Simple, safe and effectiveno wonder over 26% of women rely on it as their preferred prophylactic.
These can be life-changing for women suffering from severe PMS, endometriosis, and other reproductive issues.
Know all your optionsbefore settling on one method or (even worse) deciding to forgo contraception altogether.
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Its easy to use, though some women complain it falls off too easily.
The Implant
Placed under the skin of your arm, this contraceptive uses progestin to suppress ovulation.
The implant offers long-term protection that you rarely have to think about.
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It works in month-long cycles, remaining in the vagina for three weeks and removed for the fourth.
It is easy to use, safe for breastfeeding women and has the added benefit of being totally discrete.
Changes in mood, appetite and blood-flow are sometimes reported, but side effects usually subside within six months.
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IUD
Intrauterine devices are hormone-free copper or synthetic progestin devices that are surgically inserted into the cervix.
Another bonus, it can be used while breastfeeding.
Gel
Phexxi is a non-hormonal birth control option that comes in the form of a gel.
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It must be inserted vaginally before sex and works to change the pH during sex to prevent pregnancy.
Phexxi was approved by the FDA in 2020.
Side effects can startor endyears into any given regimen.
Getty/Anne Rippy
Obesity has also been linked to a slightdecrease in effectiveness.
The pill is not recommended for smokers.
These should subside within a few months.
More serious but rareside effectsinclude blood clots, heart attacks, stroke and cervical cancer.
You Still Need a Condom
Condoms are theonly contraceptivesthat also protect against STIs.
Just like the pill, there are many kinds of condomslatex-free, lubricated and non-lubricated depending on your preference.
And size does matter!
No, you cant miss just one or two days and proceed as normal.
Whatever you do, dont double up if you miss a dose!
This can have seriously un-fun consequences like excessive bleeding, headaches and emotional changes.
Thankfully, there aremany options availablefor short and long-term use, so if one (or three!)
methods arent for you, youre sure to find one that is if you keep trying.
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2014;56(3):233-44.
National Institute of Child Health and Development.What are the different types of contraception?
Robinson JA, Burke AE.Obesity and hormonal contraceptive efficacy.Womens Health (Lond).
2013;9(5):453466. doi:10.2217/whe.13.41
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Contraception.
Piparva KG, Buch JG.Deep vein thrombosis in a woman taking oral combined contraceptive pills.J Pharmacol Pharmacother.
2011;2(3):185186. doi:10.4103/0976-500X.83284
American Heart Association.High Blood Pressure and Women.
2010;82(6):489490. doi:10.1016/j.contraception.2010.06.007
Grossman barr N.Managing adverse effects of hormonal contraceptives.
2010;82(12):1499-506.
