It wasn't a flute, but other things have gone in there! (a review on birth_control)
Written: Apr 05 '04 (Updated Apr 10 '04)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Hopefully this information is helpful to you.
Cons: All this information makes for a really long review.
The Bottom Line: (_!_)
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| pnutmom's Full Review: Birth Control |
Let's get one thing straight right off the bat: I am not a medical professional. Anything I know about medicine comes from either my Mom (who is a RN) or from watching ER. With that said, if you are looking for birth control for any reason, please consult your doctor to determine what method would work best for you. If you don't have a regular physician, then at least check with a local women's resource center.
I started writing this review a few weeks ago...I've been debating on exactly which methods I should mention. I finally decided to limit this review to the birth control methods I have had personal experience with. There are a lot more options out there though, so if the methods mentioned here don't appeal to you, keep looking!
Let's start with the birth control methods most widely available: Over the Counter (or OTC). OTC methods include the following: condoms (male and female), spermicidal jelly, foam or inserts. (The sponge was available OTC for a long time, then got pulled, but then a couple of years ago I heard it was supposed to be available again at some point). We've used condoms (male) and spermicidal jelly. Condoms can be found pretty much anywhere - grocery stores, drug stores, mass retail stores, gas stations, some public bathrooms even have condom-dispensing machines! To my knowledge, spermicidal jelly, foam, or inserts can only be purchased at the store. Sorry ladies, no buying them at the movie theater bathroom! (I'm going to break the whole review down and discuss pros and cons of each method, along with any personal experience. If you gotta go to the bathroom, you'd better do it now. And get a snack while you're up, you might be here awhile when you get back, this is gonna be a long review!)
Male condoms: 98% effective when used correctly.
Unless you've been living under a rock since birth, you probably know what a condom is. For anyone who doesn't know, a condom is a thin flexible tube typically made of latex rubber (some are made of polyurethane or animal skin) with a closed reservoir end that's worn over an erect penis. The three most popular brands of condoms seem to be Trojan, Durex, or LifeStyles, and there's probably 100 different types of condoms between these three manufacturers. Whether you like glow in the dark, colored, flavored (note that the first three are considered novelty and may not be as effective as a "traditional" condom), "ribbed for her pleasure", lubricated, extra sensitive, etc there's a good chance you're going to find it.
Cost:
A box of 12 latex condoms will cost $8-10.
Pros:
*No effect on future fertility for either the man or woman.
*Only used at the time of intercourse.
*Safe to use while a woman is breast-feeding.
*Less expensive than hormonal methods.
*Some protection against STDs.
*May reduce the risk of cervical cancer (if any guy out there is unsure, no, you do not have a cervix).
Cons:
*Have to be used every time you have intercourse (do NOT use a condom more than once however!)
*May decrease sexual sensation.
*The rate of breakage or leakage is as high as 1 in 100 for some brands of condoms.
*Some people are allergic to latex rubber (in this case you'd have to use one made of polyurethane).
*They do have an expiration date! Guys, if you've been carrying that same condom in your wallet for the past five years, better check the date on that sucker before you use it! (on the other hand, if it has been in your wallet that long, you're probably not going to be using it anytime soon anyway, so no rush). ;)
*Unless you shave your neither-regions, watch out for your pubic hair. (now wait a minute...Epinions will let me use the words "erect penis", but I'd have to use the "naughty word filter" for pubes??! Okay....)
*It's the only birth control option currently available for males.
*Speaking of males, your significant other may be unable to go out and simply buy one box of condoms. He may come back with some odd assortment of beer, Oreos, a garden hose and the condoms. His excuse will be "buying just condoms is too embarrassing!" Don't say I didn't warn you.
Personal experience:
Well let's face it, condoms can be a little bit of a mood-killer. You're getting all hot and bothered, then bam! you have to stop and roll this little tight plastic thingy on, without tearing it. Now a guy could get his significant other to do this for him and make it part of foreplay, but still, it's a distraction. The biggest complaint most guys I know have about condoms is the lack of sensation, even with the "it's-like-wearing-nothing-super-duper-sensation" condoms. Any complaints aside though, this was an option we relied on occasionally during four years before having a baby. We never had any problems with breaking, tearing, slipping off (for the love of God, if it does come off during sex, put a new one on!), or an unplanned pregnancy (for the record, we used Durex). They're easy to dispose of too - just throw it in the garbage or flush it down the toilet (which actually I don't think the manufacturer recommends). Please do not leave it laying on the floor where your dog/cat/child could get to it! That is just disgusting!! Also, do not use a latex condom with a petroleum-based lubricant like Vaseline - that can cause the latex to dissolve.
The next choice(s) is Spermicides (Jelly, Foam, Cream, Suppositories, and Film) (also known as a barrier method): 81-98% effective when used alone correctly, 95-99% effective when used with a condom correctly.
Like I mentioned earlier, spermicide is readily available in the birth control section of any drugstore, grocery store, etc. You do not need a prescription to purchase it. Spermicides contain chemicals (nonoxynol-9) that kill sperm and act as a barrier between the cervix and sperm. Spermicidal jelly, foam, and cream typically come in pre-filled "one time use" applicators. We used the jelly, and there were two parts to the applicator: the actual tube of spermicide itself, and a "pusher thingy" (for absolute lack of a better word). Using the spermicide is pretty simple - the spermicide tube is partially inserted into the vagina, and the pusher is inserted into the other end, and used to push (duh) the spermicide from the tube into the vagina. Then remove the empty tube and pusher and you're good to go! You can have sex right away BUT if you wait longer than 30 minutes, you'll have to insert more spermicide. Now if you're using the film or suppository, those have to be inserted by finger, close to the cervix, and must be inserted at least 15 minutes before sex so the spermicide has time to spread in the vagina.
Cost: A box of 10 pre-filled jelly applicators will cost about $10.
Pros:
*There is no effect on future fertility for either the woman or the man.
*It is only used at the time of sexual intercourse.
*It is safe to use while a woman is breast-feeding.
*It is less expensive than hormonal methods of birth control.
Cons:
*Does not offer protection from STDs
*Spermicide use causes an extra discharge from the vagina.
*Do not douche for at least 8 hours after intercourse so that the spermicide continues to work to prevent pregnancy.
*Some people are allergic to nonoxynol-9
*Can be embarrassing to use
*Spermicidal jelly can be cold sometimes (yow!)
*Must be used every time you have sex (even if you just went at it an hour earlier, you better insert more spermicide if you want to go at it again)
Personal Experience:
Well, kind of like the condoms, using a spermicide can also be a little bit of a mood killer. On the plus side, it can be inserted up to 30 minutes prior to sex, whereas you have to wait until the guy's aroused before putting on a condom. If you use tampons you probably won't find inserting the spermicide awkward at all, but some women may be turned off by the whole idea. We relied solely on spermicidal jelly for birth control for about a year before deciding to have a baby. The effectiveness rate of using a spermicide by itself can be as low as 70%, so we knew there was a chance I could get pregnant before we were quite ready, but it would have been a very welcome surprise. So unless you're in a monogamous relationship and could accept an unplanned pregnancy, I highly recommend using another form of birth control (condoms, diaphragm) with the spermicide.
How you doin'? Need to go to the bathroom? No? What about a snack?? I told you this would be a long review...
The next two options can only be obtained from your Doctor.
The Pill: 98% effective when taken correctly.
The Pill is an oral contraceptive (taken by mouth) that contains a small amount of man-made hormones. These hormones work with your natural hormones to prevent pregnancy. Some forms of the Pill stop the body from releasing an egg from the ovary. Others work by making the lining of the womb too thick or too thin to accept the fertilized egg. There are quite a few versions of the Pill available; some help control acne, the new one - Seasonale - allows you to have your period just four times a year. With the exception of Seasonale, all pills come in either 21 or 28-day packs. 21-day packs come with 21 active pills, and 28-day packs come with the 21 active pills plus 7 days of placebos (sugar pills). You'll get your period a few days after taking the last active pill. You'll always start a new pill pack on Sundays (why this is, I don't know). You really should take the Pill at the same time every day - when you first wake up in the morning or right before bed are good times. If you forget a pill, take it as soon as you remember. If you forget until the next day, go ahead and take 2 pills. Webmd.com says if you forget to take the Pill for two days, then take 2 pills the day you remember, and 2 pills the next day. I honestly would call your Doctor before doing this though - if you've forgotten to take your Pill for two (or more) days, it could mess your whole cycle up.
Cost: I had health insurance, so I only had a $15 co-pay for each month of Pills. Some health insurance plans don't cover the Pill though - check with yours!
Pros:
*One of the most effective forms of birth control
*Convenient - nothing to put on, or insert
*Relief from menstrual problems such as cramps, tension and heavy bleeding
*Protection against endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer
*Possible improvements in acne
*Reduced chance of iron deficiency anemia
*Protection against fibrocystic breast disease
*Reduced chance of tubal pregnancy
*Reduced risk of Pelvis Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Cons:
*Nausea
*Weight gain
*Sore or swollen breasts
*Small amount of blood, or spotting, between periods
*Lighter periods
*Mood changes
*Can cause high blood pressure
The above effects may not occur to all women.
*Does not protect against STDs
*Has to be taken at the same time, every single day
*Some drugs (like antibiotics) can reduce the Pills effectiveness
*You do have to use a back-up method of birth control the first week when you start a new pack
The following side effects are less common, but more serious. Contact your Doctor ASAP if you have any of these:
*Abdominal pain (stomach pain)
*Chest pain
*Headaches (severe)
*Eye problems (blurred vision)
*Swelling and/or aching in the legs and thighs
My personal experience:
I used the Pill during the first three years of our marriage. I was abruptly taken off of it by my gynecologist because my blood pressure was high (never mind the fact that this was the first time I'd been to her, and was going for that fun yearly exam, which is nerve-wracking enough!) Besides my blood pressure, I never had any adverse side effects from taking the Pill. Well I did gain weight during those first few years of marriage, but I don't blame that on the Pill! I never skipped a day while taking it, but there were times I'd forget and take it later than usual. If you're remotely absent-minded, this may not be the right method for you! A friend of mine swears she got pregnant with their first two kids while on the Pill (honestly I have a hard time believing that it would happen twice in a row, that maybe she didn't take it properly, but you never know. My sister-in-law also got pregnant with their first because she forgot the Pill for a "few days"). I can attest to the fact that the Pill really does regulate your period; seeing as my cycle has already been somewhat sporadic, I really liked knowing exactly what day I could expect it to start. (My best friend told me once that she not only knew what day it would come, but the exact time. No joke).
Guess what? The end is in sight!!
And finally, the last birth control method I'm discussing is the intrauterine device, or IUD: 99% effective
The IUD is a small, plastic, T-shaped device that is inserted inside a woman's uterus. A plastic string tied to the end of the IUD sticks down through the opening of the uterus (the cervix) into the vagina. IUDs work in any of the following ways: by stopping release of your egg from your ovary, block sperm from reaching your egg, it may make the lining of your uterus thin, or thicken the cervical mucus so sperm can't get through. The IUD is inserted into your uterus by your physician right in the exam room; the whole procedure takes about 15 minutes, and yes, can be uncomfortable...you may have cramping and light spotting/bleeding for the first day or two after the IUD is inserted. However, once it's in, you're immediately protected. There are two types of IUD: Paraguard Copper T-380A that can stay in place up to 10 years, and (Mirena) levonorgestrel (LNg) which is good up to 5 years.
Cost: My health insurance covered this also. Without insurance, I believe it would have cost about $150 - 200.
Pros (of all IUDS):
*Very effective in preventing pregnancy
*Most cost-effective method of birth control over time
*Ease of use
*No interruption of foreplay or intercourse
*Does not involve cooperation of sexual partner
*Safe to use while breast-feeding
*Removed whenever the woman has problems or wants to stop using it. Fertility returns with the first ovulation cycle following IUD removal.
*Can be used for emergency contraception within 5 days of unprotected intercourse
*Can be inserted after a normal vaginal delivery, a cesarean section, or a first-trimester abortion.
*The Mirena LNg IUD can reduce menstrual bleeding and cramps, May prevent endometrial hyperplasia, and may decrease the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
Cons:
*Does not protect against STDs or HIV. It increases the chance of developing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) after being infected with some STDs, especially in the first months after insertion.
*Costs several hundred dollars for insertion.
*Only a health professional can remove the IUD. You should never attempt to remove the IUD yourself nor should you let a partner try to pull it out.
*The Copper T380-A may cause increased menstrual bleeding and cramping.
*The LNg IUD may cause: irregular spotting and bleeding in the first few months after insertion, acne, mood swings, ovarian cysts, breast tenderness, headaches
My experience:
Well after our son was born, my husband and I knew we wanted to wait 2-3 years before having another baby, but let's face it, having to use condoms or spermicide every time we had sex during that time didn't sound appealing at all! The Pill was out due to the whole blood pressure issue, as was the Patch or Depo-Provera. My OB/GYN suggested the Mirena IUD since it offers up to five years protection, and it releases low levels of LNg. So at my six week postpartum exam, I had the IUD inserted. It's not a fun procedure. I did have cramping and light bleeding the first couple of days afterward. Not to mention that I spotted/bled sporadically for the first 6 months or so, along with having cramps 1-2 days a week. Now almost a year later, I'm still "iffy" on it. The spotting/bleeding and cramps have gotten better over the past couple of months, but I would still much rather have it once a month than once a week like it is now. I also couldn't tell you when the last time I had an actual period was, so the IUD does definitely seem to reduce that. Even though I really like the idea of constant protection from pregnancy, at this point I don't think I'd have an IUD inserted after having another baby. I would definitely recommend that you talk to your Doctor about the IUD, and preferably any friends who may have chosen this option, before making your decision. If you have any questions on my experience with the IUD, feel free to email me or leave me a comment here...
Well there you have it. There are a lot of other birth control options out there though, these are just the ones I have experience with. You can learn more about your birth control options at www.webmd.com or The University Health Center at the University of Georgia: http://www.uhs.uga.edu/sexualhealth/index.html. (The statistics, and majority of pros & cons in this review came from those two websites).
I really wanted to include this as part of CaptainD's Challenge Yourself W/O, seeing as it was a challenge to write, but I've written in K&F before, so darn. I'm still working on that Dave!
Thanks for reading!
© MH 2004
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pnutmom
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Member: Missy
Location: Somewhere in "Big D"
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About Me:
There is no evolution. Only a list of creatures Chuck Norris allows to live!
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