10 amazing facts about birth control
About every woman will use birth control at some point in her life, and some will use more than one type in a month. As the years go by, certain contraceptive methods have become popular over others. For instance, the pill is still the most common form of reversible birth control used by women in the U.S. and according to a study, the use of intrauterine devices (IUD) is increasing, too.
Here are 10 amazing facts about birth control that may stun you.
1. Most women in America from ages 15 to 44 use contraception.
According to the CDC, two-thirds of women in this age group use some form of contraception. Their number one choice is the pill, followed by long-acting reversible contraceptives, such as an IUD or implant.
2. Older women are more likely to use contraception than younger women.
About 62% of women between the ages of 20 to 29 use birth control. Compare this with the 72% of women between ages 30 to 39 who report using contraceptives and the nearly 74% of women between ages 40 and older who are currently on birth control, according to the CDC.
3. Female sterilization is popular.
Although it is permanent, tying of tubes is the most popular form of contraception among American women. According to the CDC, it is used by 18.6% of them. The procedure permanently stops pregnancy by closing or blocking the fallopian tubes so eggs can’t be fertilized by sperm.
4. The pill is prevalent, but it’s not suitable for everyone.
While the pill is still the most known reversible form of birth control, the CDC’s data found that use decreases with age. It’s used by 19.5% of women in their 20s, 11% of women in their 30s, and 5.1% of women in their 40s. But combination birth control pills, which contain the hormones estrogen and progestin, are not the best choice for every woman. This is because they can raise the risk of a blood clot, according to the National Blood Clot Alliance. Smokers over the age of 35 and women with a history of blood clots or breast cancer should choose another form of contraceptive.
5. The mini-pill could be a more suitable option for some women.
It’s a good choice for women who need to avoid estrogen, such as those who might be at risk for blood clots or are breastfeeding. Possible side effects include irregular or nonexistent periods, mood changes, nausea, and headaches.
6. Pills may be harder to stick to than contraceptive patches or rings.
The patch is replaced weekly, and the ring is replaced monthly, which is a lot less remembering than the daily pill. Another type of vaginal ring that needs to be replaced only once a year is also available.
7. Another form of birth control for women is the progestin shot.
These injections are given in the buttocks or arm four times a year but because the shot can reduce bone density, it’s usually not recommended. If there’s no birth control alternative for you, it’s important to get enough calcium and vitamin D.
8. Intra-uterine device (IUD) use has tripled in recent years.
IUDs have been known for decades but became less popular in the ’70s and ’80s because older devices pulled bacteria into the uterus, which caused pelvic inflammatory disease that could lead to infertility and even death. Modern devices are safer and more effective than the pill, although they still carry a small risk of uterine perforation and infection.
9. The latex male condom is the only method that protects against some STIs.
The benefit of condoms is that they can protect against sexually transmitted infections and are available without a prescription. But condoms alone have a failure rate of about 13%. And they don’t offer 100% protection against STIs, especially the human papillomavirus (HPV).
10. The best birth control method is the one that’s right for you.
Before you decide on a birth control method, think about your ability to take medication unfailingly, whether you plan to have children, and your preexisting medical conditions. Then, speak candidly with your doctor about your needs and choices. And use an EMR that will keep track of your medical history for a wholesome consultation.
