Helping women understand birth control and pregnancy
What is birth control?
Birth control is any method used to prevent pregnancy. Another word for birth control is contraception (say "kon-truh-SEP-shun").
What about the pill?
Birth control pills work mostly by preventing ovulation (the release of an egg by the ovaries). Most pills are made of two hormones called estrogen and progestin. For the pill to work, you have to take it every day.
Some common side effects of birth control pills are nausea, headaches, acne, increased blood pressure, breast tenderness, bloating, weight gain and depression. However, not every woman who takes the pill will have side effects. You may have to try several types of birth control pills before you find the type that is best for you. The pill may reduce cramping and shorten the number of days of bleeding during the menstrual period. The pill may also help premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Women who take the pill should not smoke.
What about the patch?
The hormonal birth control patch (brand name: Ortho Evra) uses estrogen and progestin to prevent pregnancy. It is applied to 1 of 4 places -- the buttocks, abdomen, upper torso or outer arm. The patch is used on a 4-week cycle. You put on a new patch once a week for 3 weeks. You don't use a patch during the 4th week and your period will start.
The patch's side effects are similar to those of the pill. Women who use the patch should not smoke.
The direct responsibility for most of the methods of birth control that are currently available rests with the woman. The input of a health care provider may sometimes be essential in choosing appropriate birth control. New methods of birth control are being developed and tested all the time. And what is appropriate for a couple at one point may change with time and circumstances.
Unfortunately, no birth control method, except abstinence, is considered to be 100% effective.
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