| History of Contraception |
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What is contraception? What different types of contraception are there? What is the best method of contraception to use? Where can you get the birth control pill? How long do you need to take the pill before it becomes effective? Does the pill have any side effects? If a girl has missed a pill what are the risks of pregnancy? What is emergency contraception, how does it work and where can you get it? Is there a male contraceptive pill? How long does it take for the Depo-Provera contraceptive injection to become effective against pregnancy? What are side effects of injectable hormonal contraceptive? Is there a shot that men can have? What is an IUS or Mirena® coil? Where next? What is the best method of birth control (or contraception)? What are the different types of birth control? Can all types of birth control prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? How well do different kinds of birth control work? Do they have side effects? Where can I get birth control? Do I need to see a doctor? Are there any foams or gels I can use to keep from getting pregnant? How effective is withdrawal as a birth control method? Everyone I know is on the pill. Is it safe? Will birth control pills protect me from sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including _________? I’ve heard my girlfriends talking about dental dams — what are they? For More Information * What is contraception? Contraception is a method of preventing pregnancy. It is also known as 'birth control', although this is a more general term that includes complete abstinence from sex (the ultimate form of contraception!). Pregnancy happens when a man's sperm meets a woman's egg and fertilisation (also known as conception) occurs. Contraceptives stop this from happening, either by preventing the sperm from meeting with the egg, or by making conditions in the body unsuitable for fertilisation to occur. What different types of contraception are there? There are three main forms of contraceptives available: Barrier Methods, Hormonal Methods and Spermicides. Barrier methods physically stop sperm from entering a woman's uterus and fertilising her egg. Barrier methods include condoms (which are available for both men and women), the diaphragm, the cap and the Intrauterine Device (IUD or 'coil'). Hormonal methods change the levels of hormones in a woman's body, making conception very difficult. Hormonal methods come in the forms of pills, patches, implants, rings, injections or the Intrauterine System (IUS). Spermicides are designed to kill sperm in the vagina. Spermicides come in the form of foams, gels or pessaries which are inserted straight into the vagina, are used on a condom or are contained in a special sponge that covers the cervix. What is the best method of contraception to use? If you are considering having sex with someone, it is important that you think about Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) as well as pregnancy. If you don't know your partner's sexual history (or you are unsure about your own!), condoms are the best method to use as they protect against both pregnancy and STIs. You can find out more about condoms (both male and female) on our condom FAQ page and in our prevention section. If you are going to be having sex on a regular basis with your partner, it might also be advisable to think about using another form of birth control, just to be doubly sure that you are protected. This could be a hormonal method, or you could try a spermicide, (although it is important to note that spermicides used on their own or with a sponge are not a very effective method of contraception.) The IUD or IUS is another good option, although it is not always suitable for everyone (especially younger women) and will need to be fitted by a trained practitioner. Visiting your doctor or health adviser before you have sex is always a good idea, as it will enable you to choose the type of contraception that is best suited to you. It is important to find a reliable and safe method that both you AND your partner feel comfortable with, as the happier you both are to use it, the more effective it will be! Where can you get the birth control pill? As a general rule, you can't just walk into a chemists or pharmacy and buy a packet of pills over the counter. In the UK, the United States and most other countries, you need a prescription to obtain the birth control pill. This is because there are several different versions of the contraceptive pill and it is important for a woman to get the version that suits her best. You don't have to go and see your own doctor to get the prescription; you could see the healthcare advisor at your local young person's or family planning clinic. Once you have your prescription you can get your pills from your pharmacist or clinic. How long do you need to take the pill before it becomes effective? The length of time it takes for the birth control to become completely effective as a sole contraceptive varies depending on the type of pill you use and when you start the packet of pills. You will usually need to use an alternative form of contraception (such as a condom) for at least seven days after starting, but your healthcare provider should be able to tell you exactly when the particular version of the pill you have been prescribed becomes fully effective against pregnancy. It will normally also say on the advice leaflet that comes with your pills. It is also worth remembering that taking other medications such as antibiotics can reduce the effectiveness of the contraceptive pill, and your doctor may recommend that you use an additional form of protection during this time. Similarly, stomach upsets such as sickness and diarrhoea can affect the absorption of the pill, so again, using an additional method such as a condom can help make sure pregnancy doesn't occur. Using condoms as well as the birth control pill can protect both you and your partner from STIs as well as providing extra protection against pregnancy. Does the pill have any side effects? Some women do experience some side effects as a result of using the birth control pill. However, these side effects can vary from woman to woman. The most common ones are mood swings, weight gain, breast tenderness, nausea and headaches. Serious side effects are rare. When you visit your health care provider to obtain a prescription for the contraceptive pill they should ask you a few questions about your medical history. This helps them to make sure that they prescribe the type of pill that is best suited to you and hopefully reduce the possibility ofany adverse side effects. If you do experience any problems, it is worth going back to see your healthcare provider as they may be able to change your pill for a different one. If a girl has missed a pill what are the risks of pregnancy? If a woman forgets to take a pill the risks of pregnancy will depend on the type of pill she is on. Progestrogen-only (or 'mini') pills that have to be taken at the same time every day are more likely to fail if one is missed. However, even the combined progestogen and oestrogen pill can allow pregnancy to occur if you forget to take it for a day or more. If you have missed a pill and are unsure what to do, you should talk to your doctor or healthcare provider to check. It may be necessary to use an additional form of contraception such as a condom for a while. What is emergency contraception, how does it work and where can you get it? There are two types of emergency contraception. Both are very effective in preventing pregnancy, but it is important for a woman to visit her healthcare provider or clinic as soon as possible after having sex to obtain them. The emergency contraceptive or 'morning after' pill is an oral contraceptive pill that can be obtained on prescription from you doctor or local sexual health clinic. In the UK (and a few other countries), it can also be bought over the counter in most large pharmacies for around £25. There are a few different types of morning-after-pills available, but most modern forms consist of a single tablet that is swallowed with water. For this method to work, it must be taken within 3 days (72 hours) of having sex, although the sooner the pill is taken, the more likely it is to be effective. The IUD (Intrauterine Device) can also be used as an emergency method of contraception. The IUD must be fitted within five days of having sex for it to be effective, although this may not be a method that is suitable for everyone, and not all doctors are trained to fit them. Is there a male contraceptive pill? At the moment there is no birth control pill for men to take. Some companies are trying to develop a pill for men but it is still in the research and testing phase. How long does it take for the Depo-Provera contraceptive injection to become effective against pregnancy? Depo-Provera is an injectable contraceptive manufactured by Pharmacia and Upjohn. If the injection is given within the first five days of a girl's period it becomes effective immediately. If it is given after this, an additional method of contraception such as a condom should be used for 7 days. The injection needs to be repeated every 12 weeks. What are side effects of injectable hormonal contraceptive? The side effects of any form of contraception can vary from woman to woman. When you visit your healthcare provider or clinic to arrange contraception they should ask you a few questions about your medical history. This helps them to make sure that they prescribe the method of contraception that is best suited to you and hopefully reduce the possibility of any adverse side effects. Serious side effects are rare, but you may experience side effects such as disturbance in your usual monthly cycle, mood changes, possible weight gain and fluid retention. Also, it is important to remember that injectable hormonal contraceptives cannot be stopped or changed as quickly as some other methods. Is there a shot that men can have? No, an injectable hormonal contraceptive for men has not yet been developed. What is an IUS or Mirena® coil? IUS stands for Intrauterine System. It is also known as a Mirena® coil. It is similar to the IUD (or 'coil') in that it is inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. However, unlike the IUD, it also contains a slow release hormone called Progestin which thins the lining of the uterus and thickens the mucus of the cervix to further decrease the risk of pregnancy (a Mirena® coil is over 99% effective if fitted properly). It is also a better option for women who suffer from heavy periods, as it can make them lighter or even stop them altogether. However it can have similar side effects to the contraceptive pill. What is the best method of birth control (or contraception)? There is no “best” method of birth control. Each method has its pros and cons. All women and men can have control over when, and if, they become parents. Making choices about birth control, or contraception, isn’t easy. There are many things to think about. To get started, learn about birth control methods you or your partner can use to prevent pregnancy. You can also talk with your doctor about the choices. Before choosing a birth control method, think about: * Your overall health * How often you have sex * The number of sex partners you have * If you want to have children someday * How well each method works to prevent pregnancy * Possible side effects * Your comfort level with using the method Keep in mind, even the most effective birth control methods can fail. But your chances of getting pregnant are lowest if the method you choose always is used correctly and every time you have sex. What are the different types of birth control? You can choose from many methods of birth control. They are grouped by how they work: Types of Birth Control Continuous Abstinence Natural Family Planning/Rhythm Method Barrier Methods * Contraceptive Sponge * Diaphragm, Cervical Cap, and Cervical Shield * Female Condom * Male Condom Hormonal Methods * Oral Contraceptives — Combined pill (“The pill”) * Oral Contraceptives — Progestin-only pill (“Mini-pill”) * The Patch * Shot/Injection * Vaginal Ring Implantable Devices * Implantable Rods * Intrauterine Devices Permanent Birth Control Methods * Sterilization Implant * Surgical Sterilization Emergency Contraception Detailed information on each type is provided in the following charts. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about any of the choices. Continuous Abstinence This means not having sex (vaginal, anal, or oral) at any time. It is the only sure way to prevent pregnancy and protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. Natural Family Planning/Rhythm Method This method is when you do not have sex or use a barrier method on the days you are most fertile (most likely to become pregnant). You can read about barrier methods in the following chart. A woman who has a regular menstrual cycle has about 9 or more days each month when she is able to get pregnant. These fertile days are about 5 days before and 3 days after ovulation, as well as the day of ovulation. To have success with this method, you need to learn about your menstrual cycle. Then you can learn to predict which days you are fertile or “unsafe.” To learn about your cycle, keep a written record of: When you get your period What it is like (heavy or light blood flow) How you feel (sore breasts, cramps) This method also involves checking your cervical mucus and recording your body temperature each day. Cervical mucus is the discharge from your vagina. You are most fertile when it is clear and slippery like raw egg whites. Use a basal thermometer to take your temperature and record it in a chart. Your temperature will rise 0.4 to 0.8° F on the first day of ovulation. You can talk with your doctor or a natural family planning instructor to learn how to record and understand this information. Barrier Methods — Put up a block, or barrier, to keep sperm from reaching the egg Contraceptive Sponge This barrier method is a soft, disk-shaped device with a loop for taking it out. It is made out of polyurethane (pah-lee-YUR-uh-thayn) foam and contains the spermicide (SPUR-muh-syd) nonoxynol-9. Spermicide kills sperm. Before having sex, you wet the sponge and place it, loop side down, inside your vagina to cover the cervix. The sponge is effective for more than one act of intercourse for up to 24 hours. It needs to be left in for at least 6 hours after having sex to prevent pregnancy. It must then be taken out within 30 hours after it is inserted. Only one kind of contraceptive sponge is sold in the United States. It is called the Today Sponge. Women who are sensitive to the spermicide nonoxynol-9 should not use the sponge. Diaphragm, Cervical Cap, and Cervical Shield These barrier methods block the sperm from entering the cervix (the opening to your womb) and reaching the egg. The diaphragm is a shallow latex cup. The cervical cap is a thimble-shaped latex cup. It often is called by its brand name, FemCap. The cervical shield is a silicone cup that has a one-way valve that creates suction and helps it fit against the cervix. It often is called by its brand name, Lea’s Shield. The diaphragm and cervical cap come in different sizes, and you need a doctor to “fit” you for one. The cervical shield comes in one size, and you will not need a fitting. Before having sex, add spermicide (to block or kill sperm) to the devices. Then place them inside your vagina to cover your cervix. You can buy spermicide gel or foam at a drug store. All three of these barrier methods must be left in place for 6 to 8 hours after having sex to prevent pregnancy. The diaphragm should be taken out within 24 hours. The cap and shield should be taken out within 48 hours. Female Condom This condom is worn by the woman inside her vagina. It keeps sperm from getting into her body. It is made of polyurethane and is packaged with a lubricant. It can be inserted up to 8 hours before having sex. Use a new condom each time you have intercourse. And don’t use it and a male condom at the same time. Male Condom Male condoms are a thin sheath placed over an erect penis to keep sperm from entering a woman’s body. Condoms can be made of latex, polyurethane, or “natural/lambskin”. The natural kind do not protect against STIs. Condoms work best when used with a vaginal spermicide, which kills the sperm. And you need to use a new condom with each sex act. Condoms are either: Lubricated, which can make sexual intercourse more comfortable Non-lubricated, which can also be used for oral sex. It is best to add lubrication to non-lubricated condoms if you use them for vaginal or anal sex. You can use a water-based lubricant, such as K-Y jelly. You can buy them at the drug store. Oil-based lubricants like massage oils, baby oil, lotions, or petroleum jelly will weaken the condom, causing it to tear or break. Keep condoms in a cool, dry place. If you keep them in a hot place (like a wallet or glove compartment), the latex breaks down. Then the condom can tear or break. Hormonal Methods — Prevent pregnancy by interfering with ovulation, fertilization, and/or implantation of the fertilized egg Oral Contraceptives — Combined pill (“The pill”) The pill contains the hormones estrogen and progestin. It is taken daily to keep the ovaries from releasing an egg. The pill also causes changes in the lining of the uterus and the cervical mucus to keep the sperm from joining the egg. Some women prefer the “extended cycle” pills. These have 12 weeks of pills that contain hormones (active) and 1 week of pills that don’t contain hormones (inactive). While taking extended cycle pills, women only have their period three to four times a year. Many types of oral contraceptives are available. Talk with your doctor about which is best for you. Your doctor may advise you not to take the pill if you: Are older than 35 and smoke Have a history of blood clots Have a history of breast, liver, or endometrial cancer Antibiotics may reduce how well the pill works in some women. Talk to your doctor about a backup method of birth control if you need to take antibiotics. Oral Contraceptives — Progestin-only pill (“Mini-pill”) Unlike “the pill,” the mini-pill only has one hormone –– progestin. Taken daily, the mini-pill thickens cervical mucus, which keeps the sperm from joining the egg. Less often, it stops the ovaries from releasing an egg. Mothers who breastfeed can use the mini-pill. It won’t affect their milk supply. The mini-pill is a good option for women who: Can’t take estrogen Are older than 35 Have a risk of blood clots The mini-pill must be taken at the same time each day. A backup method of birth control is needed if you take the pill more than 3 hours late. Antibiotics may reduce how well the pill works in some women. Talk to your doctor about a backup method of birth control if you need to take antibiotics. The Patch Also called by its brand name, Ortho Evra, this skin patch is worn on the lower abdomen, buttocks, outer arm, or upper body. It releases the hormones progestin and estrogen into the bloodstream to stop the ovaries from releasing eggs in most women. It also thickens the cervical mucus, which keeps the sperm from joining with the egg. You put on a new patch once a week for 3 weeks. You don’t use a patch the fourth week in order to have a period. Shot/Injection The birth control shot often is called by its brand name Depo-Provera. With this method you get injections, or shots, of the hormone progestin in the buttocks or arm every 3 months. A new type is injected under the skin. The birth control shot stops the ovaries from releasing an egg in most women. It also causes changes in the cervix that keep the sperm from joining with the egg. The shot should not be used more than 2 years in a row because it can cause a temporary loss of bone density. The loss increases the longer this method is used. The bone does start to grow after this method is stopped. But it may increase the risk of fracture and osteoporosis if used for a long time. Vaginal Ring This is a thin, flexible ring that releases the hormones progestin and estrogen. It works by stopping the ovaries from releasing eggs. It also thickens the cervical mucus, which keeps the sperm from joining the egg. It is commonly called NuvaRing, its brand name. You squeeze the ring between your thumb and index finger and insert it into your vagina. You wear the ring for 3 weeks, take it out for the week that you have your period, and then put in a new ring. Implantable devices — Devices that are inserted into the body and left in place for a few years. Implantable Rod This is a matchstick-size, flexible rod that is put under the skin of the upper arm. It is often called by its brand name, Implanon. The rod releases a progestin, which causes changes in the lining of the uterus and the cervical mucus to keep the sperm from joining an egg. Less often, it stops the ovaries from releasing eggs. It is effective for up to 5 years. Intrauterine Devices or IUDs An IUD is a small device shaped like a “T” that goes in your uterus. There are two types: Copper IUD — The copper IUD goes by the brand name ParaGard. It releases a small amount of copper into the uterus, which prevents the sperm from reaching and fertilizing the egg. It fertilization does occur, the IUD keeps the fertilized egg from implanting in the lining of the uterus. A doctor needs to put in your copper IUD. It can stay in your uterus for 5 to 10 years. Hormonal IUD — The hormonal IUD goes by the brand name Mirena. It is sometimes called an intrauterine system, or IUS. It releases progestin into the uterus, which keeps the ovaries from releasing an egg and causes the cervical mucus to thicken so sperm can’t reach the egg. It also affects the ability of a fertilized egg to successfully implant in the uterus. A doctor needs to put in a hormonal IUD. It can stay in your uterus for up to 5 years. Permanent Birth Control Methods — For people who are sure they never want to have a child or they do not want more children Sterilization Implant (Essure) Essure is the first non-surgical method of sterilizing women. A thin tube is used to thread a tiny spring-like device through the vagina and uterus into each fallopian tube. The device works by causing scar tissue to form around the coil. This blocks the fallopian tubes and stops the egg and sperm from joining. It can take about 3 months for the scar tissue to grow, so it’s important to use another form of birth control during this time. Then you will have to return to your doctor for a test to see if scar tissue has fully blocked your tubes. Surgical Sterilization For women, surgical sterilization closes the fallopian tubes by being cut, tied, or sealed. This stops the eggs from going down to the uterus where they can be fertilized. The surgery can be done a number of ways. Sometimes, a woman having cesarean birth has the procedure done at the same time, so as to avoid having additional surgery later. For men, having a vasectomy (vuh-SEK-tuh-mee) keeps sperm from going to his penis, so his ejaculate never has any sperm in it. Sperm stays in the system after surgery for about 3 months. During that time, use a backup form of birth control to prevent pregnancy. A simple test can be done to check if all the sperm is gone; it is called a semen analysis. Emergency Contraception — Used if a woman’s primary method of birth control fails. It should not be used as a regular method of birth control. Emergency Contraception (Plan B, also called “morning-after pill”) Emergency birth control is used to keep a woman from getting pregnant when she has had unprotected vaginal intercourse. “Unprotected” can mean that no method of birth control was used. It can also mean that a birth control method was used but did not work — like a condom breaking. Or, a woman may have forgotten to take her birth control pills, or may have been abused or forced to have sex. Emergency contraception consists of taking two doses of hormonal pills 12 hours apart. They work by stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg or keeping the sperm from joining with the egg. For the best chances for it to work, start the pills as soon as possible after unprotected sex. It should be started within 72 hours after having unprotected sex. Starting emergency contraception within 5 days after having unprotected sex might lower your risk of getting pregnant. Can all types of birth control prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? No. The male latex condom is the only birth control method proven to help protect you from STIs, including HIV. Research is being done to find out how effective the female condom is at preventing STIs and HIV. For more information, see Will birth control pills protect me from sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV/AIDS? How well do the different kinds of birth control methods work? Do they have side effects? All birth control methods work the best if used correctly and every time you have sex. Be sure you know the right way to use them. Sometimes doctors don’t explain how to use a method because they assume you already know. Talk with your doctor if you have questions. They are used to talking about birth control. So don’t feel embarrassed about talking to him or her. Some birth control methods can take time and practice to learn. For example, some people don’t know you can put on a male condom “inside out.” Also, not everyone knows you need to leave a little space at the tip of the condom for the sperm and fluid when a man ejaculates, or has an orgasm. Here is a list of some birth control methods with their failure rates and possible side effects. Method Failure rate (the number of pregnancies expected per 100 women) Some side effects and risks Sterilization surgery for women Less than 1 * Pain * Bleeding * Complications from surgery * Ectopic (tubal) pregnancy Sterilization implant for women (Essure) Less than 1 * Pain * Ectopic (tubal) pregnancy Sterilization surgery for men Less than 1 * Pain * Bleeding * Complications from surgery Implantable rod (Implanon) Less than 1 Might not work as well for women who are overweight or obese. * Acne * Weight gain * Ovarian cysts * Mood changes * Depression * Hair loss * Headache * Upset stomach * Dizziness * Sore breasts * Changes in period * Lower interest in sex Intrauterine device (ParaGard, Mirena) Less than 1 * Cramps * Bleeding between periods * Pelvic inflammatory disease * Infertility * Tear or hole in the uterus Shot/Injection (Depo-Provera) Less than 1 * Bleeding between periods * Weight gain * Sore breasts * Headaches * Bone loss with long-term use Oral Contraceptives (combination pill, or “the pill”) 5 Being overweight may increase the chance of getting pregnant while using the pill. * Dizziness * Upset stomach * Changes in your period * Changes in mood * Weight gain * High blood pressure * Blood clots * Heart attack * Stroke * New vision problems Oral contraceptives (continuous/extended use, or “no-period pill”) Being overweight may increase the chance of getting pregnant while using the pill. * Same as combination pill * Spotting or bleeding between periods * Hard to know if pregnant Oral contraceptives (progestin-only pill, or “mini-pill”) Being overweight may increase the chance of getting pregnant while using the pill. * Spotting or bleeding between periods * Weight gain * Sore breasts Skin patch (Ortho Evra) May not work as well in women weighing more than 198 pounds. * Similar to side effects for the combination pill * Greater exposure to estrogen than with other methods Vaginal ring (NuvaRing) 5 * Similar to side effects for the combination pill * Swelling of the vagina * Irritation * Vaginal discharge Male condom * Allergic reactions Diaphragm with spermicide * Irritation * Allergic reactions * Urinary tract infection * Toxic shock if left in too long Sponge with spermicide (Today Sponge) * Irritation * Allergic reactions * Hard time taking it out * Toxic shock if left in too long Cervical cap with spermicide * Irritation * Allergic reactions * Abnormal Pap smear * Toxic shock if left in too long Female condom (Reality condom) * Irritation * Allergic reactions Natural family planning (rhythm method) None Spermicide alone It works best if used along with a barrier method, such as a condom. * Irritation * Allergic reactions * Urinary tract infection Emergency contraception (Plan B, also called “morning-after pill”) 15, if used within 72 hours of having unprotected sex. Should not be used as regular birth control; only in emergencies. * Upset stomach * Vomiting * Stomach pain * Fatigue * Headache Where can I get birth control? Do I need to visit a doctor? Where you get birth control depends on what method you choose. You can buy these forms over the counter: * Male condoms * Female condoms * Sponges * Spermicides * Emergency contraception pills (girls younger than 17 need a prescription) You need a prescription for these forms: * Oral contraceptives: the pill, the mini-pill * Skin patch * Vaginal ring * Diaphragm (your doctor needs to fit one to your shape) * Cervical cap * Cervical shield * Shot/injection (you get the shot at your doctor’s office) * IUD (inserted by a doctor) * Implantable rod (inserted by a doctor) You will need surgery or a medical procedure for: * Sterilization, female and male Are there any foams or gels I can use to keep from getting pregnant? You can buy spermicides over the counter. They work by killing sperm. They come in many forms: * Foam * Gel * Cream * Film * Suppository * Tablet Spermicides are put in the vagina no more than 1 hour before having sex. If you use a film, suppository, or tablet, wait at least 15 minutes before having sex so the spermicide can dissolve. Do not douche or rinse out your vagina for at least 6 to 8 hours after having sex. You will need to use more spermicide each time you have sex. Spermicides work best if used along with a barrier method, such as a condom, diaphragm, or cervical cap. Some spermicides are made just for use with the diaphragm and cervical cap. Check the package to make sure you are buying what you need. All spermicides contain sperm-killing chemicals. Some contain nonoxynol-9, which may raise your risk of HIV if you use it a lot. It irritates the tissue in the vagina and anus, so it can cause the HIV virus to enter the body more freely. Some women are sensitive to nonoxynol-9 and need to use spermicides without it. Medications for vaginal yeast infections may lower the effectiveness of spermicides. How effective is withdrawal as a birth control method? Not very! Withdrawal is when a man takes his penis out of a woman’s vagina (or “pulls out”) before he ejaculates, or has an orgasm. This stops the sperm from going to the egg. “Pulling out” can be hard for a man to do. It takes a lot of self-control. Even if you use withdrawal, sperm can be released before the man pulls out. When a man’s penis first becomes erect, pre-ejaculate fluid may be on the tip of the penis. This fluid has sperm in it. So you could still get pregnant. Withdrawal does not protect you from STIs Everyone I know is on the pill. Is it safe? Today’s pills have lower doses of hormones than ever before. This has greatly lowered the risk of side effects. But there are still pros and cons with taking birth control pills. Pros include having: * More regular and lighter periods * Fewer menstrual cramps * A lower risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), noncancerous ovarian cysts, and iron deficiency anemia Cons include a higher chance, for some women, of: * Heart disease, high blood pressure, and blood clots * Nausea, headaches, sore breasts, and weight gain * Irregular bleeding * Depression Many of these side effects go away after taking the pill for a few months. Women who smoke, are older than 35, or have a history of blood clots or breast or endometrial cancer are more at risk of bad side effects and may not be able to take the pill. Talk with your doctor about whether the pill is right for you. Will birth control pills protect me from sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV/AIDS? No, they won’t protect you. Birth control pills and most other birth control methods will not protect you from STIs, including HIV (the virus that causes AIDS). They only protect against pregnancy. The male latex condom is the only birth control method proven to help protect you from STIs, including HIV. If you are allergic to latex, polyurethane condoms are a good alternative. Research is being done to find out how effective the female condom is at preventing STIs. It is important to only use latex or polyurethane condoms to protect you from STIs. "Natural” or “lambskin” condoms have tiny pores that may allow for the passage of viruses like HIV, hepatitis B, and herpes. If you use non-lubricated condoms for vaginal or anal sex, you can add lubrication with water-based lubricants (like K-Y jelly) that you can buy at a drug store. Never use oil-based products, such as massage oils, baby oil, lotions, or petroleum jelly, to lubricate a condom. These will weaken the condom, causing it to tear or break. Use a new condom with each sex act. I’ve heard my girlfriends talking about dental dams –– what are they? Who can use emergency contraception? What brands of emergency contraceptive pills are available around the world? What is emergency contraception? Emergency contraception is a form of birth control. You can use this method if you have had unprotected sex. For example, if your regular birth control fails (the condom breaks during sex), if you forget to take your birth control pills or if you have sex without using any birth control. There are 2 types of emergency contraception. With the first, you take special doses of birth control pills. With the other, an intrauterine device (also called an IUD) is placed in your uterus (or womb). How do I use emergency contraception? The first kind of emergency contraception, sometimes called the "morning-after pill," is taken in two doses. You can start taking this kind of emergency contraception right away after having unprotected sex. The sooner you take it, the better it works, but you can take the first dose within 120 hours (5 days)after having unprotected sex. You take the second dose 12 hours after the first. Your doctor may tell you about other ways of taking this medicine. There is a brand of pills made just for emergency contraception. It is called Plan B (levonorgestrel). Plan B contains only progestin. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration also has said that some brands of regular birth control pills are safe for emergency use. The number of pills you take in each dose depends on which brand of pills you are using. To learn more about which pills are safe for emergency use, talk with your doctor. You can also read about this at http://www.plannedparenthood.org/ec/. An IUD that is placed in your uterus within 7 days after unprotected sex also can be used as emergency contraception. An IUD is a small device that can be left in your body for 5 to 10 years. It will prevent pregnancy during that time. How does emergency contraception work? Pills used for emergency contraception can prevent your ovaries from releasing an egg, can prevent an egg from being fertilized by sperm or can prevent a fertilized egg from attaching itself to the wall of the uterus. Emergency contraceptive pills are not the same as the medicine known as the "abortion pill." This medicine is taken in the early weeks of pregnancy to end the pregnancy. Pills used as emergency contraception can't end a pregnancy once a fertilized egg has attached itself to the wall of the uterus. Unlike the morning-after pill, an IUD doesn't stop your ovaries from releasing an egg. The IUD can prevent an egg from being fertilized and it can stop a fertilized egg from attaching itself to the wall of the uterus. No studies have shown that taking hormones while you are pregnant can hurt your baby. But, if you know you are pregnant, you should not take emergency contraception pills. How effective is emergency contraception? Emergency contraception pills can be very effective if they are used in time. If used within 72 hours of unprotected sex, it can reduce the risk of pregnancy by 75% to 89%. It is important to remember that these pills will work best when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. Emergency IUD insertion is also very effective. It can reduce the risk of pregnancy by 99.9% if inserted within 7 days after unprotected sex. It is important to remember that using this type of contraception regularly is less effective than using ongoing methods of contraception (like contraception pills or diaphragms). Emergency contraception should not be your main type of contraception. Are there any side effects? Some women feel sick to their stomach after they take emergency contraceptive pills. This feeling should go away in about two days. Your doctor can give you medicine that may help you feel better. Progestin-only pills may not make you feel as sick as pills containing estrogen and progestin. If you throw up within one hour of taking the pills, you may need to take another dose. Talk to your doctor. A possible side effect of an IUD is bleeding between periods. Talk to your doctor to find out more about how IUDs work. Who can use emergency contraception? If you can take regular birth control pills, you should be able to take emergency contraception pills. If you are pregnant, have breast cancer, or have had blood clots, you should not use emergency contraception pills. Talk with your doctor about whether emergency contraception is right for you. You should not use an IUD if you have a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or if you have been raped. Talk to your doctor about other options. When do I need to start taking my regular birth control again? After you take emergency contraception pills, your period may come earlier or later than usual. Call your doctor if you do not get your period within 21 days after taking the pills. If your regular form of birth control is condoms, spermicides or a diaphragm, you may go back to using them right away after taking emergency contraception pills. If your regular form of birth control is the pill, shot, contraceptive patch or vaginal ring, talk to your doctor about when to start using it again. Where can I get emergency contraception? Talk to your doctor about how to get emergency contraception, or about having a prescription on hand in case you need it. You also may be able to get emergency contraception from university and women's health centers, health departments, hospital emergency departments. The dental dam is a square piece of rubber that is used by dentists during oral surgery and other procedures. It is not a method of birth control. But it can be used to help protect people from STIs, including HIV, during oral and anal sex. It is placed over the opening to the vagina before having oral sex. You can buy dental dams at surgical supply stores. |