Unless you are planning to conceive, it is best to use some form of birth control to have a pleasurable and satisfying sexual relationship. About 99% of women employed birth control method at some point in their lives.
According to a study, about 62% of American women use some birth control. Birth control is available in many forms including pills, condoms, birth control shots, intrauterine devices (IUD). When it comes to choosing a best birth control method that suits you, it is necessary to know about all the available options. From long term method to birth control pills, there is a birth control method that suits everyone’s unique preferences. Many people are not familiar with the potential risks involved with using it, so here is something that everyone should know about birth control:
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- There are side effects- Several of the most effective types of birth control contain hormones, which either prevent the release of an egg from the ovary or prevent fertilization. Any hormonal therapy can cause side effects. Some common side effects include weight gain, swollen breasts, mood changes, lighter period, and nausea. In some cases, these side effects can be so severe that you will need to change your birth control method. Therefore, it is necessary to educate yourself before signing up any contraceptive pill to prevent pregnancy. Consult your gynecologist to know about the best birth control pill that works for you.
- Birth control prices vary- Birth control range everywhere from free to a few dollars a month. It is available in some price ranges, and the customer can buy it according to his/her budget. Condoms are considered as the budget friendly birth control method while IUDs come under the expensive methods of birth control. However, IUDs are for a long term use while condoms are available to use only once. Some insurances also cover the cost of birth control. Hence, it is important to research before choosing a birth control.
- Not all birth control is effective against STDs- Condom is the only birth control method that protects against pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). All the other birth control forms are not useful in protecting against the transference of STDs. However, certain birth controls like diaphragms and spermicides can reduce the risk of catching an STD, but not capable of giving complete protection. Apart from condom, diaphragms, and spermicides, the only way to be sure you don’t catch STDs is by abstaining from sex or by verifying with a health care professional or gynaecologist.
- No form of birth control is 100% effective- It is imperative to know for everyone that no type of birth control is 100% effective. Apart from abstaining from sexual practice, no other method is 100% effective in preventing pregnancy. No proven formula completely prevents unplanned pregnancies. At the same time, one should also know that missing a period is not always meant that you have conceived as various other factors affect your menstrual cycle. Therefore, it is always best to consult your gynecologist and undergo a pregnancy test if you missed your periods.
- A woman can get pregnant with an IUD- Though pregnancies with the IUD are rare, possible for many women have little or no period when they have an IUD in place. Therefore, it is important that you keep an eye on pregnancy symptoms for a period you have IUD in place. Because many side effects associated with IUD mimic early signs of pregnancy, taking a periodic pregnancy is the only option left to find out whether you have conceived or not.
According to studies, placing of IUDs is also associated with the perforation of the womb or slipping out of place. Make sure that you check on a regular basis, whether it is still in place or not.
