English 102
Dr. Wynne
In the United States specifically, as well as women around the world commonly
use a different forms of birth control. Different forms of birth control serve different
purposes; some may be used to regulate a females menstrual cycle, prevent one from
becoming pregnant, and many other medical reasons. Although they are commonly used,
many have started to question of whether taking birth control pills/ mechanisms are
harming or helping females in the long run. In order to determine this, four questions
must be considered:
The following review on literature will discuss the information and research on
birth control methods in the United States and how they have contributed to life, as we
know it.
common being, abstinence and using contraceptives such as male condoms and female
condoms. However, there are many different forms of birth control. After conducting a
personal interview with Dr. Jennifer Thompson, Medical Doctor at Vanderbilt Hospital
she stated Two of the most common birth control methods for females between the age
of 16 to 23 is the Pill and the Depo-Vera shot. The Depo-Provera shot is an injection
that doctors must administer to their patients every three months, according to Planned
Parenthood. There are more than one kinds of pills that females can use as birth
control (Girlshealth.gov). Another form of birth control is the patch which known as
common form of birth control used. The ones listed are the majority of the types of birth
control in the United States; however, there are other forms. Most of these methods are
used to prevent pregnancy, however some are used to regulate hormones and regulate
menstrual cycles.
What are the benefits associated with different Birth Control Methods?
Before women decide which birth control option they decide to use, it is
important to understand the benefits to each birth control option. Young women are
prescribed birth control pills for irregular or absent menstrual cycles, menstrual cramps
acne, Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) and for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
(PCOS) (Youngwomenshealth.org). The pill decreases the pain of menstrual cramps for
many females because it causes their period to occur less frequently and not as heavy.
The pill can also help acne to form less for young females. However the pill is a
birth control method, therefore, according to an article written on Medical News Today,
around 1 in 100 women taking the pill experience an unintended pregnancy in the first
year of pill use(Medical News Today). Which is a great success rate for the pill. The
Depo vera shot is a good option for people who have a busy lifestyle. The Depo Shot is
administered to the patient every 3 months and the shot becomes effective immediately.
The Xulane is a patch that is worn for every 21 days. It does not have to be changed
everyday, which is very convenient for many females. Also, the vaginal ring, known as
the NuvaRing that you put in your vagina. After 21 days, you take it out. You wait seven
days and then put in a new one. This is known as the most effective birth control method.
What are the cons associated with different birth control methods?
With any medication there will be side effects and cons associated with the
medicine. However, all of the birth control options do not protect against STIs. In a
personal interview with Adrianna Molinaires, a 18 year old female who currently takes
the birth control pill stated the biggest con to taking the pill is that you have to take it
everyday at the same time and that can become a huge responsibility. The pill has to
be taken every day at the same time and it takes two weeks before it can fully become
effective in preventing pregnancy. The pill is also known to cause nausea, acne, weight
gain, vaginal discharge and other side effects (Medical News Today). For the Depo shot,
if a person is having bad reactions, then the person will continue to have bad reactions for
almost up to a month after the cease of getting a shot because the medication is still in the
females body. Other side effects include weight gain, headaches, and mood changes. The
Xulane can cause skin irritation, upset stomachs, headaches and weight gain according to
GirlsHealth.gov. There are some cons associated with the NuvaRing which includes
blood clotting, strokes and also hearth attacks; however these side effects are very rare.
How do you know which birth control option is best for you?
When deciding which birth control method is best for you it is very paramount
that you have the conversation with your primary care physician. Many factors but be
considered, such as your lifestyle, for example: will you be able to take the pill every day
at the same time, or would the Depo Vera shot be better where you only have to get the
shot every three months. Other factors include weight, price and the type of healthcare
the individual has. According to the Boston Globe, Repeal of the Affordable Care Acts
no-cost coverage of contraception, many women will not be able to afford the co-
payments just to see a physician about Birth Control options. Therefore, it is paramount
that women and men around the world understand the importance of birth control and to
fight for their medical rights. Also, according to Fox 2 News, there are an estimated 20
million Americans affected by Obamacare. Health care is very important when it comes
Conclusion
Birth control is used for many different medical reasons, as mentioned throughout
familiarize yourself with the different types of options, as well as the pros and cons
associated with each option. It is almost impossible to determine whether birth control
options are harming or helping women in the long run, because this can only be
determined by personal accounts and experiences. Therefore, before choosing birth
options check the details of your health insurance and consult your physician.
Citations
Birth Control.com. Birth Control. http://www.birthcontrol.com. Accessed 17 March
2017
2017 Boston Globe Media Partners, LLC. Boston Globe. Why birth control is essential
https://www.bostonglobe.com/opinion/2017/03/16/why-birth-control-essential-
2017.
Center for Young Womens Health. Medical Uses of the Birth Control Pill, 2 June 2016.
http://youngwomenshealth.org/2011/10/18/medical-uses-of-the-birth-control-pill/.
2017
reshaping-birth-control-in-america/.
Medical News Today. 10 Most Common Birth Control Pill Side Effects. 21 January 2016.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/290196.php.
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/birth-control-shot-depo-