For some women and partners, birth control is more than just trying to prevent pregnancy. It could also be about not spreading sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or diseases (STDs). For some women birth control helps to ease severe menstrual cramps.
A convenient birth control method is one where a surgery is all it takes to stop conceiving children. This method is a medical birth control method. Medical methods include an intrauterine device (IUD), vasectomy, tubal ligation and Essure.
Intrauterine Device (IUD)
An intrauterine device is a small, plastic, T-shaped device inserted into the uterus. There are two types: ParaGard and Mirena. Both must be inserted by a doctor.
The ParaGard IUD contains copper, can last up to 12 years and has no hormonal effects on the body. The Mirena IUD releases progestin and can last up to five years. On the plus side, the Mirena IUD can reduce menstrual cramps and make a woman’s period lighter, whereas ParaGard may cause an increase in menstrual flow. Using an IUD can improve a woman’s sex life and as stated by Planned Parenthood, 99 percent of IUD users are pleased with them.
Spotting between periods is common but there are things to look out for that can become serious. The IUD can slip out of the uterus and this is more likely to happen if the woman is young and has never given birth. The second problem to watch for is developing an infection within three weeks of insertion. If an infection is left untreated, it can affect a woman’s ability to get pregnant later in life. The last problem, which is very rare, is when the IUD pushes through the uterine wall and surgery may be needed to remove it. Always communicate any problems with an IUD to a doctor.
If a woman does become pregnant while using an IUD, she should have the IUD taken out immediately. There is an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy, pelvic infection, miscarriage and early labor and delivery.
Male Sterilization
Male sterilization is called a vasectomy. In a vasectomy the doctor blocks both vas deferens (tubes that carry sperm) so when a man ejaculates the sperm will be absorbed by his body rather than expelling it into the vagina thus preventing pregnancy.
A vasectomy will not affect a man’s hormones or sexual life. A vasectomy is meant to be permanent. Reversal surgery is available but is costly and there is no guarantee a man’s fertility will be restored. If a man is having doubts as to whether he still wants to conceive children, he should either not go through with the surgery or save his sperm before the surgery.
Female Sterilization
There are two types of sterilization for women. The most common is tubal ligation. Another sterilization method is called Essure. Both involve blocking a woman’s fallopian tubes.
Tubal ligation can be performed several ways. One way involves tying and cutting the tubes. The tubes can also be closed off with clips, clamps or rings. An instrument with an electrical current can also close off the fallopian tubes.
Essure blocks the fallopian tubes by inserting very small metal coils into the tubes. Scar tissue then grows around these coils and blocks the tubes.
Sterilization will not affect a woman’s hormones or sexual life. Women will still have a normal period and will not enter menopause early. Women who have had Essure performed may have a change in their menstrual cycle but they should still have a monthly period.
Sterilization is meant to be permanent and reversal may not be possible if part of the tube is taken out. Female sterilization is more costly than male sterilization.
Effectiveness
The effectiveness of each birth control method is different. The failure rate is the number of pregnancies expected per 100 women using the method correctly. The following failure rates come from the United State Department of Health and Human Services updated March 2009.
IUD: Less than 1
Male Sterilization: Less than 1
Tubal Ligation: Less than 1
Essure: Less than 1
Always talk to a health care practitioner about the use of birth control to help determine which method is right for you.
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