Birth Control Methods

[Gilly Bean]

After answering a question on birth control, I felt that there are many myths out there, and many people who believe them, or don't understand them. I thought a good thread to start, and keep active, is one concerning the many different methods of Birth Control out there. I would also like people who have had negative results from birth control (Side affects, pregnancy, etc) to tell thier story, so others can weigh the options, with pro's and con's from those who have tried them.

Please remember to ask questions about any method of birth control before using it. There are many to choose from. Everyone's bodies are different. Some have more serious side effects, while others breeze through with no problems. If you are experiancing any discomfort with your current method, talk openly with your doctor about it. If you are not comfortable with your current doctor, do not hesitate to try to find another one.

~@*~@*~@*~@*~@*~@*~@*~@*~@*~@*~@*~@*

If You Choose
CONTINUOUS ABSTINENCE...
... you will not have any sex play with a partner. This will keep sperm from joining egg.

EFFECTIVENESS
100%


prevents sexually transmitted infections
ADVANTAGES



no medical or hormonal side effects
POSSIBLE PROBLEMS



difficult for many people to abstain from sex play for long periods
forgetting to protect against pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections when abstinence ends

 

[cymbidia]

Excellent topic, Gilly.

Almost no one will read so long a post though, unfortunately, and the message will be lost.

Maybe break it up into several shorter posts, each one discussing a specific birth control option? Then people could go to that which they are most interested in or curious about...

 

[SexyChele]

Excellent post! I didn't read the entire thing, as some I had already known about. But did stop to read those that I was either unfamilar with or had limited knowledge of.

Thank you for posting this!

 

[Gilly Bean]

If You Choose
WITHDRAWAL
... the man will pull his penis out of the vagina before he "comes" to keep sperm from joining egg.

EFFECTIVENESS
81-96%
nearly 100% with condom


pregnancy is possible if sperm are spilled on the vulva
not effective against sexually transmitted infections
ADVANTAGES



can be used when no other method is available
POSSIBLE PROBLEMS



requires great self-control, experience, and trust
not for men who ejaculate prematurely
not for men who don't know when to pull out
not recommended for sexually inexperienced men
not recommended for teens

 

[Gilly Bean]

If You Choose
OUTERCOURSE...
... you will have sex play without vaginal intercourse. This will keep sperm from joining egg.

EFFECTIVENESS
nearly 100%


pregnancy is possible if sperm are spilled on the vulva
effective against HIV and many other sexually transmitted infections — unless body fluids are exchanged through unprotected oral or anal intercourse
ADVANTAGES



no medical or hormonal side effects
can be used as safer sex if no body fluids are exchanged
may prolong sex play and enhance orgasm
can be used when no other methods are available
POSSIBLE PROBLEMS



difficult for many people to abstain from vaginal intercourse for long periods
people often forget to protect themselves against pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections if intercourse takes place

 

[Gilly Bean]

If You Choose
STERILIZATION...
... you will have an operation to keep sperm from joining egg.

Tubal sterilization — intended to permanently block woman's tubes where sperm join egg
Vasectomy — intended to permanently block man's tubes that carry sperm

EFFECTIVENESS
99.5-99.9%


not effective against sexually transmitted infections
latex or female condoms can reduce risk of infection
ADVANTAGES



permanent protection against pregnancy
no lasting side effects
no effect on sexual pleasure
protects women whose health would be seriously threatened by pregnancy
POSSIBLE PROBLEMS



mild bleeding or infection right after operation
some people later regret not being able to have children
negative reaction to anesthetic
reversibility cannot be guaranteed
rarely, tubes reopen, allowing pregnancy to occur
pregnancies that rarely occur are more likely to be ectopic (in the fallopian tubes) Tubal sterilization
bruising where the incision is made
very rare injury to blood vessels or bowel Vasectomy
infection or blood clot in or near the testicles
temporary bruises, swelling, or tenderness of the scrotum
sperm leakage may form temporary small lumps near testicles
COST
$1,000 — $2,500 for tubal sterilization.
$240 — $520 for vasectomy.
(Vasectomy costs less because it is a simpler procedure that can be done in the clinician's office.)

 

[Gilly Bean]

If You Choose
NORPLANT®...
... your clinician will put six small capsules under the skin of your upper arm. Capsules constantly release small amounts of hormone that

prevent release of egg
thicken cervical mucus to keep sperm from joining egg
Removal must be done by clinician.

EFFECTIVENESS
99.95%


not effective against sexually transmitted infections
latex or female condom can reduce risk of infection
ADVANTAGES



protects against pregnancy for five years
no daily pill
nothing to put in place before intercourse
can use while breast-feeding starting six weeks after delivery
can be used by some women who cannot take the Pill
POSSIBLE PROBLEMS



side effects include irregular bleeding and other discomforts, including headaches, depression, and weight gain or loss
possible scarring and/or discoloration of the skin at insertion site
possibility that implants may be visible beneath the skin
rarely, infection at insertion site
pregnancies, which rarely occur, are more likely to be ectopic (in the fallopian tubes)
removal is sometimes difficult, requiring more than one appointment
COST
$500 - $750 for exam, implants, and insertion.
$100 - $200 for removal.
Check with your local family planning clinic for information.

 

[Gilly Bean]

If You Choose
DEPO-PROVERA®
... your clinician will give you a shot of the hormone progestin in your arm or buttock every

prevent release of egg
thicken cervical mucus to keep sperm from joining egg
prevent fertilized egg from implanting in uterus
EFFECTIVENESS
99.7%


not effective against sexually transmitted infections
latex or female condoms can reduce risk of infection
ADVANTAGES



protects against pregnancy for 12 weeks
reduces menstrual cramps
no daily pill
nothing to put in place before intercourse
can be used by some women who cannot take the Pill
protects against cancer of the lining of the uterus and iron deficiency anemia
can be used while breast-feeding immediately after delivery
POSSIBLE PROBLEMS



side effects include loss of monthly period, irregular bleeding, increased appetite, headaches, depression, abdominal pain, and increased or decreased sex drive
side effects not reversed until medication wears off (up to 12 weeks)
may cause delay in getting pregnant after shots are stopped
pregnancies, which rarely occur, are more likely to be ectopic (in the fallopian tubes)
COST
$20 — $40 for visits to a clinician.
$30 — $75 per injection. Some family planning clinics charge according to income.

 

[Gilly Bean]

If You Choose
THE IUD (INTRAUTERINE DEVICE)...
... your clinician will put a small plastic device in your uterus. The IUD contains copper or hormones that

keep sperm from joining egg
prevent fertilized egg from implanting in uterus
EFFECTIVENESS
97.4-99.2%


not effective against sexually transmitted infections
latex or female condoms can reduce risk of infection
ADVANTAGES



nothing to put in place before intercourse
copper IUDs may be left in place for up to 10 years
no daily pill
IUDs with hormones may reduce menstrual cramps and may be left in place for one year.
POSSIBLE PROBLEMS



increase in cramps
spotting between periods
heavier and longer periods
increased chance of tubal infection for women who contract a sexually transmitted infection, which may lead to infertility
rarely, wall of uterus is punctured during insertion
rarely, insertion can cause infection
pregnancies, which rarely occur, are more likely to be ectopic (in fallopian tubes)
COST
$150 — $300 for exam, insertion, and follow-up visit. Some family planning clinics charge according to income.

 

[Gilly Bean]

You May Want
EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION if…


His condom broke.
You forgot to take your pill.
He didn't pull out in time.
You weren't using any birth control.
He forced you to have unprotected sex.
Emergency Contraception (EC) ... ... is designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected vaginal intercourse.
... is provided in two ways:


Emergency IUD insertion within five days of unprotected intercourse is 99.9% effective.
Emergency contraception pills — two doses of hormonal pills taken 12 hours apart and started within 72 hours of unprotected sex — reduces the risk of pregnancy 75 - 89%. The sooner a woman starts EC, the more effective it may be. Nausea, vomiting, and cramping are common side effects when combined hormones — estrogen and progestin — are used.
Don't use emergency hormonal contraception if you

are pregnant
are allergic to the medication
Consult your clinician about what kind of emergency contraception pills may be best for you.

 

[Gilly Bean]

If You Choose
LUNELLE®...
...your clinician will give you a shot with the hormones estrogen and progestin in your arm, buttock, or thigh every month to

prevent release of egg
thicken cervical mucus to keep sperm from joining egg
prevent fertilized egg from implanting in uterus
EFFECTIVENESS
more than 99%


not effective against sexually transmitted infections
latex or female condoms can reduce risk of infection
ADVANTAGES


protects against pregnancy for one month
no daily pill
nothing to put in place before intercourse
Although results of studies won't be available for some time, it is assumed that the advantages of Lunelle are similar to those of combination pills:
periods become more regular
less: menstrual cramping, acne, iron deficiency anemia, premenstrual tension, menstrual flow, and rheumatoid arthritis
protects against ovarian and endometrial cancers, pelvic inflammatory disease, non-cancerous growths of the breasts, ovarian cysts, and osteoporosis (thinning of the bones)
fewer tubal pregnancies
POSSIBLE PROBLEMS



must receive injection once a month
rare but serious health risks, including blood clots, heart attack, and stroke — women who are over 35 and smoke are at a greater risk
other side effects include temporary irregular bleeding, loss of monthly period, weight gain or loss, depression, nausea, breast tenderness, and other discomforts
COST
$30 - $35. Some family planning clinics charge according to income.

 

[Gilly Bean]

If You Choose
THE PILL...
... your clinician will prescribe the right pill for you. Take one pill once a day. Complete one pill-pack every month. Combination pills contain estrogen and progestin. Others are progestin-only. Pills contain hormones that work in different ways.

Combination pills prevent release of egg.
Both types thicken cervical mucus to keep sperm from joining egg.
Both types also may prevent fertilized egg from implanting in uterus.
EFFECTIVENESS
95-99.9%


not effective against sexually transmitted infections
latex or female condoms can reduce risk of infection
ADVANTAGES



nothing to put in place before intercourse
periods become more regular
less: menstrual cramping, acne, iron deficiency anemia, premenstrual tension, menstrual flow
protects against ovarian and endometrial cancers, pelvic inflammatory disease, non-cancerous growths of the breast, ovarian cysts, and may protect against osteoporosis (thinning of the bones)
fewer tubal pregnancies
POSSIBLE PROBLEMS



must be taken daily
rare but serious health risks, including blood clots, heart attack, and stroke - women who are over 35 and smoke are at a greater risk
side effects include temporary irregular bleeding, loss of monthly period, weight gain or loss, depression, nausea, breast tenderness, and other discomforts
COST
$15 - $25 per monthly pill-pack at drugstores - often less at clinics.
$35 - $125 for exam. Some family planning clinics charge according to income.

 

[Gilly Bean]

If You Choose
THE CONDOM...
... you will cover penis with a sheath before intercourse to keep sperm from joining egg.

The sheath may be made of thin latex, plastic, or animal tissue.

Lubricate condoms with spermicide to immobilize sperm and increase protection against pregnancy.

EFFECTIVENESS
86-98%
nearly 100% with withdrawal

Latex condoms are effective against many sexually transmitted infections - including HIV, the virus that can cause AIDS.

ADVANTAGES



easy to buy in drugstores, supermarkets, etc.
can help relieve premature ejaculation
can be put on as part of sex play
can be used with other methods to reduce risk of infection
POSSIBLE PROBLEMS



uncooperative partners
latex allergies
loss of sensation
breakage
COST
50¢ and up.
Some family planning centers give them away or charge very little.

 

[Gilly Bean]

If You Choose
THE DIAPHRAGM OR CERVICAL CAP...
... your clinician will fit you with a shallow latex cup (diaphragm) or a thimble-shaped latex cap (cervical cap). Clinician also will show you how to coat diaphragm or cap with spermicide and put it in your vagina to keep sperm from joining egg.

EFFECTIVENESS
80-94% € diaphragm
80-90% --- cervical cap for women who have not had a child
60-80% --- cervical cap for women who have had a child

not effective against sexually transmitted infections
latex or female condoms can reduce risk of infection
ADVANTAGES



no major health concerns
can last several years
POSSIBLE PROBLEMS



can be messy
allergies to latex or spermicide
should not be used during vaginal bleeding or infection
Diaphragm
increased risk of bladder infection
can only be left in place for up to 24 hours
Cervical Cap
difficult for some women to use
only four sizes - difficult to fit some women
can only be left in place for up to 48 hours
COST
$13 - $25 for diaphragm or cap.
$50 - $125 for examination.
Often costs less at family planning clinics.
$4 - $8 for supplies of spermicide jelly or cream.

 

[Gilly Bean]

If You Choose
THE FEMALE CONDOM OR SPERMICIDE...
... you will follow package instructions and insert female condom deep in your vagina to keep sperm from joining egg,
or
... you will follow package instructions and insert spermicide - contraceptive foam, cream, jelly, film, or suppository - deep into your vagina shortly before intercourse to keep sperm from joining egg. Spermicides immobilize sperm.

Follow package instructions to remove female condom. Spermicide dissolves in vagina.

EFFECTIVENESS
79-95% female condom
72-94% spermicide

The female condom reduces the risk of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. Use it or the latex condom with all other methods for protection against infection

ADVANTAGES

easy to buy in drugstores, supermarkets, etc.
insertion may be part of sex play
erection unnecessary to keep female condom in place
female condom can be used by people allergic to latex or spermicide
external ring of female condom may stimulate clitoris
POSSIBLE PROBLEMS
Spermicide

can be messy
may irritate vagina or penis - which may increase risk of infection
may set off allergies
Female condom
may be noisy
may irritate vagina or penis
may slip into vagina during intercourse
may be difficult to insert
COST
$2.50 for female condom.
$8 for applicator kits of foam and gel.
$4 - $8 for refills.
Similar prices for films and suppositories.

 

[Gilly Bean]

If You Choose
PERIODIC ABSTINENCE OR FAMs (FERTILITY AWARENESS METHODS)...
... a professional will teach you how to chart your menstrual cycle and to detect certain physical signs to help you predict fertility or "unsafe" days. Abstain from intercourse (periodic abstinence) or use condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, or spermicide (FAMs) during nine or more "unsafe" days.

Predicting fertility includes

checking temperature daily
checking cervical mucus daily
recording menstrual cycles on calendar
EFFECTIVENESS
75-99%

not effective against sexually transmitted infections
ADVANTAGES



no medical or hormonal side effects
calendars, thermometers, and charts easy to get
POSSIBLE PROBLEMS


requires months of training before effective use
uncooperative partners
taking risks during "unsafe" days
poor record keeping
illness and lack of sleep affect body temperature
changes caused by vaginal infections and douches
cannot use with irregular periods or temperature patterns
COST
$5 - $8 and up for temperature kits (drugstores).
Free classes often available in health and church centers.

 

[Gilly Bean]

That's all! I took the advice of others, and split them into individual posts. I hope this is helpful to anyone who is interested!


And always remember that if you are seeing a doctor for birth control, to ask questions. Ask friends what they use, and how they like it. Don't be afraid to ask!

 

[Gilly Bean]

-bump-

 

[SadnonMage]

Gilly Bean

Just to inform those who read these
There are instances when any or a combination of these methods will FAIL.

IF you are on the pill, Depro, or any other oral or injected birth control AND you contract a cold or the Flu............Abstain from sexual activity..........Your body's defenses while fighting off the infection of the virus ALSO will REDUCE GREATLY the effectiveness of the birth control medications.


Or be sure to use a condon in combination with the form you are using.


Just a little FYI to go with the thread.

SM

 

[cyndiesweet]

Yeah, sometimes nature will find a way no matter what. Fortunately for me I am in a stable relationship and kind of like the little guys and girls that come with natures little practical jokes. If you are not in this position and can't afford to be pregnant or get someone pregnant double up on the kinds of birth control you use. I swear in my family you only need to form the thought in your head and you're pregnant. Look at your family history if this is a common occurance be very very careful.I know it doesn't sound very scientific but some peoples's genetics just make them more fertile than others.Children are precious and deserve to be loved and wanted.They are not like pets to be set aside when you tire of them.And no, I don't set aside my pets either. Having a child is a huge commitment be sure you are ready. I will get of my soapbox now.

 

[SadnonMage]

About doubling up

Gilly Bean can you post my PM to you up here.

Make sure one of the double ups is a CONDOM and that you know how to use one.

(hint: read the instructions for placement and removal)

SM

 

[freakygirl]

If You Choose
STERILIZATION...

I had this done.. i'm glad i don't have to worry about pregnancy, but i wish i wouldn't have had it done.. it makes periods miserable (more so than before having it done).. cramps are worse..and the flow is heavier.. i've talked to several of my friends that have had this done.. and it's all the same for them too.. anyone else have these problems?

 

[SadnonMage]

Re: STERILIZATION

After our twins were born last may, I had a vasectomy done in July.

Let me tell you, the local didn't quite take before the Doc started to cauterize vans, might I just tell you I never want to feel that again. EVER.

Also there can be complications..............Doc couldn't find the vans on the right side, so he digging in my open sack for almost an hour, then makes a second incision. OUCH!!

The first incision also didn't heal properly and I now have a permanent dimple (hole, indent) in my sack.

Think hard and do your research when choosing a doctor.

btw the one I used is the second most referred Doc in my area.
So's just prolly my screwwed up anatomy.

SM

 

[cyndiesweet]

My hubby also bit the bullet so to speak. He was not pleased with is experience either. I don't think the local takes care of all the pain for anyone.However the way he described it to me it sounds a lot like the equivilant of several contractions during labor.Just my opinion of course but since there were countless contractions during the birth of our two girls I think it was a fair trade.Same goes for the stitches and the bruising.Yes! definately check out the doc who will perform your procedure.Go with the no scalpel technique if possible

On another note since the big V hubby seems to require more "down" time before another erection is possible. We're not that old, early 30's so i don't think that is it. Anyone else have this experience?

 

[cymbidia]

I had my tubes tied before i left the hospital after my second (and last) child was born. Since i had fertility problems before the birth of my kids, i don't expect to suffer the ravages of the tube ends finding their way to each other again.

However, even with having had her tubes tied, one is still susceptible to the contraction of some nasty STD's unless, of course, one is either (1) abstinent or (2) in a totally trustworthy monogamous relationship.

Keep the condoms close, if not. And use them every time.