Different birth control options are available to women at every stage of their reproductive life; a right awarded them in 1965 due to the efforts of Planned Parenthood and the Women’s Rights Movement. Here’s some an interesting statistic from the organization’s website: “Every year, 85% of women aged fifteen through forty-four who don't use birth control during vaginal intercourse become pregnant.” Since the availability of birth control, the number of unwanted pregnancies has declined significantly, as have maternal and infant death rates. Planned Parenthood offers comprehensive information about various contraception options, effectiveness, and the risks of each at www.plannedparenthood.org. An informative birth control guide is also available from the Mayo Clinic at www.mayoclinic.com, providing an overview of each method, how it works, effectiveness, and associated health risks.
It's important that you select a birth control method that you find comfortable and appealing to your lifestyle. Commonly used birth control options are condoms and other barrier-type methods including cervical caps, diaphragms, shields, spermicides, film, foam, jellies, suppositories, contraceptive sponges, the pill, topical skin patches, vaginal rings, Depo-Provera injections, intrauterine devices (IUD), natural family planning (basal body temperature, calendar, cervical mucous), or tubal ligation. Each method of birth control has a different level of effectiveness, and even the most appropriate method can fail if it’s not used correctly or consistently. It’s important to fully understand the birth control option you are using for it to be successful. Emergency contraception is also available to women that have had unprotected intercourse to prevent an unintended pregnancy and the need for abortion.
No two people are alike, or have the exact same lifestyle, which is why we have available to us many birth control options to fit our unique and individual needs. Take the time to discuss various methods with your partner and healthcare provider before deciding which one to use. Of course, you also want to consider the needs of your partner, and ultimately the decision should be based on what is right for both of you. No birth control option is fail-proof and without some level of risk, except abstinence, which is why it’s so important to consider your level of commitment using any type of birth control, and which one fits you the best. Take charge of your destiny. Go online and check out empowering pro-choice information that compares various methods of birth control options available in the United States. Knowledge is power!
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