Birth Control & Your Period

​Information source: http://www.birthcontrol.com


Birth control or contraceptives are ways to decrease the possibility of unwanted pregnancy. There are multiple methods, some of which barely interfere with your menstrual cycle, while others will cut or intensify your flow. Here I'll name and describe the most common non permanent options, their interaction with your period and their effectiveness against pregnancy. Knowing all the available options and their interaction and their effectiveness can help you make more educated choices and help you understand what to expect from it.

Condoms

Description: Both male and female condoms are made of synthetic material used to stop semen from entering the cervix. Male condoms go over the penis while female condoms "line" the vagina. They are the only option that prevents both STD's and pregnancy. This type of birth control doesn't require a prescription.
Effectiveness against pregnancy: When used correctly, 98% of the times
Period interference : None

Depo-Provera (The shot)

Description: Depo-Provera is a hormone shot in the form of an injection. It might provide temporary bruising to the injection site. The shot must be taken every 11 to 12 weeks, no later than 13 weeks. It avoids pregnancy by stopping the release of an egg and/or thickening cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to swim. This shot requires a prescription.
Effectiveness against pregnancy: When taken correctly, 99% of the times. Side note: after your last shot, 9-11 months can pass until you successfully conceive.
Period interference: It may make your period lighter or heavier. It can also cause irregularities. Some women have reported their period to stop completely.

Birth Control Patch

Description: The birth control patch provides hormones through a sticky patch, similar but larger than a bandaid. A patch is worn for 3 weeks in a row, changing one every week on the exact same day and one week off. During your week off you should have your period. It works by stopping the release of an egg. It requires a prescription.
Effectiveness against pregnancy: When used correctly, over 99% of the times
Period interference: Many women report much lighter and much regular periods.

Birth Control Pill

Description: Similar to the patch but requires to be taken on a daily basis, at the same time. It works by stopping the release of an egg. It requires a prescription.
Effectiveness against pregnancy: When used correctly, over 99% of the times
Period interference: It can lighten your period, eliminate it completely or make it heavier. It can reduce cramps.

Levonorgestrel (Emergency contraceptive, Plan B)

Description: Used after unprotected sex takes places, whether accidentally or not. It is not an abortion pill. It tries to stop ovulation from happening, thus only reducing the chances of pregnancy. It does not require a prescription.
Effectiveness against pregnancy: The sooner its taken, the higher the chances. Within three days of unprotected sex: 89% after that the chances of pregnancy drastically decrease.
Period interference: Sometimes affects the regularity.

IUD (Intrauterine device)

Description: A small device inserted by a medical practitioner in the uterus through the vagina. The copper IUD does not allow sperm to join the egg. The hormonal IUD makes cervical mucus thicker, preventing sperm from getting to the egg. Hormonal IUD’s can also stop ovulation.
Effectiveness against pregnancy:When used correctly, over 99% of the times
Period interference: while some women expierience lighter and more regular periods, others find themselves with heavier and/or irregular periods.

Author: Nancy (Grade 8)