A continuation of Birth Control Methods and Techniques. This guide will introduce you to the latest birth control methods, while shedding some light on the positive and negative aspects of particular birth control methods.
Hormone Shots
DepoProvera is an injectable alternative to birth control pills for women who find it difficult to take birth control pills every day at the same time. Each shot of DepoProvera contains synthetic hormones called DMPA (depotmedroxypro-gesterone acetate) that mimics naturally produced progesterone in the female body. Once injected into muscle tissue, the DMPA is absorbed into the bloodstream. DMPA inhibits ovulation within two weeks of the first injection. Women who use DepoProvera must get four injections a year to prevent pregnancy; each injection lasts ninety days. Extending each three-month interval can result in pregnancy; so staying current with each shot is imperative. Each shot is inexpensive in comparison to monthly expenses for birth control pills.
DepoProvera is highly effective in preventing pregnancy and more convenient than oral contraceptives. And since this hormone shot contains no estrogen, fewer side effects result and the intensity of some side effects decreases. That being said, DepoProvera also causes a few of its own side effects: bleeding irregularities, cancer risks, future low birth rates, possible bad drug interactions, and extended periods of reestablishing fertility (sometimes twelve to twenty-four months). Of all side effects, irregular bleeding is easily the most common side effect, and most women eventually quit having periods altogether. Weight gain is also a possibility, especially after years of the injections. Women who are breastfeeding should wait six weeks before getting a DepoProvera injection.
Positives
- Most convenient birth control method
- Highly effective in preventing pregnancy
- No estrogen
- One shots lasts three months; four shots a year
- Does not interrupt sex
- Fewer moods swings and headaches than birth control pills
Negatives
- Cannot breastfeed with DepoProvera injections
- Possible long-term difficulties for returning fertility (up to twenty-four months)
- Possible breast cancer concerns
- Does not prevent sexually transmitted diseases
- Takes two weeks after first injection for protection
Hormone Patches
The birth control patch sticks to skin, releasing hormones into the bloodstream to prevent pregnancy. Progesterone and estrogen work together in the patch to prevent ovulation and thicken cervical mucus—much like the combination pill works. The patch is used according to a woman’s menstrual cycle, which differs from DepoProvera injections and is similar to birth control pills. A single patch is placed in one of four regions on the body (abdomen, buttocks, upper arm, or upper torso) and worn for a full seven days. Women wear a different patch each week for three weeks. During the fourth week no patch is worn and the woman should start her period. In order to maintain the highest effectiveness, new patches must be put on the same day of each week. For example, if you first put the patch on your body on Monday, you should do the same thing the following week on Monday. Choose a day for each week and stick with it; however, do not place a new patch in the same region two weeks in a row.
Sounds like the perfect birth control option, right? Not so fast. Birth control patches can fall off or come loose. In such situations, contact your doctor about how to proceed. If the patch comes off or becomes loose, you may need to use a backup plan—perhaps condoms. Always replace your birth control patch within twenty-four hours—or start a new form of birth control within the twenty-four hour period. However, the likelihood of the patch coming off or loosening is rare. You should be able to wear the patch while swimming, showering, working out, having sex, or during most activities. Always leave the patch in the same place on your body for the entire week. Moving it around or taking it off, even for a short period of time, can limit the patch’s effectiveness. Some women have made the mistake of trimming their birth control patches, and to do so is a gamble. If the patch does not fit correctly on your body, you should not alter its shape or size without consulting a physician. Most of the time, the patch comes off when makeup and lotion are applied before the patch, which makes the patch’s adhesive less sticky, more prone to falling off or being too loose.
