Birth control pills. Oral contraceptives work by suppressing
the release of an egg from the ovaries and also by creating an undesirable
environment in the uterus for a fertilized egg if this should occur. They
contain small amounts of estrogen and a progesterone. Birth control pills
are among the most effective and easy to use types of contraceptive available.
MYTH:: Birth control pills cause cancer. TRUTH:: No study has consistently
shown a correlation between birth control pills and breast cancer, and
the use of these pills actually protects against ovarian and endometrial
cancers. Use of oral contraceptives is known to increase the risk of clotting
disorders and for this reason are not recommended in women who smoke or
who have high blood pressure. They have now been approved for women up
to age 40 who do not smoke or have high blood pressure. Many women complain
of side effects such as weight gain, bloating, headaches or nausea with
the use of birth control pills, but this is often easily remedied by changing
to another of the almost countless brands and types of pill available.
Birth control pills are also commonly prescribed for other conditions such
as irregular periods, endometriosis, and ovarian cysts. This therapy will
not prevent pregnancy after you stop taking it--after one or two cycles
your fertility should be back to its previous level.
Depo provera. Depo provera is an intra-muscular injection that
lasts for three months, and works very much like birth control pills, although
it only contains a progesterone rather than both progesterone and estrogen.
The side effects of weight gain, abnormal bleeding and abnormal cycles
after cessation of therapy are more pronounced in some women. The benefit
is the reliability, which is also similar to that of birth control pills,
without having to remember to take a daily pill.
Norplant. Norplant, like depo-provera, is a progesterone preparation
that provides long term birth control. It consists of six small capsules
that resemble small sticks which are placed in the subcutaneous area of
the upper arm. This is a simple procedure done in your doctor's office
in about 15-30 minutes, and it is effective for approximately five years.
The side effects are similar to those mentioned above for depo-provera,
but since this is a more expensive and longer lasting treatment you must
consider very carefully if you are willing to tolerate these side effects
before you choose Norplant.
Diaphragm. A diaphragm is a rubber barrier which is coated with
a spermicide and then placed in the vagina prior to sexual intercourse.
It must be fitted and prescribed by your doctor, who will also instruct
you in the proper placement and use. The effectiveness is not as high as
with the hormone therapies but it also does not have the side effects or
risks. Unlike condoms, diaphragms do NOT provide protection against sexually
transmitted diseases.
Tubal ligation. This is a surgical sterilization which involves
removing or burning a piece of the fallopian tubes, which are the pathways
for the eggs coming from the ovary. The decision to have a tubal ligation
is a very serious one and must be considered very carefully. Although in
certain cases the tubes can be reanastamosed, it must be thought of as
a permanent procedure. A major risk of this form of birth control, other
than the risk associated with surgery, is ectopic pregnancy. For more information
about this type of birth control contact your gynecologist.
Spermacidal foams. These foams act by "killing" sperm
before they reach and fertilize an egg. They are less effective than other
forms of birth control but they are relatively inexpensive and can be found
in your local drug store. Some women experience an irritation of the vagina
due to these foams.
Intrauterine device (IUD). IUD is a small copper wire placed
in the cervical canal which forms a barrier to sperm by irritating the
canal. Placement is a procedure performed in your doctor's office. This
procedure is not performed as often lately as it once was, so if you choose
this option make sure you find a physician who is experienced in the placement.
The risks of IUD include increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease
and ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside of the uterus, most commonly in
the fallopian tubes).
NOTE: Although there are many effective forms of birth control available
today, always consider the use of a condom in addition to your other birth
control in order to protect against sexually transmitted disease. HIV is
increasing in alarming rates among women. Other than abstinence, use of
condoms is the single most effective form of protection against this virus.