Birth Control

Birth control is something that most women will need to think about at some point in their lives. They will need to think about and discuss with their spouse whether they want to use a birth control method at all and what type of method they will use if they choose to do so.

"Decisions about birth control and the consequences of those decisions rest solely with each married couple." lds.org

Make sure to talk to your health care provider to discuss what options may be appropriate for you.

Combination Hormonal Methods(contains both estrogen and progestin)

  • "The Pill": may reduce acne, pain during ovulation, menstrual cramping, and premenstrual symptoms. Must take daily. Changes the lining of the uterine wall to prevent implantation. 95% effectiveness. May cause nausea, headaches, weight gain, depression or irregular bleeding.
  • Skin Patches: worn on the skin, must change weekly. Less effective in women over 195 pounds. 99% effectiveness May cause nausea, headaches, weight gain, depression or irregular bleeding.
  • Rings: about 2", inserted into the vagina, releases chemicals. Changes uterine lining, thickens cervical mucus. Leave the ring in for 3 weeks then take it out for 1 week and insert a new ring. 92% effectiveness. May cause nausea, headaches, weight gain, depression, irregular bleeding, breast tenderness, blood clotting.

Progestin-only Hormonal Methods

  • "Mini pill": take daily at same exact time. 95% effectiveness. May cause breast tenderness, weight gain, menstrual cycle changes. Safe to take while breastfeeding.
  • Injections: get an injection once every 3 months by health care provider. 99% effective. May cause breast tenderness, weight gain, irregular or missed menstrual cycles.
  • Implants: about the size of a matchstick, inserted in upper arm by health care provider. Must be removed by health care provider. Lasts about 3 years.

Intrauterine Device (IUD)

  • Copper: small T-shaped device placed in uterus. May cause longer and heavier periods, ectopic pregnancies, and perforation of uterus. 99% effective.
  • Hormonal: small T-shaped device placed in uterus. Typically reduces menstrual flow and cramping over time. May cause spotting, moodiness, perforation of uterus and breast tenderness. 98% effective

Barrier Methods

  • Cervical Cap & Diaphragm: a soft rubber barrier or dome that covers the cervix to prevent sperm from entering. 80% effective (60% effective after child birth). No side effects (unless allergic)
  • Male Condom: sheath- usually latex- to cover the penis. 79% effective. No side effects (unless allergic).

Natural Family Planning

  • Fertility Awareness Method: using the menstrual cycle, cervical mucus and basal body temperature to predict fertile periods and abstaining during that time. 75% effective. No side effects.
  • Lactational Amenorrhea Method: breastfeeding a newborn baby regularly exclusively (Every 4 hours during day, every 6 hours at night). No formula or supplements at all. Works for only 6 months post birth. 98.5% effective. Mother must not have had a menstrual period post-birth.
  • Nothing/Chance: No birth control method. 15% effective
  • Withdrawal: withdrawal of the penis before ejaculation. 79% effective.

Contraception Following Childbirth

  • Your ability to become pregnant may return within 3-6 weeks of childbirth. Make sure you research what is safe if you will be breastfeeding and plan ahead.

Some good websites for more information include:
http://www.americanpregnancy.org/preventingpregnancy/

http://www.webmd.com/sex/birth-control/birth-control-birth-control-methods