Ladies, we wish we were writing this post about a birth control pill for men.
It’s 2020, and we’re still waiting.
Don’t get your hopes up.
Then, males can start taking a more equal share of responsibility for humanity’s sexual urges.
In the meantime, vasectomies and condoms are the only options available to them.
An 87 percent efficacy rate might be a decent grade in a middle school math class.
It is, however, less than reassuring for those of us trying not to get pregnant.
If not, finding an effective form of birth control is on your shoulders.
Sick (literally) of the pill?
Consider the following options.
The shot
Every twelve weeks you’re free to choose to get your birth control injected.
Missing shots, for example, reduces its efficacy.
If you’re two weeks late for a follow-up shot, you may need to take a pregnancy test.
Here are the positives.
Depo-Provera is very private.
No one needs to know that you’re on it.
In some cases, you could choose to self-inject, thereby avoiding a trip to the doctor’s office.
Like other hormonal options, Depo-Provera may (hallelujah) reduce the length and intensity of your periods.
Here are the negatives.
The ring
Afraid of needles?
That’s something to consider if other estrogen-based birth control solutionshave made you bloated.
Here’s the good news.
The ring lets you take ultimate control over your sex life.
If it makes you feel more comfortable, you might also take the ring out during sex.
Just put it back in within three hours.
In the short term, these include temporary, irregular bleeding, breast tenderness, nausea, and vomiting.
You may also experience longer-term increases in vaginal discharge or infections, and changes to your sex drive.
In rare cases, the use of vaginal rings can increase your risk of blood clots.
To help ensure you do, change your patches weekly.
Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, freezer, or in direct sunlight.
If you do want one, the patch might (fingers crossed) decrease your menstrual cramps and PMS.
Also consider that the patch is more public than other birth controls.
If you were good at stickers, you know what we mean.
Like the shot, no one can tell you’re on birth control when you’re using it.
Unlike the shot, you won’t have to schedule a doctor’s visits every three months.
You’ll only need to visit a doctor once every three years (viaHHS).
What’s the good news?
Even according toPlanned Parenthood,Nexplanon implants are 99 percent effective.
PerBedsider,using Nexplanon may also lead to fewer or lighter periods, reduce SMS, and decrease depression.
Finally, if you’re considering going down this route, relax.
Nothing says you have to keep the implant in for a full, three-year cycle.
What are the ups?
Similar to the implant, IUDs are 99 percent effective.
Hormonal IUDs may also reduce your cramping and the general intensity of your periods (viaBedsider).
Copper IUDs, on the other hand, can be used as emergency contraception.
Downs for both copper and hormonal IUDs include irregular bleeding, cramps, backaches, and increased vaginal infections.
If you choose to go the cooper-route, you might also get heavier periods.
Like the implant, you’re able to take an IUD out whenever you want.
