THE BOYS' BRIGADE

There are many birth control methods available, so many in fact that you may feel overwhelmed by all the options. To better compare the choices, first learn about the various birth control effects and what’s involved in using each technique or product. Next, talk to your doctor to get a clearer picture of the benefits and drawbacks of each method.

Keep in mind that while all birth control methods are intended to prevent pregnancy, some help prevent sexually transmitted diseases as well.
Birth Control Method No. 1: Abstinence
Abstinence is the most effective of the birth control options — if it’s practiced at all times. This birth control method means that you do not engage in vaginal intercourse or any activity that would allow fluid from the penis to be near the vagina.
Benefits:

• Guaranteed to prevent pregnancy
• Prevents sexually transmitted infections if there is no genital skin-to-skin contact

Drawbacks:

• Some couples may find it difficult to carry out over the long term.

Birth Control Method No. 2: Ovulation Timing
This method involve paying careful attention to various body changes that suggest ovulation is about to take place and avoiding sex for a set window of time around that projected date. The most common timing methods include measurement of body temperature with a very sensitive thermometer each morning to look for changes that signal ovulation and daily observation of changes in cervical mucus consistency.
Benefits:

• No need to use a physical barrier method before sex
• No medications with the potential for birth control side effects

Drawbacks:

• Requires a high level of motivation, discipline, and understanding
• Potential for failure even if all of the above are present

Birth Control Method No. 3: Barriers
Barrier birth control methods prevent sperm from reaching an egg. Options include:

• Condoms. Latex condoms cover the penis and have a receptacle tip to collect sperm. There are also female condoms that a woman inserts into her vagina before intercourse. A single condom can only be used for one act of intercourse.
• Diaphragm. A diaphragm is a latex dome that goes in the vagina and covers the cervix. Your doctor has to fit and prescribe it. It is inserted before intercourse, left in for a period of time afterwards, and can be cleaned and reused.
• Sponges. These are doughnut-shaped rounds of foam that contain spermicide and are inserted before sex. Each sponge can only be used once.
• Cervical caps. Similar to a diaphragm, they are small domes made of latex or plastic that fit over your cervix. They must be fitted and prescribed by a doctor, and they require yearly replacing.

Barrier methods are more effective when combined with spermicide, a gel that kills sperm to maximize pregnancy prevention.
Benefits:

• You have control over when you use barrier methods.
• Latex condoms can also prevent some sexually transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS.

Drawbacks:

• If condoms break or rupture, they lose their protective birth control effects.
• It can take some practice to use barrier methods correctly.
• Certain barrier methods, such as sponges and cervical caps, cannot be used during menstruation.

Birth Control Method No. 4: Birth Control Pills
Hormone combinations that prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary) are available in pills that have to be taken every day. There are many different brands and formulas, allowing you to find the one that works best for you.
Benefits:

• Reliable pregnancy prevention when used correctly
• May control unpleasant PMS symptoms in some women
• Usually results in a shorter, lighter menstrual period — some doctors prescribe birth control pills which can be taken continuously for several months, allowing a woman to have only a few menstrual periods per year.

Drawbacks:

• Best if taken every day at the same time
• Birth control side effects can include nausea, weight gain, and headaches.
• Increased health risks for women age 35 and older who are smokers
• Very rare serious side effects, including blood clots and stroke
• No protection against sexually transmitted infections

Birth Control Method No. 5: Injections
Hormone-based birth control is available in a shot given every three months by your doctor or a nurse.
Benefits:

• No worry about daily pills
• No menstrual period

Drawbacks:

• Birth control side effects include weight gain and a temporary decrease in bone density.
• Fertility may not return for up to a year after you stop taking the shot.
• No protection against sexually transmitted diseases

Birth Control Method No. 6: Intrauterine Devices
Also known as IUDs, these are T-shaped devices that your doctor places inside your uterus to prevent a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterine lining.
There are two types of IUDs: hormone delivering and copper. Those that contain hormones change the lining of the uterus to reduce the risk of implantation of a fertilized egg, if that should occur. The copper IUD also prevents fertilization and implantation through the release of copper into the uterus.
Benefits:

• Protection against pregnancy begins the moment the IUD is in place.
• Women using the hormone IUD may have their period symptoms improve or may stop getting their period all together.

Drawbacks:

• Possibility of cramping, spotting, and vaginal discharge after IUD insertion
• The IUD may be expelled from the uterus.
• The IUD could possibly tear the lining of the uterus.
• Rarely, the uterus and fallopian tubes may become infected after insertion.
• Copper IUDs can cause an increase in period pain.

Birth Control Method No. 6: Patches
Birth control hormones can be delivered through a skin patch. These patches can be worn on any part of your body and must be changed every week for three weeks. You then skip the fourth week, causing a period of bleeding, and then start the next three-week cycle.
Benefits:

• No worries about using a daily method
• You can get the patch wet without a problem.

Drawbacks:

• You must move the patch to a different spot on your body when you replace it to avoid skin irritation.
• Less effective in preventing pregnancy among women who weigh 198 pounds or more

Birth Control Method No. 7: Sterilization
Sterilization means that you or your partner will no longer be able to have children. In women tubal ligation or tubal sterilization prevents the egg from passing through the fallopian tubes to the uterus. In men, a vasectomy prevents sperm from moving into the ejaculate.
Benefits:

• You will not have to worry about future pregnancies or using other methods of birth control.

Drawbacks:

• Difficult to reverse.
• A few days to recover at home after the procedure are required.
• Anesthesia, which carries its own risks, is used during the operation.
• No protection against sexually transmitted diseases

Birth Control Method No. 8: Vaginal Ring
Birth control hormones can be delivered via a vaginal ring, which is placed at the upper end of the vagina. You will wear it for 21 days, take it out for seven, and then start again with a new ring.
Benefits:

• No worries about daily pills

Drawbacks:

• Rarely, it can slip out of the vagina and then requires that you use a back-up form of contraception.
• No protection against sexually transmitted diseases

There are a lot of birth control options available to you. Work with your doctor and your partner to find the method that is most comfortable for your personal lifestyle.