![]() A Guide To The BEST Birth Control For Every Type Of Woman. There's no one- size- fits all answer. So consider ALL your options. With all the debates about Planned Parenthood, more women are trying to learn about their options for safe sex and contraception. Funny enough, Planned Parenthood (which some see as simply an abortion clinic) has a long list of possible contraceptives to consider, whether your goal is to avoid making a baby, or avoid some tough diseases and just practice safe sex in general. Yes, there are SO many options it can be overwhelming. The fact of the matter is that choosing the right birth control has a ton of factors to consider from your goal, your abilities, your health, your future plans and so forth. ![]() Here's a primer to help you sort through the options and find what's best for you: Best for the women who crave a schedule: If you’re the type that likes to stick to a routine so you don’t have to sweat the small stuff, the combination pill (aka The Pill, Combination Oral Contraceptive, or the COC Pill) might be something you want to pencil in to your routine. The pill is composed of two hormones: estrogen and progestin, and together, they mimic the hormones you naturally produce and stop your little eggs from releasing or developing. This form of birth control ranges from 9. So, if you’re going to take this route, be sure to stay on schedule. The plus and minus: This can be a positive or a negative depending on your end goal: As soon as you stop taking these guys for about a week, you’re back to normal and fertile again. So, if you might want a kid in the near future, but not quite yet, these could be great for you. But if you don’t want a child any time soon, then you better make sure you’re keeping up with them. Who can take them: The perfect candidate for this method would be a healthy woman younger than 3. There are debates on how effective or ineffective The Pill is for overweight women, just considering how many hormones you should/can put into your body, and there are some women over 3. Birth control pills provide several extra health benefits in addition to preventing pregnancy. Highly effective reversible contraception. Birth control pills provide. Best for women who aren’t candidates for the combo pill: For women who do have some of the concerns listed above, such as risk of blood clots, smoking or are breastfeeding, a progestin- only pill is a much safer option for you! Best for women who don’t really want to think about it: So let’s say you’re the forgetful type (no judgment here!). Reminding yourself that you need to take down a little dry pill every day and refill it in good time could pose a problem. ![]() Dear Woman, Birth control pills prevent pregnancy through several mechanisms, mainly by stopping ovulation. If no egg is released, there is nothing to be fertilized. Can somebody recommend me a good birth control that doesn’t cause weight gain. This is the first time I am thinking of such contraceptives and I just keep hearing. A Guide To The BEST Birth Control For Every Type Of Woman Out There. ![]() There are actually quite a few options, depending on your desired timeline. So, how long before you think you might want kids? Not for another 1. Para. Guard, a type of IUDmade of copper that doesn’t use hormones. It’s more than 9. T- shaped device that’s inserted into the uterus to block eggs from being fertilized. Think of it as the overprotective father or brother that you actually want around to make “the guys” stay away. No sperm is good enough for these potential babies. Maybe in 5 years: Mirena, another type of IUD. This IUD is inserted in the same manner as the former, but also releases the progestin hormone. ![]()
An IUD can be uncomfortable for some women, so be sure to discuss this with your trusted doctor. Maybe in 3 years: Implant. This is a little match- sized object that is inserted into your upper arm and releases progestin to suppress your ovulation. Best for women who hate their period: If you hate all the mess that comes with that big monthly visitor, or have severe PMS symptoms that are essentially crippling, an extended cycle pill would be an angel to you. An extended- cycle pill uses hormones to not only prevent pregnancy, but also limits your periods to only happening one to four times a year. Other hormonal contraceptives can help reduce the effects your period has on your body, but this is for the ladies who are simply fed up with anything that has to do with mother nature’s “gift.” You just have to take these pills every single day for them to be effective. Best for forgetful women: If three to 1. But, if you’re super- duper forgetful, it’s not a bad idea to put an alert on your phone to remind you of when to replace your preferred manner of the following birth control. Continued Birth Control Patch. Type: Hormonal. How it works: You stick a square patch that's about 2 inches across on your abdomen, buttocks, arm, or back. Risks of Birth Control Pill: 8 Reasons To Quit and How to Stay Healthier If You Don’t. Birth control shots last for about three months. You go to the doctor, get the shot, and then you’re covered for about three months (1. This method is a little more than 9. So if you’re cool with needles, and don’t want the pressure of how perfectly you administer your birth control, this could be a good option. A vaginal ring, such as Nuva. Ring works as effective birth control for a month. You just insert the flexible ring in, and in three weeks, take it out, and you’ll have your period. Then you replace it with a new ring. It works by releasing estrogen and progestin into the vagina (the same stuff used in the pill), and also helps thicken the natural mucus on your cervix so sperm as a harder time entering your uterus. Birth control patches are effective for about a week, and just as effective, or sometimes even more effective than the pill. The patch is like a bandage, and can be stuck to the stomach, upper arm, butt or torso. You just put on a new one every week, and don’t bother putting one on on the week of your period. Best for cash- strapped women: Not everyone can afford a birth control that’s administered via surgery or continuously taking prescribed pills. Thankfully, there are quite a few options to keep to your budget. Male condoms are of the most common forms of birth control, partly because they’re so cheap and easy to get, and partly because they also protect against STDs. Individually, a condom costs between 5. Generally a box of condoms is 2. Female condoms are a little more expensive than male condoms, generally ranging from 1- 3 dollars each. Like male condoms, they also prevent STDs, and don’t use any hormones. You take it out and dispose like you would a male condom. Best for the au- natural woman: If you don’t want any extra hormones or chemicals being put into your body, female and male condoms are your best bet, as well as being aware of your fertility windows and understanding when you are most likely to get pregnant, to be extra safe. A diaphragm is another option. It’s a dome- shaped object that is placed in your vagina and guards your cervix. You pair this with a spermicide to deter and block out sperm from getting to the uterus. This method is 9. You can put it in hours before you expect to have sexual intercourse, so when you’re ready to go, you’re ready to go! By the way, you have to be fitted for one of these at the doctor, so be ready for that. Best for plus- sized women: While there are some debates on how effective hormone- based contraceptives work for plus- sized women, there are some birth control methods that are sure to work. However, it should also be noted that hormonal contraceptives might not work very well for you only if you are significantly overweight. Of course, your trusted doctor will let you know what hormonal contraceptives you would or would not be a candidate for. Male and female condoms work just as well for everyone so long as they’re used properly, and you have the condoms that seem to work best for you and your partner. A diaphragm paired with spermicide, when fitted properly, is a great option for birth control. You stick it in up to eight hours before you’re planning to have sex, and you’re ready to go! An IUD is another effective option that isn’t impacted by weight. Plus, depending on the kind you get, you’d be set for five to 1. Not a bad deal, huh? Best for women who done screwed up: If something went awry with your preferred manner of birth control, and you need immediate emergency contraception, you can use the Plan B method (aka the morning after pill, etc). This won’t help you if you’re already pregnant. It’s not an instant abortion pill. This only works if you take it within a week of your sexual- protection mishap, so get to steppin’ if you know some of those pesky sperms invaded your territory. Best for women who ABSOLUTELY do not EVER want kids (again): Okay, so this isn't birth control in the standard sense. This is straight up discontinuing your ability to ever have babies. But hey, you're still controlling your (lack of) birth. There are quite a few permanent sterilization options that you can talk about with your doctor and partner (if you have one). You can get tubal ligation (aka getting your tubes tied), which is an invasive surgery that puts an incision or blockage in your fallopian tubes. There is also the Essure method, which is slightly less invasive, and blocks the fallopian tubes with a small metal object. And of course, there is the Vasectomy. Vasectomies are safer, cheaper and easier than the sterilization options for women by blocking the tubes that release sperm. Essentially, a vasectomy filters out all the little soldiers from the cum, so there’s only a 1 in 1,0. Best for the women who want to stay in control of their body: Any birth control you’d like. It’s your body, so it’s up to you what you do with it, and how you want to use it. You can take control of your sexual well- being. Just consult with a doctor you trust, and your partner (if you have a consistent one), and do what you feel most comfortable with. Birth Control Pills . Adolescent girls and young women are frequently prescribed birth control pills (also called oral contraceptive pills, hormonal pills, or simply “the Pill”) for irregular or heavy menstrual periods, menstrual cramps, acne, PMS, Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI), endometriosis, and hormone replacement therapy. For example, girls diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) – a hormone imbalance which causes irregular menstrual periods, acne, and excess hair growth, are prescribed birth control pills to lower their hormone levels (to the normal range) and regulate menstrual periods. Girls with acne that are not responding to simple measures are often prescribed birth control pills. Girls whose ovaries are not producing enough estrogen (due to the effects of radiation or chemotherapy, a genetic condition such as Turner’s Syndrome, or stress) often take birth control pills to replace estrogen. If the lack of periods are caused by low weight or an eating disorder, the best treatment is weight gain to a normal healthy weight. Girls with endometriosis are also often prescribed birth control pills, in cycles or continuously, to suppress the condition. Normal estrogen levels and healthy weight are important for healthy bones. Last but not least, birth control pills are used for birth control. Does the birth control pill have health benefits? Yes. The Pill has many health benefits, such as: Regulation of menstrual periods. Decreased menstrual cramps. Treatment for acne. Treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)Lowered risk of anemia. Lowered risk for some cancers. Are there any serious side effects from the Pill? Most young women who take birth control pills have few or no problems. However, birth control pills with estrogen may cause a slight increase in the risk of developing blood clots in the legs, eyes, and lungs. If your daughter develops any of the following problems, call her health care provider right away or take her to the closest emergency room: Abdominal or stomach pain (severe)Chest pain (severe), cough, shortness of breath. Headache (severe), dizziness, weakness, or numbness. Eye problems (vision loss or blurring), speech problems. Severe leg pain (calf or thigh)Remember: ACHESDoes the birth control pill cause blood clots? There is a very slight risk of developing blood clots in the legs, but much less than the risk during pregnancy. Among adolescent girls who do not take the Pill, 1- 1. Among girls who take combined oral contraceptive pills, the risk increases 3- 5 fold or to 5- 5. For women who are pregnant, the risk of developing blood clots is twice as high as Pill users and 4. Is there any way my daughter can lower her risk of getting blood clots while taking the Pill? Make sure you let your daughter know (and her health care providers) if any of her blood relatives have had blood clots, especially when they were young (in their 2. There are other factors that can contribute to the likelihood of whether a teen or adult woman develops blood clots such as a diagnosis of Factor V Leiden, trauma, or surgery, being overweight and smoking. If your daughter smokes, encourage her to quit. If she is planning a flight or long car ride (especially if 6- 8 hours or longer), remind her to get up and walk around and drink lots of fluids to lessen the risk of blood clots. If she is having surgery (and will be immobilized an don bed rest for a period of time), talk to her health care provider about whether she should go off the Pill 3- 4 weeks before the surgery. Does the birth control pill cause heart attacks or strokes? There is no increase in the risk of heart attack or stroke in healthy young women who take birth control pills and don’t smoke. If your daughter is a smoker, encourage her to quit smoking. She can still take the Pill if she smokes, but if she quits smoking, she’ll be healthier for life and her risks from taking the Pill will be less. Does the birth control pill cause cancer? The truth is that the Pill actually protects against cancer of the ovaries and cancer of the lining of the uterus. A woman is half as likely to get cancer of the uterus or ovaries if she has taken birth control pills. Most experts believe that taking the Pill does not cause any increased risk of getting breast cancer. Even girls with a family history of breast cancer can take the Pill. Does the birth control pill cause birth defects? Birth control pills do not cause birth defects or affect the health of future children that your daughter may have. Is there any trouble getting pregnant after using the birth control pill? There is no change in fertility with using the birth control pill. Regular periods and ovulation usually start up again right away. However, girls who were very irregular before starting the pill may be irregular after they stop the pill. Girls who have PCOS or lose weight on the pill are particularly likely to be irregular, not because of the Pill, but because of their medical condition. If your daughter was using the Pill for birth control, she should use another birth control method right away if she doesn’t want to get pregnant. She should talk to her health care provider before she actually stops taking the birth control pill. How long is it safe for my daughter to be on birth control pills? It’s safe for your daughter to be on the Pill for years, whether she’s on it to regulate her menstrual cycles, cramps, hormone replacement, or if she’s simply using it for birth control. Does my daughter need to take a break from the Pill? There is no medical reason that your daughter would need to take a “break” from the Pill. There are no medical benefits from taking a break. If your daughter were to stop taking the Pill and then go on it again, she could have the same side effects that she already experienced during the first few months of pill use. Also, your daughter would not experience the many medical (non- contraceptive) benefits that the Pill offers. Will my daughter gain weight from taking birth control pills? It’s unlikely that your daughter will gain weight on the Pill. Research trials have not shown a connection between birth control pills and weight gain among women who take birth control pills. Some teens gain weight, some lose weight, but most teens stay exactly the same weight when they are taking the birth control pill. Many times a young woman thinks she has gained 5- 1. If your daughter thinks she may have gained weight due to the Pill, she should see her health care provider and get her weight measured. Encourage your daughter to eat a healthy diet. Suggest that she eat 5- 7 servings of fruits and vegetables a day, reduce her portion sizes, avoid fast foods and simple carbohydrates such as cookies, cake, sugary cereal, etc. Also, encourage her to be active and exercise or take part in an activity that she enjoys as she will be more likely to do. Will the birth control pill have any negative effects on my daughter’s growth? No, the birth control pill will not affect or hinder your daughter’s growth if she has already started her period. By the time she has her first period, she is already at 9. A girl grows about 2 inches in the 2 years after her first menstrual period. Will the Pill make my daughter’s cramps better? For girls who experience severe menstrual cramps and over- the- counter medications do not help, birth control pills may be the solution. Birth control pills can help to decrease menstrual cramps. Because the combined birth control pills prevent ovulation, they also get rid of pain that your daughter may experience with ovulation in the middle of her menstrual cycle. Will the Pill make my daughter’s menstrual periods more regular? For girls whose menstrual periods are irregular (too often or too late), birth control pills can help to regulate the menstrual cycle to every 2. Birth control pills can also reduce the amount and length of menstrual bleeding. What if my daughter’s period is very light while she’s taking birth control pills? Your daughter’s period may be so light when she is taking birth control pills that she may only have a brown smudge on a tampon, pad, panty shield, or her underwear. The hormone doses in birth control pills are very low. This means that the lining of your daughter’s uterus doesn’t become very thick, so very little blood needs to come out each month. Will the birth control pill make my daughter’s acne better? Birth control pills usually improve acne. For moderate to severe acne, which over- the- counter and prescription medications haven’t cured, birth control pills may be prescribed. The hormones in the birth control pill can help stop acne from forming. It doesn’t usually matter which type of birth control pills your daughter takes, since most of them can be used to treat acne. Encourage your daughter to be patient though, since it may take several months to see a difference with her acne. What if my daughter has PCOS? How do birth control pills help? If your daughter has PCOS, you’re probably already aware that it can cause irregular menstrual cycles, excess hair growth, and acne. One of the treatments prescribed for PCOS are birth control pills (oral contraceptives), because the hormones (estrogen and progestin) in the pill regulate menstrual cycles. Birth control pills allow the endometrial lining to be shed every four weeks so your daughter’s menstrual period will be regular. Because birth control pills cause women to menstruate regularly and shed the endometrial lining on time, they reduce the risk of endometrial cancer. Birth control pills also improve acne and lessen excess hair growth, which is another reason they are used to treat PCOS. What if my daughter has endometriosis? How do birth control pills help? Hormonal treatment such as birth control pills either taken in cycles or continuously are felt to relieve symptoms associated with endometriosis in 8 out of 1.
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