The Contraceptive Contraption: Birth Control Overview
Hello! With us approaching The Handmaids Tale sooner than later, I thought it would be a good idea to write a bare bones blog on Birth Control! My intent with making this bare bones is that you my dear reader take the extra step and finish the research that I have started. With that, I will begin my quick overview of the types of birth control and their stats, uses of birth control outside of pregnancy prevention, and emergency contraceptives.
Birth Control - Birth control is any method used to prevent pregnancy. There are many different methods of birth control including condoms, IUDs, birth control pills, the rhythm method, vasectomy, and tubal ligation. - WebMD.
There are eighteen types of birth control and they are ranked from most effective to least effective. They are as follows:
Implant
99% effective
Costs up to $1,300, but can be $0
Put in by a doctor or nurse
Lasts up to 5 years
Intrauterine Device
99% effective
Costs up to $1,300, but can be $0
Put in by a doctor or nurse
Lasts up to 12 years
Birth Control Shot
94% effective
Costs up to $100, but can be $0
Injected by a doctor or nurse, or yourself at home
Get it every 3 months
Male Sterilization (Vasectomy)
99% effective
Costs up to $1,000, but can be $0
Surgical procedure
Do it once, lasts forever
Female Sterilization (Abdominal, Laparoscopic, Hysteroscopic)
99% effective
Costs up to $6,000, but can be $0
Surgical procedure
Do it once, lasts forever
Injectable
94% Effective
Can cost $0 to $100
Get every 3 months
Pill
91% Effective
Can cost $0 to $50
Take daily
Patch
91% Effective
Can cost $0 to $150
Replace weekly
Ring
91% Effective
Can cost $0 to $200
Replace monthly
Diaphragm
88% Effective
Can cost $0 to $75
Use every time
Male Condom
85% Effective
Can cost $0 to $2
Use every time
Female Condom / Internal Condom
79% Effective
Can cost $0 to $3
Use every time
Withdrawal
78% Effective
Cost $0
Use Every Time
Sponge
76-88% Effective
Can cost $0 to $15
Use every time
Fertility-Awareness Based Methods
76-88% Effective
Can cost $0 to $20
Use daily
Spermicide
71% Effective
Can cost $0 to $8
Use every time
Abstinence
100% Effective
Cost $0
Used every time
If you want to read more about birth control and get more in depth information on the types listed above, you can visit the website of Planned Parenthood here: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control
I also found this really handy chart on the effectiveness of each type of birth control from the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/unintendedpregnancy/pdf/contraceptive_methods_508.pdf
Outside of pregnancy prevention, birth control has many benefits to its users. If you, or your lady friends are like me than they too use birth control for medical reasons. Here is a small list of uses of birth control outside of pregnancy prevention:
Regulate Periods
Because you are on a set schedule, there are no surprises about when your period should come.
Help With Anemia
Because birth control lightens your perid, you bleed less meaning it lowers the chance of iron deficiency.
Helps with Cramps and PMS
If you have PMS (premenstrual syndrome) or PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder), birth control pills may ease symptoms like mood swings, breast soreness, weight gain, bloating, and acne by evening out hormone levels during your cycle. - WebMD
Relieve Endometriosis Symptoms
Birth Control helps relieve pain associated with Endometriosis by preventing periods.
Clear Up Skin and Prevent Unwanted Hair Growth
Birth control pills can improve acne and hair growth in the midline of your body by reducing the levels of male hormones your ovaries make. - WebMD
Help With Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
Birth Control helps regulate hormones and prevent high levels of testosterone. It also relieves symptoms like irregular periods, unwanted hair growth, and acne.
If you want to read a bit more, Buzzfeed has a great article with perspectives from readers on why they use birth control: https://www.buzzfeed.com/caseygueren/28-reasons-people-really-use-birth-control
"Emergency contraception is a safe way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. There are a few types of emergency contraception, and some work better than others." - Planned Parenthood. There are two types of Emergency Contraceptives:
The first is the Paragaurd IUD. This can be used within 5 days of your oopsie and is the most effective emergency contraceptive
The second is the Morning After Pill. These can be used up to five days after your oopsie, but is most effective when used within 72 hours. There are two types of morning after pills: Ella and Plan B
The main ingredient in Ella is ulipristal acetate. You actually need a doctor to prescribe this to you to obtain the medicine.
Plan B is over the counter and a cheaper option. It's main ingredient is levonorgestrel (which is one of two main ingredients in the combination birth control pill.
And of course, of you want to learn more about Emergency Contraceptives, you can do so here: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/get-care/our-services/emergency-contraceptive
Well, I hope something in here was informative, but I do ask that you continue your research. Google and Google some more and don't be afraid to talk to your PCP or OBGYN about any of the topics covered in this blog. The best way to protect yourself is to educate yourself.