An overview of 3 alternative types of birth control for women
Apart from oral hormonal contraceptives and patches for women, this article will discuss three alternative birth control methods for women. These are the vaginal ring, hormonal injections, and implants.
WHAT IS A VAGINAL BIRTH CONTROL RING?
This is a flexible, circular, thin ring that is inserted into the vagina. Once it has been inserted, it must remain inside for a period of three weeks and then taken out. After one week, a new one can be inserted. The ring does not have to be positioned in any specific way.
If it stays out of the vagina for longer than three hours, there is a chance that it will not work effectively. If, during the next 7 days, you engage in sexual intercourse, another form of contraception should be used as a back-up. Once the ring has been in position for seven days, you can dispense with the back-up. The ring is not a very popular form of birth control because many women do not like the feeling of having a foreign object in their vaginas. Also, the ring is at risk of coming out. Women who smoke should not use the ring as it can increase the risk of blood clots.
WHAT IS A HORMONAL INJECTION?
This has to be administered by a doctor. It is usually given in the arm. One injection will keep you safe from becoming pregnant for three months. The injections can cause side effects such as erratic menstrual cycles, headaches, mood swings, and weight gain.
WHAT IS AN IMPLANT?
A hormonal implant is a flexible, thin plastic device that is about the size of a matchstick. This also has to be done by a doctor. The implant is inserted in the upper arm, underneath the skin. One implant will prevent pregnancy for three years. It can, however, be removed by a doctor at any time. This device can also cause side effects. These include unusually heavy or unusually light periods, as well as erratic spotting and bleeding. Sometimes, a woman’s menstrual cycle stops completely.
WHAT IS AN IUD?
IUD is the acronym for Intrauterine Device. It is a small device, shaped like at T, which is inserted into a woman’s uterus by a doctor. There are two types available. The first type contains copper, and the second type releases small amounts of progestin (a hormone). The copper type has been in use for longer and its efficacy can last for as long as 12 years. The hormonal device lasts for 5 years. It is considered to be safer and there are fewer side effects.
Before it is inserted, the doctor will clean the cervix and vagina. Thereafter, a fine plastic tube that houses the device is slid into the vagina. The doctor then removes the plastic tube and ensures that the device is positioned correctly. There are strings attached to it which have to be checked regularly to make sure it is still in the correct position. The risk associated with this form of birth control is an ectopic pregnancy. This means that a fertilized egg may start growing outside the uterus.
