Happy gynecological awareness month! As it gets cold outside, your arms aren’t the only thing you should wrap up.

Contraceptive options have definitely changed over the years. We have come a long way since the 1960s when the first oral birth control and IUD were FDA approved for use by married women only. It wasn’t until 1972 that the Supreme Court legalized birth control for all citizens, regardless of marital status. Now we have access to many different forms of contraceptive care.  It can be confusing to navigate or even know what all your options are! When discussing the use and effectiveness of birth control, we focusing on sexual activities involving consenting individuals. So here we go, we’ll lay out your options for you!

One popular option is the oral birth control pill. The pill is 91% effective against preventing pregnancy based on typical use patterns. What does typical use mean? It means the variations in time that most people take their pill - maybe you’re 5 minutes late, take it within a 2 hour window, forget a whole day, take 2 the next day, etc. There are many different options for birth control pills based on your varying hormonal needs. The birth control pill is most effective at preventing pregnancy if it is taken at the same time every day. It may also help prevent acne, cysts on your breasts and ovaries, endometrial and ovarian cancers, iron deficiency, PMS, and other severe period symptoms. Another option is the birth control patch. The patch is also 91% effective against preventing pregnancy. It is worn on the upper arm, belly, buttock, or back. Easier to remember than taking the pill, the patch is replaced every three weeks. Although it is likely OrthoEvra the patch has a slightly higher risk of blood clots and stroke than the pill.

Another longer term option is the birth control ring. Similar in hormone concentration to the patch and pill, the ring is also 91% effective against preventing pregnancy. The ring is inserted inside your vagina and remains there for the cycle month. Alternatively, the Depo Provera shot is administered intramuscularly by a doctor, nurse, or MA once every three months or about four times a year. It is 94% effective against preventing pregnancy.

At >99% effective, both Nexplanon and Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) are some of the most effective, non-surgical forms of birth control. Nexplanon is a matchstick sized flexible rod that is placed just under the skin on the inside of the upper arm by a medical professional. It lasts up to five years. About 11% of people experience irregular bleeding for the first six months to 1 year of the device’s implantation. IUDs are small T shaped devices that are placed in the uterus to prevent pregnancy. They are also inserted by a medical professional. There are different varieties of IUDs including both hormonal and nonhormonal. They last anywhere from 3-10 years depending on the kind of IUD.

Two surgical and more permanent forms of birth control are tubal ligation and hysterectomy. Many individuals choose sterilization for medical reasons, or if they are 100% certain that they do not want to have a pregnancy, or do not want to have any more pregnancies. Unlike other forms of birth control, hysterectomies are not reversible. Tubal ligations are also very difficult to reverse or ineffective if reversed and many surgeons will not attempt it.

Other non-hormonal and non-surgical forms of birth control include condoms, abstinence, diaphragms, breastfeeding method and fertility awareness. Condoms are 85% effective against preventing pregnancy and latex or plastic condoms are the only form of birth control that protects against sexually transmitted infections and diseases. Condoms can be, and are often recommended to be combined with other forms of birth control. To maintain effectiveness, you should not use multiple condoms or use an external and internal condom at the same time. The friction can cause breakage. You should also use condoms when engaging in oral or anal sex. Condom use is suggested for all sexual activity, and can and should be used at any stage of life when partners are not monogamous or to prevent sexually transmitted infections and diseases.

Abstinence can be 100% effective in preventing pregnancy. However, the definition of abstinence is different to each individual. It either means no intercourse or outercourse including anal and oral sex, or it can mean strictly no intercourse. One can decide to be abstinent at any stage of life for any reason. The breastfeeding, fertility awareness or natural family planning methods are the least effective forms of birth control. These methods rely on daily activities like checking cervical mucus, tracking menstruation, and the temperature method. This method supports learning about your cycle and knowing your body, but it is only as effective as the individuals dedication to the method and small variations in temperature are often difficult to read.  The above mentioned methods of other birth control options are not as reliable as the hormonal options.  It is important to note that if you are using birth control for the sole purpose of protecting against pregnancy, consider the more reliable options over the lifestyle choices.  If you are wanting to protect against STI’s, always use condoms, even if you are already on a reliable birth control. 

Originally Posted on West Michigan Woman Magazine

Written by: Community Outreach Coordinator/ Studio Manager Nicholette Driggs She/Her

Nicholette is a Certified Family Life Educator with a background in early childhood and family studies from WMU. She is currently attending GVSU working on a Master’s in Social Work. Nicholette’s driven by empowering women, sex positivity and body positivity.  Her personal journey began with Mod B in 2015 when she answered a model call and was thrust directly into the path of becoming a pin-up model.  She has been published internationally, placed in numerous pin-up contests and currently models for various clothing companies and fashion shows.  Nicholette is a performer, slingin’ glitter and singing pretty! She is also an educator and public speaker.

Her love for modern pin-up and vintage style is for its ability to embrace women of all ages, sizes, abilities, ethnicities and styles. Nicholette wants to help encourage all women to love and embrace themselves, exactly as they are. 

Email her at events@modbettie.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/trixievonhopps

Instagram: www.instagram.com/anticsofafatshionista

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