When it comes to sexual health, knowledge really is power. If contraception isn't part of your sexual conversations with your partner or other consenting adults, you need to put everything else aside and figure out exactly what contraceptives are available to you.
When it comes to contraception, you never know what is truly unbiased medical opinion and what is a collection of myths. It helps to cover the basics; for example, get tested for STDs before having consensual sex with another adult who has also been tested.
With that said, here are answers to some of your questions about available contraceptives.
Does contraception protect me from STDs?
- The answer to this question is a rather disturbing "no." Not all contraceptives are created equal; some do certain things better than others. For example, they all protect women from pregnancy, but all contraceptives vary in effectiveness.
- The male condom is the only proven method of preventing STDs like HIV. Yet, surprisingly, there is a widespread belief that birth control pills protect against or prevent STDs. This is absolutely not true.
- Even female condoms don't offer good protection. Even with male condoms, protection can be compromised when latex is replaced with other materials, which is the case for people with latex allergies.
How to choose from so many birth control methods?
- There are 18 birth control methods to choose from, including spermicide and abstinence. Technically, the latter isn't even a birth control pill, but it does prevent pregnancy, so it falls into this category.
- Understandably, making the choice that's best for you can be difficult. Of course, women should have full control over when they want to get pregnant, and if they have one or more consenting partners, they must have a say, too.
Objectively, there is no best birth control method, and they all have their own pros and cons.
What factors should be considered when deciding on birth control?
- Existing health problems
- How often you and your partner have sex
- Side effects you (or your partner) are susceptible to
- Your decision about if and when you want a child
- Your number of sexual partners
- Your (and your partner's) comfort with this method
Which birth control method is the most effective?
- Not surprisingly, the most effective forms of birth control are also the most long-lasting. Surgical contraception – vasectomy for men and salpingectomy for women – is 99.9% effective. It is a mildly invasive procedure best suited for those who do not want to have children. However, men often freeze their sperm and resort to it if the couple changes their minds.
- It is almost impossible to reverse, and even if it is successful, the chances of having a child are greatly reduced. However, this method of contraception does not protect against STDs such as HIV.
- Partners must continue to use condoms to avoid infection or get screened for STDs.
- For women, the permanent contraceptive Essure is a non-surgical option that is 99.8% effective. It takes several months to work and is essentially a form of scarring of the fallopian tubes, making them inefficient and unable to transport eggs.
What are the side effects of typical birth control pills?
- This issue is far from being fully addressed, nor as often as it should be. Women often suffer when taking pills because they cause side effects such as nausea, gastrointestinal problems, increased menstrual bleeding, mood swings, hormonal imbalances, and skin problems. The list is long and
- These and other reasons make condoms a better birth control method, whether male or female. There are also contraceptive syringes and sponges.
- If you or your partner is susceptible to the side effects of certain birth control pills, you should take it slowly and seek medical advice. It's always best to consult a doctor when dealing with something you're unsure about.
