Contraception

A heterosexual woman in Western countries spends 90% of her reproductive years trying to prevent pregnancy and only 10% of those years trying to get pregnant (Hales, 2005). Birth control is now safer, more effective, and more convenient that ever before but no method is ever 100% effective.

When deciding what form of birth control is best for you it is important to include your partner, if possible, and to remember that there is no "right" decision, only the one that will work the best for you.

Things to consider when choosing a contraception method

• How well will it fit into your lifestyle?
• How convenient will it be?
• How effective will it be?
• How safe will it be?
• How affordable will it be?
• Will it protect against sexually transmitted infections?

Common types of contraception

• Oral contraception-combined pill: available by prescription only, prevents 99% of pregnancies, must be taken daily, offers no protection from STIs, and may have some mild side effects that you should discuss with your health care provider prior to use.
• Oral contraception-progestin only: available by prescription only, prevents 98% of pregnancies, must be taken daily, offers no protection from STIs, and may have some mild side effects that you should discuss with your health care provider prior to use.
• Patch (Ortho Evra): available by prescription only, prevents 99% of pregnancies, patch is applied once a week for three weeks and then is not worn during the fourth week when the woman has her menstrual period. Hormones from patches applied to the skin get into the blood stream and are removed from the body differently than hormones from birth control pills taken by mouth. You will be exposed to about 60% more estrogen if you use ORTHO EVRA than if you use a typical birth control pill containing 35 micrograms of estrogen. In general, increased estrogen exposure may increase the risk of side effects. However, it is not known if there are differences in the risk of serious side effects based on the differences between ORTHO EVRA and a birth control pill containing 35 micrograms of estrogen. This form of birth control offers no protection from STIs, and may have some mild side effects that you should discuss with your health care provider prior to use.
• Vaginal Contraceptive Ring (NuvaRing): available by prescription only, prevents 99% of pregnancies, ring is inserted by the woman and remains in the vagina for 3 weeks, then is removed for 1 week, offers no protection from STIs, and may have some mild side effects that you should discuss with your health care provider prior to use.
• Injection (Depo-Provera): available by prescription only, prevents more than 99% of pregnancies, one injection is given every three months, offers no protection from STIs, and may have some mild side effects that you should discuss with your health care provider prior to use.After 2-3 injections, many females stop having periods. Recent studies have shown that Depo-Provera may be associated with bone loss, most females are advised to stop after 2 years to avoid bone depletion. There may also be a 5-6 pound weight gain per year associated with Depo use.
• IUD (Intrauterine Device): available by prescription only, prevents more than 99% of pregnancies, must be inserted by a physician but can remain in place from 1-10 years, depending on the type, offers no protection from STIs, and may have some mild side effects that you should discuss with your health care provider prior to use.
• Diaphragm with Spermicide: available by prescription only, prevents 83% of pregnancies, diaphragm is inserted before intercourse and is left in place at least 6 hours after, offers no protection from STIs, and may have some mild side effects that you should discuss with your health care provider prior to use.
• Cervical cap with Spermicide: available by prescription only, prevents 83% of pregnancies, may be difficult to insert but can remain in place for up to 48 hours, offers no protection from STIs, and may have some mild side effects that you should discuss with your health care provider prior to use.
• Male Condom: available without a prescription, prevents 89% of pregnancies, applied immediately before intercourse, used only once and then discarded, offers the best protection from STIs, besides abstinence, possible irritation or allergic reaction is possible for those sensitive to latex.
• Female Condom: available without a prescription, prevents 79% of pregnancies, applied immediately before intercourse, use once and discard, may give some STI protection (but not as much effective as male latex condom), possible irritation or allergic reaction.

To help decide what method of contraception will work the best for you, you can visit the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals.

• Emergency Contraception: available by prescription only, provides almost 80% reduction in risk of pregnancy for a single act of unprotected sex (should not be used as a regular contraception method), offers no protection from STIs, and may have some mild side effects that you should discuss with your health care provider prior to use.

Most of the contraception methods listed above are available at Health Services on campus. In order to get a prescription you will need to have a consultation with one of the health care providers. Call 518-580-5550 to make an appointment or stop by the office on the first floor of Jonsson Tower.