Okay, hello everyone! Today we’re going to talk about birth control: what it is, what it does and does not do, and how it works.
First up, condoms! These are probably the most common and easily-accessible forms of birth control. The male partner wears these over the genitalia, creating a barrier, and preventing skin-to-skin contact. As a result, semen does not enter the other partner’s body, thereby preventing pregnancy. Condoms are also 99 percent effective in preventing most STIs, with the exception of certain forms of herpes. Where can you find them? The bookstore on campus, the Health Center (for free), and most drugstores and grocery stores. They’re relatively cheap, and you don’t need any kind of prescription to buy them. Condoms are the most effective form of birth control that you don’t need a prescription to use or obtain them. A word to the wise: most condoms are made of latex, so if you have an allergy, look out for latex-free condoms instead.
Another form of condom that exists is called the “female condom.” This is inserted into the vagina and worn during intercourse. While the female condom is effective in preventing pregnancy and STIs, it can be difficult to insert and remove, leading to human error.
Next up: the pull out method! This doesn’t work. Or it does, kind of. But it’s not reliable. Studies have shown that there is semen in pre-ejaculate fluid, increasing the chance of pregnancy. Also, the pull-out method does not prevent STIs, which increases your risk of contracting one. So, in sum, the pull-out method is not the best choice for birth control. Use a condom!
The pill! What a CLASSIC. The pill is an oral contraceptive that women take once a day, ideally at the same time. It’s a small dose of hormones that stops you from ovulating by thickening the cervical mucus and making the lining of your uterus very thin. If taken properly, the pill is up to 99.9 percent effective. Most of the accidental pregnancies that occur when someone is taking oral contraceptives are a result of human error (like missing a pill or taking one late). Also, sometimes it’s mint flavored, which is fun! While the pill can be very effective in preventing pregnancy, it does not prevent any STIs. The other important thing to note is that the pill can impact blood pressure levels, so be sure to ask your doctor if it’s safe for you to take. Stop taking it immediately if you have headaches or blurred vision. You can get the pill through a prescription or through Planned Parenthood (there’s one in Utica).
The last type of birth control to talk about is the intrauterine device (or the IUD). This is a small device that is inserted into the uterus by a doctor and requires a prescription. There are two types: copper and hormonal. The copper IUD is the most effective form of birth control available, as copper is a natural spermicide. This type of IUD can actually be inserted up to five days after having unprotected sex in order to prevent pregnancy. It is possible that a copper IUD can increase the heaviness and intensity of your menstrual cycle, so speak with your doctor if you have existing issues with your period to make sure the IUD won’t exacerbate them. The other type of IUD is hormonal. Similar in size to the copper IUD, this device releases small doses of hormones that prevent ovulation and thicken the mucus in the cervix.
A hormonal IUD also greatly lightens your period, or stops it all together, which can be an added benefit for some. Both the copper and hormonal IUDs are meant to stay in the uterus for three to five years and need to be removed by a licensed professional. An IUD does not prevent the transmission of STIs.
These are the most common forms of contraception available. However, other options such as the NuvaRing or a birth control patch are other viable and effective options. The most important thing is to do research and speak with a doctor so that you can make the most informed and practical decision for you. Being in control of your reproductive health is an incredibly important thing, and one that can be empowering and impactful on the rest of your life.
