Women who are sexually active and fertile need to decide whether or not they want to become pregnant. If not, they need to use some form of birth control (contraception). While there are many forms of birth control available, none of them offer protection against sexually transmitted diseases or are 100% guarantee against unwanted pregnancy, except abstinence.

Birth control is based the prevention of sperm reaching a woman’s egg (fertilization) or preventing the fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus (womb) of the woman. New methods of birth control are being developed constantly, and what may be right for a couple at one time may change over time.http://www.medicinenet.com/contraceptive_measures_after_unprotected_sex/index.htm

The most common type of contraception is the birth control pill. There are many different kinds and combine a synthetic estrogen and progesterone hormones. They stop ovulation so the ovaries do not release eggs. They also thicken cervical mucus which makes it harder for the sperm to enter the uterus and fertilize the eggs. The pill is between 92 and 99.7% effective, but offers no protection against infections in the reproductive tract, including HIV/AIDS.http://www.fwhc.org/birth-control/thepill.htm

The advantages of taking birth control pills is they are easy to use, do not harm future fertility, do not interrupt sex plan, protect against uterine and ovarian cancers, help reduce acne, and usually regulate or lighten the woman’s menstrual periods. They can also be used for emergency contraception. Some of the disadvantages are they do not protect against STD’s or HIV/AIDS, must be taken every day, sometimes less effective when take with other drugs, increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, and must be prescribed.http://www.fwhc.org/birth-control/thepill.htm

There are many types of birth control. Whatever method you choose depends on your health, your menstrual period, ease of use of the contraceptive, risk factors, types, effectiveness, and side effects. Discuss with your physician which method may be best for you. Remember as your life changes, your method of contraception may change. Above all, remember they must be used correctly to be effective. http://www.healthline.com/sw/wl-contraception-many-options?micrositeId=8

1. Hormonal methods contain estrogen and progestin, or just progestin. They prevent ovulation and are available only by prescription. They offer contraception that is continuous, but offer no protection from STDs. Effectiveness 98-99%.
2. The patch contains estrogen and progestin that is worn on the lower abdomen, upper body (not the breasts), or on the buttocks. Effectiveness 98%.
3. The vaginal contraceptive ring (Nuva-ring) is a ring about two inches in diameter and is flexible. It is inserted by the woman into the vagina and releases progestin and estrogen. Effectiveness 98-99%.
4. Injections come in two forms. Depo-Provera is progestin and is injected every three months. Lunelle is a combination of progestin and estrogen and is injected once every month. Effectiveness 99%.
5. Implanted contraception (Implanon) is a small sticklike rod that is implanted beneath the skin of the inner upper arm. It releases etonogestrel (similar to progesterone). The implant is good for three years and must be inserted and removed by a health care provider. Effectiveness 99%.
6. The intrauterine device (IUD) is a plastic T-shaped frame with thread attached. It is inserted into the uterus by a health care provider. It offers continuous contraception. There are three types: ParaGuard (copper on the plastic frame); Mirena (contains a form of progesterone called levonogestrel); and Progestasert (contains progestin). It can remain in place for up to ten years. Effectiveness 98-99%.
7. Condoms (both female and male) are available for protection. The male condom is a lubricated pouch that fits over the erect penis and protects the vagina and cervix from infections and keeps the sperm from entering and causing pregnancy. The female condom can be inserted 24 hours before intercourse and should never be used with the male condom. It helps prevent STDs and pregnancy. Effectiveness – male 85-89%, female 80-95%.
8. Diaphragm, cervical cap and shield are barrier methods of birth control that block the sperm from entering the cervix and getting to the egg. They are made of latex and must be prescribed. The diaphragm is like a shallow cup; the cap is thimble-shaped and smaller with a strap to help remove it; and the shield is cup shaped and covers the cervix but not as tightly as the cap does. Diaphragms and caps come in different sizes and shapes and a health care provider will determine the size that you need. The shield only comes in one size. They are inconvenient because sex must be planned; however, they may help protect you against STDs. Changes in your weight may mean you may have to get a different size. Effectiveness – diaphragm 84-94%, cervical cap 84-91%, shield 85%.
9. Contraceptive sponge is another barrier method of birth control that is a soft, disk-shaped implement with a loop for easy removal. It is polyurethane foam and has spermicide in it. It is inserted prior to intercourse and covers the cervix. Effectiveness 84-91%.

Emergency Contraceptives

1. Emergency contraception is used when a contraceptive method fails, no contraceptive was used when having intercourse, when a person is raped, when more than two birth control pills are missed in a row, or you were late getting a birth control shot. If you are already pregnant it does not work.
2. Plan B is the only emergency contraceptive approved by the FDA. It can be bought over the counter if you are over 18, and can be prescribed if you are under 18. It is referred to as the “morning-after pill.” Effectiveness 80-99%.
3. A higher dose of birth control pills can be used as an emergency contraception. Not all brands can be used this way. Effectiveness 75-80%.
4. IUDs can be inserted within seven days after having unprotected sex and is very effective at preventing pregnancies. It can remain as a method of birth control or removed after the next normal period.
5. Abortion pill (mifepristone) works after a woman is pregnant. It blocks progesterone which detaches the fertilized egg from the uterus. The pregnancy must be 49 days or less. It is not used as birth control and can only be prescribed. A follow up must be done by the health care provider to make sure the pregnancy was terminated. If not a surgical abortion must be done.http://www.healthline.com/sw/wl-contraception-many-options?micrositeId=8

There are several ways a woman can get pregnant while taking birth control pills. The following are the most common reasons:

1. Being one day late before starting your next package. Take two pills as soon as you remember and continue with one pill. Use backup birth control for two weeks.
2. Being two days late before starting your next package. Take two pills for two days as soon as you remember. Use a backup form of birth control for two weeks.
3. Being three or more days late starting the next package. Call your doctor for information.

If you miss pills during your cycle:

1. One pill missed, take two pills as soon as you remember and continue taking pills as usual.
2. Two pills missed in the first two weeks, take two pills the day you remember and two the next day, continue as usual. Use a backup form of birth control for one week.
3. Two pills missed in the third week, keep taking one pill every day until Sunday, set aside the pack and start taking a new pack of pills. Use a backup form of birth control for one week.
4. Three or more pills missed in a row anytime, keep taking one pill every day until Sunday, and then set aside the remainder of the pack. Start taking a new pack of pills. Use a backup form of birth control for two weeks.
5. If you miss any of the last seven pills in a 28-day package you will not have a greater risk of pregnancy. Skip the pills you missed but start your next pack on time.

Missing a period does not necessarily mean you are pregnant. If you miss your period, question yourself about how likely it is you are pregnant. Pregnancy is more likely when you first begin taking birth control pills, if you missed any pills, if you are taking an antibiotic or other medication, or if you have been sick with vomiting and diarrhea. If you do become pregnant on the pills there is likely no risk of birth defects.

Women taking birth control pills do not lose their fertility. Once they stop taking the pill, it should return either immediately or within a few months.http://www.fwhc.org/birth-control/thepill.htm

Use

If the pill is begun at the start of a period or within six days after abortion it is effective immediately. If it started some other time it will be effective after one month. You may use backup protection to lower the risk of getting pregnant or getting STDs.

Whatever day you start, take one pill every day until the pack is finished. Take it approximately the same time every day. If you have a 28-pack take one every day and begin a new pack as soon as you finish the first one. If you have a 21-pack, take them for 21 days, stop for one week, and start a new pack. Both the pill and the hormone shots are usually safe, but they can have serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects, report them to your doctor immediately. Side effects can include weight gain, mood swings, and occasionally blood clots. No form of birth control, except abstinence, is 100% effective. The hormone shot eliminates your periods if taken consistently. There is a new birth control pill on the market that is taken continuously and also eliminates the menstrual cycle.http://www.edoctors.com/womens-health/contraception.aspx?ovraw=Taking+Birth+Control&ovkey=birth+control&ovmtc=advanced&ovadid=22591767011&ovkwid=324398924011&ovcampgid=4488944511&ovadgrpid=10062684899&ovndid=ND2

For all the other different types of birth control listed in Step 2, be sure to read the instructions and follow them to the letter. Each type of contraception has a different percentage of effectiveness, so be aware of what that rate is for the method you have chosen if getting pregnant is a great concern to you. Remember only abstinence is 100% effective.

Side Effects and Risks

Some of the common side effects associated with birth control pills are:irregular bleeding or spotting, nausea, breast tenderness, water retention, weight gain, darkening spots on the skin, and mood changes.

If you experience any of these side effects, you should call your doctor immediately: severe abdominal pains, chest pain, shortness of breath, severe headaches, blurred vision, or severe leg or arm pain or numbness.

Be sure to let your doctor know what medications you are taking because the effectiveness of birth control pills may be lowered by certain medications, such as antibiotics, anti-seizure, tuberculosis, or migraine medications. You may need to use a backup birth control while you are taken any of these medications.

There are physical and emotional changes that may come with taking birth control pills as a response to synthetic estrogen. These changes remain permanent while you are taking the pill, such as: larger breasts, weight gain or loss, more or less acne, slight nausea, emotional sensitivity just before your period, mood swings at various times, irregular spotting or bleeding, tenderness of the breasts, and decreased libido. http://www.fwhc.org/birth-control/thepill.htm

The content on this page is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Speak with a qualified heath care professional to ensure that you have the most accurate information regarding any medical conditions.