Birth Control Methods: Which One is Right for You?

Women are starting to wait longer in life before having children. Some are waiting to be mothers because establishing careers are becoming more important. Many are waiting for the simple fact they don't want to be burdened down with responsibility yet, and want to finish the things they haven't completed in their lives. Whatever the reason is, women are turning to birth control to prolong having a child. This article will discuss the different types of birth control.

One type of birth control, which is the most popular form, is oral contraceptives known as "the pill." Oral contraceptives work to prevent pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation. They suppress hormone activity in the brain and ovaries. This stops a woman from ovulating but allows her to still have her menstrual cycle. The pill also has other positive effects in a woman's monthly cycle. They can keep her on a regular schedule if she is irregular and cut down the number of days she is on her period. It is also known that it helps with cramps, to where they aren't so strong. This form of birth control can be taken for a number of reasons besides just preventing a pregnancy.

Another type of contraceptive is called the patch. The patch is a newer method of birth control that has come out just over the past year. It's for women who want to prevent pregnancy but at the same time don't want to have to remember to take a pill every day. The contraceptive patch is an adhesive patch placed on the skin that releases hormones into the skin. It can be placed on the buttocks, upper arm, or upper torso. The patch is worn for a week at a time and for three weeks. After the third week the patch is removed upon which you will have break through bleeding.

A third type of contraception is the hormone shot also known as the Depo-Provera shot. This shot contains progestin. It is injected into the upper arm, buttocks, or upper thigh every three months. Usually women who take this form of birth control will stop having periods. A woman's menstrual cycle will begin again once she comes off the shot.

All of these contraceptives are great ways to prevent pregnancies but aren't always full proof. They can also carry some serious risks with them upon taking them. Women who take oral contraceptives should not take them if they are over the age of 35 and smoke, as this can increase your chances for a heart attack, blood clots, and strokes. The patch can cause irritation at the site. If a woman is nursing it can also reduce milk supply. Recently it was shown that women who are on the patch are at a higher risk for heart attack and strokes because higher levels of hormones. The Depo-Provera shot has side effects as well. Some of those include no periods; studies have shown a loss of bone density, weight gain, headaches, breast tenderness, and depression.

Whatever methods you choose to prevent a pregnancy make sure you consult your physician. Ask them about all the risks associated with each one. Do research and then decide on what method is the right choice for you.