Overview of Birth Control for Women – Morning Sign Out at UCI

Written by Elizabeth Montoya and Edited by Kevin Liu

From the development of the earliest form of birth control of the silphium plant in ancient Egypt to the latest form of birth control as the new levonorgestrel-releasing IUD in 2013, birth control gave women autonomy for their health [1]. Despite its health benefits, birth control created a culture shock in the late 20th century, the time period when the combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP), better known as “the pill,” became readily available. During this time, women began to marry later in life, and more women started to pursue careers heavily dominated by men, including medicine, law, and other fields [2]. Birth control’s rise in prominence is heavily attributed to giving women greater control of family planning and social capital in terms of attaining higher education and becoming financially independent in countries such as the United States, especially in the 20th century [3].

There are various types of birth control used by women. One such category includes the birth control used during intercourse, such as the diaphragm, sponge, cervical cap, and spermicide. When used correctly, each of the listed methods has a varying efficiency rate, ranging from 71% to 96% in preventing pregnancies [4]. Another method of birth control aims to temporarily stop ovulation for women, including Depo-Provera, the vaginal ring, and the birth control patch. When used correctly, these methods can be up to 99% effective in preventing pregnancies [5]. These methods tend to be one of the more popular forms of birth control, as according to the National Health Statistics Report, 4 out of 5 sexually active women have used the pill in 1995, and the percentage remains consistent in current times too [6]. Another form of birth control is based on long term usage. Implants, hormonal IUDs, and copper IUDs can be placed long term inside the woman and are used to stop ovulation. Each device is over 99% effective, but it can be expensive for those who do not have health insurance [7]. Additionally, in case of an emergency, emergency contraception, better known as “Plan B,” are another method of preventing pregnancies. Plan B must be taken within 72 hours after intercourse in order to maximize effectiveness, and it should not be used as the main source of birth control. Rather, it is designed as a failsafe when the first layer of protection fails [8].

Aside from preventing pregnancies, birth control can also be used for other important purposes, such as regulating menstrual cycles, easing cramps and pain from menstruation, clearing acne, and increasing red blood cells. For example, the hormonal pill can help women with irregular menstrual cycles regulate their menstrual cycle [9]. Individuals who experience cramps and pelvic pain during their menstruation cycle, a condition known as endometriosis, use hormonal birth control to halt the menstruation cycle, preventing cramps and pelvic pain [9]. Those with severe acne may be prescribed the hormonal pill because the hormones from the pills may prevent acne formation[9]. For individuals with a low number of red blood cells, birth control pills can be prescribed to increase red blood cells count, allowing for a more regular period cycle [9].

However, hormonal medication also has its drawbacks in both short and long-term side effects, much like other forms of medication. It is possible to gain weight due to the amount of estrogen being ingested. Since birth controls regulate hormones, the use of such birth control can lead to mood swings, and if these fluctuations in your mental health become serious, it is important to speak to your medical provider. Additionally, there is an increased risk for blood clots with prolonged usage of estrogen pills since estrogen is a hormone that regulates blood clots; however, this does not occur with progestin pills [10]. Furthermore, individuals using hormonal birth control may experience other side effects, such as thickening of the cornea, bleeding in between menstrual cycles, nausea, headaches, and migraines [11]. On the other hand, the long term side effects include increased risk for cardiovascular ailments and cancer, which includes breast cancer, ovarian and endometrial cancer, cervical cancer, and liver cancer [11]. All of these concerns can be addressed with your physician or healthcare provider.

If you are considering birth control, talk to your physician about the different options available and which one best suits your needs. Before going to the doctors, there are different websites such as woman health that provide sources on the different methods available, whereas websites such as Planned Parenthood provide quizzes for individuals to determine plausible and personalized birth control methods.

References

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