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Content warning! Brief mention of sexual assault & resources. Sections with this content will be marked with `*` at the start of the sub-header so it can be avoided.
There are many different tools available to prevent pregnancy when having sex. It is important to acknowledge that each one has its own benefits, set-backs, and reliability. The clear majority of contraceptive options available are primarily for use by people with a uterus, this post will mainly focus on those available options.
This is part 2 of 2 detailing the pros & cons different birth control methods offer. For part 1 click here.
Hormonal Injection
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As the name implies, the Hormonal Injection is an injection taken to prevent pregnancy. It is taken every 12-14 weeks and comes in two variations; Depo-Provera; Depo-SubQ Provera 104 Injection. Both variations provide the same level of protection against pregnancy, with the only major differences being injection location and hormone level.
Depo-Provera must be injected into muscle (either the buttock or upper arm), while the Depo-SubQ Provera 104 variant is injected under the skin using a smaller needle – it “contains 31% less hormone than the original Depo-Provera shot at 104mg of medroxyprogesterone acetate” (source: Very Well Health)
Pros:
Cons:
(sources: Health Direct,NHS Official Site,Planned Parenthood)
Hormonal Injections offer more freedom than Birth Control Pills making them slightly more accessible to those who often forget to take medication. They are effective at preventing pregnancy and once stopped, after a short amount of time, the ability to conceive should return to normal.
* Morning After Pill (Emergency Contraceptive)
Photo by Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition
The Morning After Pill is a form of emergency contraception designed to be used after the possible exposure to unprotected sex or assault. Sometimes referred to by the brand name Plan B, the Morning After Pill acts to prevent pregnancy by “delaying or preventing ovulation”. (Source:Mayo Clinic)
For the Morning After Pill to be most effective, “Ideally you should take it up to 12 hours after you’ve had unprotected sex”. The effectiveness of the Morning After Pill lessens the longer you wait. (source: Your Life)
Pros:
Cons:
(Sources: Mayo Clinic, Your Life, Medscape).
The Morning After Pill should always be treated as a last resort. It is effective at preventing pregnancies when accidents occur, or someone has been the victim of assault.
If you have been a victim of assault here are some resources that may help you:
Spermicide
Photo by Daniel Thomas
Spermicide is more of a supplementary method of birth control most effective when used in conjunction with other methods such as condoms and diaphragms. Used alone Spermicide has a relatively high failure rate and isn’t effective at protecting against STIs (source: American Pregnancy Association).
When using Spermicide, you should look into the best pairings for the most effective protection against pregnancy as well as ensure you read the instructions carefully to ensure correct usage. There are 6 different types of Spermicide to choose from; Spermicidal foam; Contraceptive film; Contraceptive sponge; Creams and gels; Contraceptive inserts, tablets, or suppositories; Spermicidal jelly. (Source: Very Well Health)
Pros:
Cons:
(Source: Planned Parenthood)
Spermicide can cause side effects which lead to irritation in/around the vagina which can provide easier pathways for pathogens/bacteria. Spermicide should be thought of as an extra measure you can take to ensure effective protection against pregnancy.
* Diaphragm
Photo by Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition
The Diaphragm is available in two types – the titular Diaphragm and the Cap. Both variations work in a similar manner with differences primarily being the shape.
When using a Diaphragm it is important to get the correct size and “you need to use it with a gel that kills sperm (spermicide)” (source: NHS). By creating a barrier blocking the entrance to the cervix/womb, the Diaphragm prevents sperm from entering the uterus and fertilizing an egg.
Pros:
Cons:
The best way to find out if a Diaphragm is the right option for you is to visit a medical professional you trust. The Diaphragm gives you complete control over contraception and mitigates the risks of “stealthing” – a form of sexual assault where a sexual partner removes a condom without your consent, usually in secret (see above for resources that may help if you have experienced any form of sexual assault) – but should be used with both a condom and spermicide in order to be effective and prevent against STIs.
(Source: NHS)
Contraceptive Ring
Photo by Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition
Contraceptive Rings “are soft plastic rings that contain two hormones – estrogen and progestogen.” (source: Better Health)
Remaining inside the vagina for a maximum of 3 weeks, the Contraceptive Ring works in a similar way to the Birth Control Pill and provides birth control without needing to receive injections, minor surgery, or taking oral medication.
Pros:
Cons:
(Source: NHS, Healthline)
Contraceptive Rings are a good option if you have an aversion to taking oral medicine/tablets and offer contraceptive control. As with all forms of contraceptive, it is advised to use condoms as well to protect against STIs.
This concludes our series on Contraception, we hope this information has been helpful. Remember to always consult a medical professional before changing to/starting a new form of contraception. There are many different choices available to prevent pregnancy for whatever reason and remember that you never need to justify or defend your decision to use birth control – know your body and seek out the most suitable method for you!
