Magic Pills and Wires – Birth Control 101!
- Simone King
- Feb 21, 2017
- 3 min read
During a drive to the clinic this week I was listening to one of my favorite radio stations during a segment called “Second date update.” During the segment a caller will phone in and describe a date they recently had. One in which they believe went well but for some reason didn’t result in a second date. The radio hosts will then call the date and ask, “what happened?” Usually the show allows me to begin my day with a healthy dose of laughter but unfortunately the last segment left me confused and disappointed.
Allow me to provide the details:
The caller was a young woman who over the course of a month had begun messaging a young man through Instagram. In her opinion things were going better than she could imagine and she invited him over for a date. She recalled that the two spent most of the evening laughing, exchanging stories and even a few playful kisses. It was during one of those moments that the caller pardoned herself as she went to the kitchen to check on dinner. When she returned, she quickly realized that her date had disappeared. He left the house, no note, phone call or message to explain his absence. The caller had since been unable to get a hold of him.
The hosts were able to contact the Mystery Man who quickly notified the listeners that he went MIA after noticing condoms in the young woman’s purse. A sign he believed to mean that she is promiscuous and in his words “Probably has a bunch of diseases.”
It was in that moment that I realized two very crucial facts about Women and reproductive health in 2017.
When it comes to safe sex, women are made to feel wrong even when they are right.
Condoms are able to effectively protect you from STDs, but unfortunately don’t come with are warning against dating guys you meet on instagram.
In honor of the caller and her advocacy for safe sex, this week our blog post is all about Birth Control.
Below we break down the three most popular forms of birth control, how they work,disadvantages and why the condom isn’t the most effective form of birth control.
*image source: newhealthadvisor.com/How-Effective-Are-Condoms.html
CONDOMS:
[Male Condoms]
How it works: Latex sheath covers the penis and prevents sperm from entering the vagina.
Advantage: When used correctly male condoms can provide 75-90% protection against pregnancy and is highly effective in preventing Sexual Transmitted Diseases (STDs).
Disadvantage: Possible allergy to latex.
*Image source: Medline Plus
[Female Condoms]
How it works: A barrier inserted into the vagina, the blocks the entry of sperm.
Advantage: Some protection against STDs.
Disadvantage: Can be difficult to use.
*image source: google images
BIRTH CONTROL PILLS
How it works: Oral contraceptives can be either a combination of hormones; estrogen and progestin or progestin only “minipills”.
Combination Contraceptive Pills: Work by inhibiting Follicle Stimulating Hormones (FSH) and Lutenizing Hormones causing suppression of ovulation and thickening the cervical mucus. The mucus then acts as a physical barrier blocking the entry of sperm.
Minipills: Thicken the cervical mucus and is safe while breastfeeding.
Advantage: Decreases the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers. The use of OCP’s encourage lighter and predictable periods. They can also improve acne and fertility returns upon cessation.
Disadvantage: Bleeding in between periods and risk of thromboembolism (increased risk in smokers >35 years old).Requires compliance with daily intake.
*image source: womenobgyn.net
IUD
[Mirena- IUD with progestin]
How it works: Insertion of a t shaped plastic device that is inserted into the uterus through the vaginal canal and cervix. This device uses to the hormone progestin to induce cervical mucus thickening. The insertion of the plastic device acts as a foreign body and causes inflammation within the uterus creating an environment that is not suitable for the implantation of a fertilized egg.
Advantage: Effective for up to 5 years after insertion, safe with breastfeeding.
Disadvantage: Spotting for up to 6 month and risk of uterine perforation during insertion. Increased risk of ectopic pregnancy associated.
[ParaGard- Copper IUD]
How it works: As the ParaGard is made of copper, insertion of this foreign body into the uterus results in inflammation. Moreover copper also has spermicidal effects. Requires visit to your Gynecologist for insertion.
Advantage: Effective for up to 10 years and safe while breastfeeding. Fertility returns once the device is removed.
Disadvantage: Cramping and bleeding (should be avoided if you suffer from heavy periods. This devise has a risk of uterine perforation and requires a visit to you Gynecologist for insertion.
*In need of more information? Check out some of the great resources listed below!
References/ Resources:
The CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/condomeffectiveness
Planned Parenthood: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/iud/what-are-the-disadvantages-of-iuds
Planned Parenthood Information on Birth Control: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control
Need a Sexual Health Clinic in Toronto?: http://www1.toronto.ca/wps/portal/contentonly?vgnextoid=30865e67bbee0410VgnVCM10000071d60f89RCRD
Text: Tao Le & Vikas Bhushan, First Aid for USMLE Step 2 2017
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