BIRTH CONTROL Birth control is an umbrella term for several techniques and methods used to prevent fertilization or to interrupt

pt pregnancy at various stages. Birth control techniques and methods include Contraception (the prevention of fertilization), Contragestion (the prevention of theimplantation of the blastocyst) and abortion (the removal or expulsion of a fetus or embryo from the uterus) Contraception includes barrier methods, such as condoms or diaphragm, hormonal contraception, also known as oral contraception, and injectable contraceptives Contraception includes barrier methods, such as condoms or diaphragm, hormonal contraception, also known as oral contraception, and injectable contraceptives.

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF BIRTH CONTROL?

There are many different kinds of birth control. Each has pros and cons. learning about all the methods will help you find one that is right for you.
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Hormonal methods include birth control pills, shots (such as Depo-Provera), the skin patch, the implant , and the vaginal ring. There is also a hormonal IUD (such as Mirena) that releases a small amount of hormone. Birth control that uses hormones is very good at preventing pregnancy. BIRTH CONTROL PILLS (PROGESTIN ONLY) The "mini-pill" is a type of birth control pill that contains only progestin, no estrogen. Progestin-only pills are always sold in 28-day packs, and all of the pills are active.

These pills are an alternative for women who are sensitive to estrogen or who cannot take estrogen for other reasons. The effectiveness of progestin-only oral contraceptives is slightly less than that of the combination type. About 3 pregnancies occur a year in 100 women using this method. Risks include irregular bleeding, weight gain, and breast tenderness.

Because these pills do not contain estrogen, they may be a safer choice for women over age 35, smokers, and those who have other risk factors that prevent them from taking estrogen. THREE-MONTH PILL An estrogen and progestin pill called Seasonale may be taken for 3 straight months, followed by 1 week of inactive pills. A woman gets her period about four times a year, during the 13th week of her cycle. Seasonale is available by prescription. Fewer than 2 out of 100 women per year get pregnant using this method.

The risks are similar to those of other birth control pills. Some women may have more spotting between periods. The pills must be taken daily, preferably at the same time of day.

HORMONE INJECTIONS Projestin injections, such as Depo-Provera, are given into the muscles of the upper arm or buttocks. This shot prevents ovulation. A single shot works for up to 90 days. Less than 1 pregnancy occurs a year in 100 women using this method.

Sometimes the effect of this medication lasts longer than 90 days. If you are planning to become pregnant in the near future, you might consider a different method. SKIN PATCH The skin patch (Ortho Evra) is placed on your shoulder, buttocks, or another convenient location. It continually releases progestin and estrogen. Like other hormone methods, a prescription is required. The patch provides weekly protection. A new patch is applied each week for 3 weeks, followed by 1 week without a patch. About 1 pregnancy occurs a year out of 100 women using this method.

Estrogen levels are higher with the patch than with birth control pills. In theory, higher estrogen levels may increase your risk of blood clots. VAGINAL RING The vaginal ring (NuvaRing) is a flexible ring about 2 inches wide that is placed into the vagina. It releases the hormones progestin and estrogen. A prescription is required.

The woman inserts it herself. It stays in the vagina for 3 weeks. At the end of the third week, the woman takes the ring out for 1 week. The ring should not be removed until the end of the 3 weeks. About 1 pregnancy occurs a year out of 100 women using this method. Side effects (nausea and breast tenderness) are less severe than those caused by birth control pills or patches. Risks include vaginal discharge and vaginitis, as well as those similar to the combined birth control pill.

IMPLANTSp

Implants are little strips of plastic, which contain a hormone that prevents you from ovulating. It also thickens the mucus in your cervix, making it difficult for sperms to get through. And it makes the womb lining thinner, so that pregnancy is most unlikely.

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are inserted into your uterus. IUDs work very well and are very safe. There are two main types of IUDs: the copper IUD (such as Paragard) and the hormonal IUD (such as Mirena). Types of IUDs o Hormonal IUD. The hormonal IUD, such as Mirena, releases levonorgestrel, which is a form of the hormone progestin. The hormonal IUD appears to be slightly more effective at preventing pregnancy than the copper IUD. The hormonal IUD is effective for at least 5 years. Copper IUD. The most commonly used IUD is the copper IUD (such as Paragard). Copper wire is wound around the stem of the T-shaped IUD. The copper IUD can stay in place for at least 10 years and is a highly effective form of contraception.

Barrier methods include condoms, diaphragms, and sponges. In general, these do not prevent pregnancy as well as IUDs or hormonal methods do. Barrier methods must be used every time you have sex. o Condoms are a barrier method of contraception. o There are male condoms and female condoms a. A male condom is a thin sheath (usually made of latex, a type of rubber) that is worn on the penis. b. A female condom is a polyurethane sheath with a flexible ring at either end. One end is closed and inserted into the vagina; the other end is open and the ring sits outside the opening of the vagina. The male condom, sometimes called a "rubber" or "prophylactic," is far more commonly used. Natural family planning (also called fertility awareness) can work if you and your partner are very careful. You will need to keep good records so you know when you are fertile. And during times when you are fertile, you will need to skip sex or use a barrier method. Permanent birth control (sterilization) gives you lasting protection against pregnancy. A man can have a vasectomy, or a woman can have her tubes tied (tubal ligation). But this is only a good choice if you are sure that you don't want any (or any more) children. o Vasectomy is a permanent birth control procedure where a small incision is made in the upper part of the mans scrotum. o Tubal ligation (or tubal sterilization) is a surgical or non-surgical (Essure or Adiana) procedure that permanently sterilizes a woman by preventing an egg from traveling to the uterus; it also blocks sperm from being able to enter the fallopian tube, where fertilization normally occurs.

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Emergency contraception is a backup method to prevent pregnancy if you forget to use birth control or a condom breaks.

Birth Control Pills Advantages And Disadvantages Health Benefits & Advantages Birth control pills provide certain health benefits in addition to preventing pregnancy.

Highly effective reversible contraception. Birth control pills provide highly reliable contraceptive protection, exceeding 99%. Even when imperfect use (skipping an occasional pill) is considered, the BCPs are still very effective in preventing pregnancy.

Menstrual cycle regulation. Birth control pills cause menstrual cycles to occur regularly and predictably. This is especially helpful for women with periods that come too often or too infrequently. Periods also tend to be lighter and shorter.

Decrease risk of iron deficiency (anemia). Birth control pills reduce the amount of blood flow during the period. Less blood loss is helpful in preventing anemia. Reduce the risk of ovarian cysts. The risk of developing ovarian cysts is greatly reduced for birth control pills users because they help prevent ovulation. An ovarian cyst is a fluid - filled growth that can develop in the ovary during ovulation.

Protection against pelvic inflammatory disease. Birth control pills provide some protection against pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Pelvic inflammatory disease is a serious bacterial infection of the fallopian tubes and uterus that can result in severe pain and potentially, infertility.

Can improve acne. For moderate to severe acne, which over-the-counter and prescription medications can't cure, birth control pills may be prescribed. The hormones in the birth control pill can help stop acne from forming. Reduce the risk of symptomatic endometriosis. Women who have endometriosis tend to have less pelvic pain and fewer other symptoms when they are on the Pill. Birth control pills won't cure endometriosis but it may stop the disease from progressing. Birth control pills are the first-choice treatment for controlling endometriosis growth and pain. This is because birth control hormones are the hormone therapy that is least likely to cause bad side effects.

Improve fibrocystic breasts. 70 - 90% of patients see improvement in the symptoms of fibrocystic breast conditions with use of oral contraceptives. Improved excess hair (hirsutism). Women with excessive facial or body hair may notice an improvement while taking the Pill, because androgens and testosterone are suppressed by oral contraceptives. High androgen levels can cause darkening of facial and body hair, especially on the chin, chest, and abdomen.

Prevent ectopic pregnancy. Because birth control pills work primarily by suppressing ovulation, they effectively prevent ectopic pregnancy as well as normal pregnancy. This makes the pills an excellent contraceptive choice for women who are at particular risk for ectopic pregnancy, a potentially life-threatening condition.

Help prevent osteoporosis. Studies show that by regulating hormones, the pill can help prevent osteoporosis, a gradual weakening of the bones. Do not affect future fertility. Using pills will not affect a womans future fertility, although it may take two to three months longer to get pregnant than if a woman did not take pills. Safe for many women. Research for over 40 years has proven long term safety.

Risks & Disadvantages About 40% of women who take birth-control pills will have side effects of one kind or another during the first three months of use. The vast majority of women have only minor, transient side effects Some side effects are uncommon but may be dangerous.

Heart attack. The chances of birth control pills contributing to a heart attack are small unless you smoke. Studies have shown that smoking dramatically increases the risk of heart attack in women age 35 years or older, which is why pills are generally not prescribed to women in this age group who smoke.

Blood pressure. Women taking birth control pills usually have a small increase in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, although readings usually remain within the normal range. Migraines and stroke. Women who take oral contraceptive and have a history of migraines have an increased risk of stroke compared to nonusers with a history of migraine. Blood clots (Venous thromboembolism). Women who use birth control pills are at a slightly increased risk of having a blood clot in the legs or lungs. Studies consistently show that the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) is two to six times higher in oral contraceptive users than in nonusers. The risk of blood clots is highest in women with clotting disorders or who have previously had a deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. Other risk factors include obesity, older age, having several family members who've had blood clots before old age, air travel, and having to lie or sit for a prolonged period, as you might after major surgery.

Headaches. Headaches may start in women who have not previously had headaches, or can get worse in those who do. Depression. Depression (sometimes severe) and other mood changes may occur. Nausea and vomiting. This side effect usually goes away after the first few months of use or can be prevented by taking the pill with a meal. Breast tenderness. Your breasts may become tender or may get larger. Breast tenderness is relatively common during the first month of BCPs and uncommon thereafter. Breakthrough bleeding or spotting. Spotting or bleeding between menstrual periods is very common in the first cycle of pills or if pills are missed or taken late. Decreased enjoyment of sex. Some women experience a decreased interest in sex or a decreased ability to have orgasms. Weight gain. Some women report slight weight gain. Weight gain is often caused by fluid retention or estrogeninduced fat deposits in the thighs, hips, and breasts. Weight gain may also be related to a reduction in physical activity or increased intake of food. In some women the androgenic effects from the progestins in their OCs can increase their appetite.

Chloasma. Darkening of the skin on the upper lip, under the eyes, or on the forehead (chloasma). This may slowly fade after you stop taking the pills, but in most cases, it is permanent. Other medications. Birth control pills may not be as effective if you are taking certain medications. Many medications, including antibiotics, antifungals, anticonvulsants, herbal drugs like St. John's Wort, can change the amount of the pill hormones absorbed by the stomach and the metabolism of these hormones.

Not suitable for everyone. Some women should not take pills if they have specific health conditions, including some types of diabetes, liver disease, cardiovascular disease. Women with risk factors for heart disease, such as those with high blood pressure or who are obese, are also at higher risk when on the Pill.

Must be taken every day. You must remember to take the pills at the same time every day. Pills must be taken every day, even if a woman does not have intercourse that day. Must use a secondary form of birth control for the initial seven days of use.

Diarrhea or vomiting. Anything that makes the pill go through your system too fast can make the pill not work as well because it was not absorbed or, worse, if it is lost in the vomit. Requires a prescription. Cost. The pill costs more than some other methods.

Common Birth Control Side Effects Hormone-based birth control often comes with side effects that can range from slightly annoying to bad enough to make you switch. You may not know what you can tolerate until you've given a couple of them a try. But here are some solutions for the most common problems. (View 7 Common Birth Control Side Effect as a gallery)

Headache, dizziness, breast tenderness Be patient. "These side effects seem to go away after you've been taking the Pill for a while," says Hilda Hutcherson, MD, an ob-gyn professor at Columbia University. If they don't, switching brands may help.

Nausea It will probably go away in a couple of months. If not, and you're taking oral contraceptives, try taking it with food. If you're taking the ring or the patch, you might need to switch methods.

Breakthrough bleeding "I think this is the side effect that drives women crazier than any other side effect," says Dr. Hutcherson, mostly because it's so unpredictable. Taking the Pill at precisely the same time every day may help. Especially with shots, the mini-Pill, and the implantthe progestin-only methodsthe lining of the uterus is so thin that it sometimes sloughs off a little bit. (On the upside, this also makes your periods lighter and sometimes makes them disappear entirely.) Decreased libido Try another formulation. "Some women, if you change the Pill to one that's more androgenic [testosterone-like], the libido comes back," says Dr. Hutcherson. Otherwise, find another method completely.

Mood swings If it's really the birth control and not some other factor that's bringing you down, you may need to find a nonhormonal method. "In my experience, if a woman has depression with one pill, switching [formulations] usually doesn't help," says Dr. Hutcherson. All hormonal methods are likely to cause the same problem. For some patients who really want to stay on the Pill, Dr. Hutcherson sometimes prescribes an antidepressant as well, with good success.