Birth Controls: Pros and Cons

★The Pill

Taken everyday at the same day The birth control pill comes in a pack of 28 hormone filled pills.

-Pros-

91% effective

Non-invasive PMS Relief

Can reduce heavy flow of periods and cramps

Can reduce acne

Can reduce cancers

-Cons-

Hassle to remember

Increases blood pressure

Nausea and mood swings

★IUD

A T-Shaped piece of plastic that is placed into the uterus to prevent pregnancy.

-Pros-

More than 99% effective at preventing

pregnancy

Can last for 3-10 years

You become fertile almost immediately after

having it be removed

-Cons-

Doesn't prevent STI's

Only your doctor can insert and remove it

It can slip out of place

★The Patch

Patch sticks to your skin and releases hormones into your bloodstream that keep your ovaries from releasing an egg, has to be changed each week

-Pros-

Easily hidden/disguised

Lighter periods

-Cons-

Does't prevent STI's

Has to be changed weekly

Releases the most amount of estrogen which can be harmful

★The Shot

The shot is an injection of the hormone progestin that provides birth control for 3 months.

-Pros-

One injection lasts 3 months

Decreases cramps

Doesn't require daily action

It's temporary

-Cons-

Has to be given by a professional

Not recommended for more than two years

★The Ring

A small soft, plastic ring that you place inside your vagina to prevent pregnancy

-Pros-

Reduces acne

Makes periods lighter and regular

Eases cramps

-Cons-

Increase in vaginal discharge

Increase in headaches, nausea and mood changes