The Forgotten Birth Control Methods
Most teens know about or have heard of birth control. Male condoms, birth control pills, the patch and the shot for a lot of people are common knowledge. There are many types of birth control that use hormones to prevent ovulation from occurring. Ovulation is the process of eggs being released from the ovaries. When eggs aren’t released, they cannot be fertilized by sperm.
There are other kinds of birth control that you may not have heard of. Did you know a device exists that can be placed in a woman’s uterus to prevent pregnancy for up to five years? How about a vaginal ring that only needs to be changed once every three weeks to prevent pregnancy? Birth control is all about choice and there are a lot of options available. There is a birth control method that is right for you at this time in your life. Birth control should be something you are comfortable with. A woman should feel at ease talking about and taking her chosen method. It may take some time to do this but with the right information, it can be easy. Maybe the standard birth control pill, patch and shot aren’t appropriate for you and your routine. That is perfectly OK because there are so many birth control methods available to you. Use of condoms during every vaginal, oral and anal encounter is strongly recommended.
NuvaRing
“NuvaRing just fit more to me and my lifestyle than other forms of birth control. I can insert it at home and it’s easier than taking a pill every day.” Quote from NuvaRing user.
NuvaRing is a vaginal ring that is used to prevent pregnancy. The Ring is a hormonal method of birth control meaning it affects hormones in the body by preventing ovulation from occurring. Because ovulation does not occur, no eggs are released from the ovaries. NuvaRing prevents pregnancy for up to one month. NuvaRing is prescribed by a doctor and inserted by you. When you first start NuvaRing, it should be inserted anytime between the first day of your period and the 5th day. Inserting the ring is a lot like inserting a tampon. Washing your hands and relax your body. To insert, the female can either be sitting on the edge of her seat, laying down or squatting. Taking the ring between two of her fingers, the female presses the sides of the Ring together. It does not matter what exact position the Ring is in. She will place the Ring into the opening of the vagina and then push with a finger until it reaches the furthest end of the vagina. Once inserted, leave it inside for 3 weeks. Normally, if correctly inserted, women do not feel the NuvaRing once it is in place. If pain or discomfort is felt because of the Ring, it may need to be pushed in further. The Ring must remain inside for three weeks. Then it is removed for one week. This is the week when a female’s period will happen. To remove the NuvaRing, insert a finger inside the vagina and hook the finger under the forward rim and gently pull it out of the vagina. The week following the period, a new Ring must be inserted. The used NuvaRing should be wrapped in a tissue or in the original foil when thrown away. Keeping a calendar is a good way to remember when to insert and remove the NuvaRing or go to nuvaring.com to download a nuvaring timer. It should be kept at room temperature, unless it is hot. If hot, the refrigerator is a good place for storage.
“NuvaRing is very convenient. It’s easy to use like using a tampon. Plus it’s easy to remove.” Quote from NuvaRing user.
Some advantages of NuvaRing include:
- Decrease in acne
- Decrease in ovarian cysts and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Decrease in premenstrual symptoms including headaches and depression
“The only side effect I’ve experienced while on the NuvaRing was the increase of period flow and menstrual cramps.” Quote from NuvaRing user.
Some disadvantages of NuvaRing include:
- Breast tenderness when first starting the NuvaRing
- Nausea and vomiting when first starting the NuvaRing
- Serious side effects include: a lump in your breast (possible result of benign [non-cancerous] breast disease), chest pain and severe depression. If you are using the NuvaRing and think you may be experiencing any of these symptoms, you should talk to a doctor right away.
Mirena
“My gynecologist and I spoke about it, and I decided to try Mirena.” Quote from Mirena user.
Mirena is an IUD (intrauterine device) that is used to prevent pregnancy. It is a hormonal method of birth control meaning it affects hormones in the body by preventing ovulation from occurring and changing the lining of the uterus. Mirena is placed inside the female’s uterus by a doctor and can prevent pregnancy for up to five years. Mirena is marketed towards women who are in a steady, faithful relationship and have already had a child. However more recently, Mirena has been used by teenage girls all over the United States who are in committed relationships. If a girl plans to have multiple partners, it should be discussed with a doctor before Mirena is used. When a female wants it removed, another visit to the doctor is required. At home removal is not recommended in any cases.
“Mirena is absolutely zero maintenance, which is great for me.” Quote from Mirena user.
Some advantages of Mirena include:
- Paying once and not every month, which comes out cheaper than other methods (Mirena may be covered by medical insurance. If not, it can cost a one time fee of about $500)
- Mirena can be used during breastfeeding
- If you want to get pregnant shortly after Mirena removal, it shouldn’t be a concern like it may be with other birth control methods.
“Mirena was extremely painful to insert and my periods have gotten slightly more frequent.” Quote from Mirena user.
Some disadvantages of Mirena include:
- Spotting between periods within the first year is common
- Menstrual cramps and backaches
- Rare problems that can occur with Mirena are: slipping out of the uterus, infections, possibly pushing through the uterine wall soon after insertion. Once again, these problems are RARE. If you are using Mirena and think you may be experiencing any of these symptoms, you should visit a doctor right away.
Choosing a method of birth control is a big decision. Everything needs to be taken into account so that you choose the best method for you at this stage in your life. It may get a little frustrating, whether it is because choosing is difficult or symptoms are tough to deal with. Preventing unplanned pregnancy is important not just for a woman but for her partner as well. Maybe the more common forms of birth control aren’t right for you. I’ve only talked about two methods here but there are other options out there as well. The future of birth control will produce even more options. Most recently, it’s been a chewable birth control pill called Femcon Fe. Who knows what else will be invented and marketed in the upcoming years? Birth control is not only about preventing pregnancy. It’s also about choice and when you make the right choice, you’ll know it. As a girl gets older and her routine changes, her birth control method might change as well. What was right for a girl at 16 may be completely different at age 30. Taking one step closer to being a smart, well-informed woman is always a step in the right direction.