials used in condoms, such as latex. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include itching, redness, and hives. In rare cases, condoms may break or slip during intercourse. This can be caused by improper use or storage of the condom. Some people may experience a decrease in sensation during intercourse when using condoms. Women may also experience irritation or an allergic reaction to the materials used in diaphragms. People may be more prone to urinary tract infections when using diaphragms. One may experience discomfort or pain when inserting or removing diaphragms. In rare cases, a diaphragm may be expelled from the vagina during intercourse.
INJECTABLE CONTRACEPTIVES
Injectable contraceptives, such as Depo-Provera, are a long-acting form of birth control that is administered as a shot every three months. It is over 99% effective in preventing pregnancy, but it can take up to 10 months for fertility to return after discontinuing the injections.
Another long-acting contraceptive option is the contraceptive implant, a small rod that is inserted under the skin of the upper arm by a healthcare provider. The implant releases hormones to prevent ovulation and can remain in place for up to three years. It is over 99% effective in preventing pregnancy, but it requires a minor surgical procedure for insertion and removal.
Some people may experience irregular bleeding or spotting during the first few months of use and may experience weight gain while using injectable contraceptives. Some people may experience headaches or migraines while using injectable contraceptives. Few people may experience nausea when they first start using injectable contraceptives.
Some people may experience mood changes, including depression, while using injectable contraceptives. It may take some time for ovulation and menstruation to return to normal after discontinuing the use of injectable contraceptives. Long-term use of injectable contraceptives may result in a small loss of bone density, which may put women at an increased risk of osteoporosis.
FERTILITY AWARENESS METHODS
Fertility awareness methods (FAMs) are a natural form of birth control that involves tracking a person’s menstrual cycle and identifying the fertile days. FAMs include methods such as the calendar method, the basal body temperature method, and the cervical mucus method. These methods require a high degree of commitment and motivation and can be difficult to use correctly, resulting in a failure rate of around 24%.
It becomes difficult and a person can go through stress or anxiety while trying to track their fertility and avoid intercourse during fertile days. Some people may experience missed periods or irregular cycles while using FAMs. Fertility Awareness Methods may limit spontaneity in sexual activity, as intercourse must be avoided during fertile days. It do not provide any protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and it is important to use condoms or other barrier methods in addition to FAMs to reduce the risk of STIs.
EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTIVE
Lastly, there are emergency contraceptive options, such as the morning-after pill, which can be taken up to five days after unprotected intercourse to prevent pregnancy. It is more effective when taken as soon as possible. It is important to note that emergency contraceptives should not be used as a regular method of birth control.
Some people may experience fatigue or drowsiness after taking emergency contraceptives. Others may experience dizziness after taking emergency contraceptives. Few people may experience abdominal pain or cramping after taking emergency contraceptive. Headaches and nausea are other common side effects. Women may experience spotting or breakthrough bleeding after taking emergency contraceptives.
CONTRACEPTIVE AND POPULATION CONTROL
Contraceptives play an important role in population control by helping to prevent unintended pregnancies. When individuals and families have access to a range of contraceptive options and are able to use them effectively, it can lead to lower rates of unintended pregnancies and childbirths. This can have a positive impact on population growth, as well as on the health, education and economic status of individuals and families, and on the overall population.
Contraceptives can also help individuals and families plan for the number and timing of their children, which can lead to healthier pregnancies and births. Additionally, access to contraceptives can help women delay childbirth until they are physically, emotionally, and financially ready to have children, which can lead to better maternal and child health outcomes.
On a global scale, access to contraceptives is also essential for achieving sustainable development goals, such as reducing maternal and infant mortality, promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), increasing access to contraceptives could prevent an estimated 214 million unintended pregnancies annually and reduce maternal deaths by 70%.
In developing countries, where population growth is often the most rapid, access to contraceptives is especially critical. By slowing population growth, access to contraceptives can help countries to reduce poverty, improve education and healthcare, and promote sustainable development.
CONCLUSION
Overall, contraceptives can have various effects on a person’s health, depending on the type and how they are used. Hormonal contraceptives can have side effects such as nausea, headaches, and changes in mood or sex drive. Barrier methods, when used correctly and consistently, can reduce the risk of STIs and HIV. Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) can be highly effective in preventing pregnancy and can be an excellent option for people who want to avoid daily or monthly dosing. Fertility awareness methods (FAMs) can be difficult to use correctly, resulting in a failure rate of around 24%. Emergency contraceptives should not be used as a regular method of birth control and it’s important to have a backup plan.
In conclusion, there are many different types of contraception available, each with their own set of benefits and drawbacks. It’s important to discuss the options with a healthcare provider and to choose the method that best fits a person’s individual needs and lifestyle. It’s important to note that no method is 100% effective, it’s always good to have a backup plan and practice safe sex to prevent STIs.