In Control
you've got plenty of options when it comes to contraception
BY HALLIE LEVINE SKLAR
If you're thinking of changing your birth control, you're not alone: an Emory University survey recently found that 43 percent of new or expecfting mothers confessed to being dissatisfied with the method they were using prebaby. But there are plenty of options to choose from, depending on your family-planning goals. "There are a number of factors for women to consider, including whether they're breastfeeding, how soon they plan to get pregnant again, and how often they have sex," explains John Repke, MD, chairman of the department of obstetrics and gynecology at Penn State University School of Medicine, in Hershey, Pennsylvannia. Here, a look at the most common methods.
The Combined Pill
[COST: $15 - $35 a month]
*WHAT IT IS A daily prescription pill that contains estrogen and progestin. Traditionally, you take the pill for 21 days adn then take a week off, but several new types of pills such as Seasonale and Lybrel are taken continuously, so you don't get a period.
*HOW IT WORKS It prevents your ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation) and also thickens cervical mucus, which keeps sperm from joining with an egg.
*WHO IT'S FOR Any mom who wants reliable, nonpermanent birth control (the effects wear off quickly). It also helps treat conditions such as fibroids and endometriosis that can cause heavy periods.
*DOWNSIDE You can't use it if you're breastfeeding; some women have irregular bleeding, breast tenderness, h eadache, and a lower libido. If you're over 35 and have high blood pressure and/or are a smoker, most doctors don't recommend using this method due to increased risk of blood clots.
*** With perfect use, this pill is 99% effective. That number drops to 92% with typical use. Best bet: use it continuously.
The "Mini Pill"
[COST: $15 - $35 a month]
*WHAT IT IS A daily prescription progestin-only pill.
*HOW IT WORKS Thickens the cervical mucus.
*WHO IT'S FOR Breastfeeding new moms- without estrogen, it doesn't carry the risk of decreasing milk production.
*DOWNSIDE You've got to pop it like clockwork. If you take it more than three hours past the usual time, you'll need a backup method for 48 hours.
*** Like the combined pill, this pill is 99% effective with perfect use versus 92% with typical use.
The Shot (Depo-Provera)
[COST: $30 - $75 every 3 months, plus exam cost]
*WHAT IT IS An injectable method of birth control that contains progestin and is prescription only.
*HOW IT WORKS The hormone prevents ovulation, thickens cervical mucus, and alters the uterine lining.
*WHO IT'S FOR Breastfeeding moms who don't want to get pregnant for 2-3 years; those who can't take estrogen.
*DOWNSIDE Irregular bleeding may result. Can also cause temporary bone thinning; discuss this with your doctor if you're at risk for osteoporosis.
*** Use it without fail, and it's 99% effective. If you're late for a shot, that number falls to 97%.
The Patch
[COST: $30 - $40 a month]
*WHAT IT IS A thin, beige plastic patch you place onyour butt, tummy, or arm once a week for three weeks.
*HOW IT WORKS releases synthetic progestin and estrogen, which work by preventing ovulation, thickiening cervical mucus, and more.
*WHO IT'S FOR Busy moms who want a very reliable method of birth control but might forget to take a pill every day.
*DOWNSIDE There's a slightly higher risk of blood clots for those who use the patch.
*** It's 99% effective when used perfectly. Miss a dose, and it's more like 95%.
>> next page >> diaphragms, caps & shields, the ring, condoms, IUDs, the implant, and permanent birth control methods >>
