Blog

Healthy Young NV > Blog > Sexual Health > Let’s Talk about Birth Control

Let’s Talk about Birth Control

No Comments

No but really, let’s get down to business. It’s no secret that talking about sex isn’t as controversial as it used to be, and because of that, birth control has become a normal thing in young adults’ lives. Birth control is discussed a little here and there, but it should be talked about more, especially since roughly 65% of women between 15 and 49 in 2017 were using some form of birth control (CDC).
There are many different types of birth control/contraception. Each method has varying levels of maintenance and percentage of effectiveness, even the lifetime of each type and most importantly what it protects against. Let’s dive right in, shall we?

The Birth Control Implant

  • Inserted into your arm by a medical professional
  • Low maintenance
  • 99% effective against unwanted pregnancies
  • Lasts up to 5 years
  • Does NOT protect against STIs

    IUD – Intrauterine Device

  • Inserted into your uterus by a medical professional
  • Low maintenance
  • 99% effective against unwanted pregnancies
  • Lasts between 3-12 years (there are 5 different FDA approved IUDs that fall into 2 different categories – copper and hormonal)
  • Does NOT protect against STIs

    Birth Control Shot

  • Shot given every 3-4 months by a medical professional
  • Moderate maintenance – scheduled shot
  • 94% effective against unwanted pregnancies
  • Lasts for 3 months
  • Does NOT protect against STIs

    Birth Control Vaginal Ring

  • Ring inserted by you and changed once a month
  • Moderate maintenance – once a month scheduled replacement
  • 91% effective
  • Lasts for 1 month
  • Does NOT protect against STIs

    Birth Control Patch

  • Patch placed on specific body area by you (medical professional will inform you where)
  • Moderate to high maintenance – patch replaced weekly
  • 91% effective against unwanted pregnancies
  • Lasts for a week – needs to be replaced once a week
  • Does NOT protect against STIs

    Birth Control Pill

  • Taken orally every day
  • High maintenance – needs to be taken daily and at the same time
  • 91% effective against unwanted pregnancies
  • Take DAILY at the SAME TIME (for best effectiveness)
  • Does NOT protect against STIs

    Male Condom

  • Put on penis before having penetrative sex
  • Use every time
  • 85% effective against unwanted pregnancies
  • Use every time while engaging in sexual activities (vaginal, anal and oral penetration)
  • DOES protect against STIs while condom is intact (tears and breaks in condoms can happen)

    Internal/Female Condom

  • Inserted into vagina before penetrative sex
  • Use every time
  • 79% effective against unwanted pregnancies
  • Use every time while engaging in vaginal sex
  • DOES protect against STIs while condom is intact (tears and breaks in condoms can happen)

    Pull Out Method

  • Male pulls out BEFORE ejaculation
  • Lifestyle choice/ needs to happen every time
  • 78% effective against unwanted pregnancies
  • Pull out every time for this to be as effective as possible – there is a small possibility of getting pregnant with pre-cum
  • Does NOT protect against STIs – overall this isn’t the most ideal method

    As everyone has likely told you, the only way to be 100% safe against unwanted pregnancies and STI’s is abstinence, but as mentioned before, sex has become less of a taboo and engaging in sex is a personal choice. It’s important to know about different types of birth control methods. Whether you are already sexually active or will be in 5 years, being prepared about how to protect yourself or your partner from an unwanted pregnancy and STIs will only make you and your partner more comfortable when it’s time to get down to business.

    Resources
    CDC

    Planned Parenthood