A PG-13 Look at Birth-Control

If you are anything like me, then your b.c. (birth control) knowledge is pretty limited. Yeah, we are all pretty familiar with condoms and the pill but there are now a host of other options out there for women to choose from. Depending on your life style or what point you are in your life, some of these options may be better for you than others. The important thing is that we capitalize on these options to make sure we stay protected and sexually healthy. A lack of knowledge should not keep you from having happy and satisfying intimate encounters. Just make sure to discuss these options with your gynecologist.

Option 1. The Sponge

A non-prescriptive method, the sponge is a disk-shaped device that had nonoxynol-9, a agent that kills sperm. You wet it with water and insert it into your vagina before sex to keep sperm from going to your eggs. You can use it for up to 24-hours and is 84-91% percent effective. If you have had a child already, it is only 68-80% percent effective. This is a great option if you want to have uninterrupted sex since it can be inserted hours before. The sponge, however does not protect against STD's and cannot be used during menstruation.

Option 2. Depo-Provera

A shot containing progesterone, it is given in the stomach or thigh every three months and keeps the ovaries from releasing eggs. It also thickens cervical mucus to keep fertilized eggs from implanting. It is 97% effective but does not protect against STD's. This is a great option if you don't want to deal with birth control on a constant basis or if you're too busy too remember. This is not the option for you if you hate shots and want a long-term b.c. method. It is recommended that women not use the Depo-Provera for more than two years since it can cause a loss of bone density. Studies also show that women who took Depo-Provera gained an average of 3-4 pounds in the first year and 7-8 pounds after two years.

Option 3. Implanon

Implanon is a tiny rod that is inserted under the skin, releasing low doses of progestin for up to three years. The only implant on the market (since the discontinuation of Norplant), researchers say that it is 99.9% effective but does not protect against STD's. If you hate the routine of other b.c. methods, then this is the option for you. If surgery scares you, then you should not use this method. Implanon insertion is an outpatient procedure that can only be done by a specially trained ob-gyn.

Option 4. Seasonique

Seasonique is low-dose tablets that reduce the frequency of menstruation to only four times a year and promises less bloating and hormone fluctuations. It is up to 99% percent effective but does not protect against STD's. Consider this if you hate having a period but if you have a bad memory, don't use this option, since Sesonique is taken daily.

Option 5. Emergency Contraception/Plan B

Two high-dose tablets taken 12 hours apart for three days, Plan B are progestin pills that prevents pregnancy after having unprotected sex. Plan B was recently approved for over-the-counter access and should be available. It's 75-89% effective but does not protect against STD's. Use this method if it is an emergency although it is not something you should regularly employ since hormone levels in Plan B are high. Do not use this method if your number one priority is protection on a regular basis.

Option 6. Ortho-Evra

Ortho-Evra, also known as The Patch, is a thin plastic patch worn on your arm, stomach, butt, or torso that releases progestin and estrogen. These hormones prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs. It is 99.7% effective but does not protect against STD's. Available only by prescription, this method is great if you don't like the routine of taking a pill daily. This method is not recommended for larger women since it may be slightly less effective. The patch also contains 60% more estrogen than the pill so there are more side effects. If you are prone to blood clots or have a history of heart disease, skip Ortho-Evra all together.

Option 7. Vaginal Contraceptive Film

A 2 -by-2 inch filmy sheet, you place it on or near the cervix where is dissolves leaving spermicide nonoxynol-9. Up to 75% effective, it reduces some risk of sexually transmitted infections but condom use is still recommended. If you are a no muss, no fuss type of person, then this option is for you since it's easy to use. Don't use this method if you have unintended sex since the film needs to be inserted each time before sex.

Option 8. IUD

This small T-shaped device is inserted into your uterus by your gyno. There are two different types available on the market in the U.S. ParaGard releases copper ions that slow down sperm and prevents eggs from maturing. Mirena releases a steady flow of progestin that thins the uterine lining so pregnancy can't be supported. It's 99% effective but doesn't protect against STD's. Use this method if you don't want to think about birth control for awhile since ParaGard can last for up to 10 years and Mirena can be used for up to 5 years. Don't use an IUD if you have a sexually transmitted disease like gonorrhea or chlamydia since the implantation increases your risk of developing a tubal infection that can lead to infertility.

Option 9. NuvaRing

NuvaRing is a small flexible ring that releases estrogen for three weeks and is removed on week four so menstruation can begin. It is inserted deep in the vagina and is 99.7% effective. It does not protect against STD's and should not be used if body fluids irk you because NuvaRing can increase vaginal discharge. This method is recommended if you are a do it yourself type since no fitting is required from your gynecologist.

Option 10. Diaphragm/Cervical Cap

Diaphragms are dome-shaped rubber disks and cervical caps are soft rubber cups. Both cover the cervix preventing sperm from reaching the uterus and both are prescription required. The diaphragm is 84-94% effective and the cap is 71-86% effective but neither protects against STD's. This option is good for you if you can't take estrogen, have a history of deep vein thrombosis or cardiovascular disease or because you just don't like extra estrogen. Don't use this method if you are forgetful and/or clumsy. Removing and inserting can be messy and confusing plus leaving these products in for longer than recommended - 24 hours for the diaphragm and 48 hours for the cap- puts you at risk for toxic shock syndrome.