Exploring Birth Control: Three Popular Methods

Health & Medical Blog

Birth control has always been a hot topic. In today's market, many types are offered, giving women more choices than ever to prevent pregnancy. More choices means more freedom and helps with individual preferences, but more choices can also be overwhelming. 

The Pill

Between 2011 and 2013, two-thirds of women aged 15 to 44 used birth-control; 16% used the pill. The pill has been around longer than many of the other methods and may be the reason it has remained on top of the list. Some pills are packaged for those women who have periods only a few times a year. Others offered can be used without interruption, and the patient will not have a period. With this type, spotting may be present within the first six months. Don't worry it will not harm your body if you do not bleed.

Women that choose not to use the pill as birth control usually do so because they either don't want the hassle of taking a pill the same time every day or because they are sensitive to the hormones that the pill contains.

Female Sterilization

Closing or blocking the Fallopian tubes was used by approximately 15.5% of women during a two-year time frame, according to a study. Surveys of 100 women who have had the procedure resulted in less than one becoming pregnant. This is a permanent solution with quick recovery. It does not produce any long-term side effects and usually allows the patient to return home the same day. The procedure is a simple outpatient surgery done in a doctor's office, health center, or a hospital. Sometimes, it can be done immediately after a c-section is performed depending on the circumstances. 

Rarely, the tubes grow back together and may increase the chance of pregnancy. It has been reported this may lead to ectopic or tubal pregnancy, resulting in a life-threatening situation for the mother and a pregnancy that is not viable.

Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)

Research studies indicate that an IUD is a long-acting and reversible contraceptive used by approximately 7.2% of women. Teens and younger women that may desire to have children later in life have found this type of birth control ideal. They don't have to keep up with a pill and can have long-term birth control that isn't permanent.

These are just three of the popular methods, so keep in mind that you still have options in addition to the ones listed here. No matter which method you decide, be sure that you consult your doctor and have an honest conversation about your needs and the risks associated with each method. 

For more information, contact North Florida Women's Care or a similar location.

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3 November 2015

Staying in Great Health Requires Exercise

My parents taught me healthy eating habits and I played outside a lot as a kid. Once I was old enough to work, I got a job as a waiter at a restaurant and kept waiting tables throughout high school and college. After college, I got my very first desk job, and my health started declining. I soon realized that even though I had never stepped foot in a gym, I was living a sedentary lifestyle for the first time in my life. I wasn't getting exercise playing outside or running around at work, so I decided to commit to going to the gym. My health began to improve and I now greatly enjoy bodybuilding. I know many other people are in ill health and can't figure out why, so I decided to start a blog to share my health tips and inspire everyone improve their health!