Birth Control Methods and Techniques
Written on May 12, 2009 by steven
- Depo-Provera Depo-Provera is a long-acting synthetic progesterone that is injected intramuscularly every three months. Although used in other countries for years, the FDA did not approve it for use in the United States until 1992. Researchers believe that the drug prevents ovulation.
Depo-Provera encourages sexual spontaneity because the user does not have to remember to take a pill or to insert a device. Those who want to start a family can easily decide to do so without much of a waiting period. There are fewer health problems associated with Depo-Provera than with estrogencontaining pills. The main disadvantage is irregular bleeding, which can be troublesome at first, but within a year, most women are amenorrheic(have no menstrual periods). Weight gain(an average of five pounds in the first year) is common . Other possible side effects include dizziness, nervousness, and headache. Unlike other methods of contraception, this method cannot be stopped immediately if problems arise,
- Norplant Approved for use by the FDA in 1990 and marketed since February 1991 for use in the United States, Norplant is one the newest forms of hormonal contraception. It has been tested by more than 1 million women in 45 countries and is now approved for use in 14 countries. Increasing numbers of women in the United States are considering this option because of its convenience, effectiveness, and safety.
Six silicon capsules that contain progestin are surgically inserted under the skin of a woman’s upper arm, For five years, small amounts of progestin are continuously released. The progestin in Norplant works the same way as oral contraceptives do; it suppresses ovulation, prevents growth of uterine lining, and thickens the cervical mucus.
Norplant is one of the most effective methods of birth control ever developed, A serious disadvantage to Norplant use, however, is its lack of protection against STDs.
Norplant can be inserted by a specially trained doctor, nurse, or nurse practitioner in 10 to 15 minutes. A local anesthetic is administered to the upper arm, a small injection is made, and, with a special needle, the six capsules are placed just under the skin in a fan shape. The capsules are similarly removed after five years or, if necessary, at any point after their insertion.
The capsules usually cannot be seen, nor does insertion leave a scar in most women. At this time, no serious side effects are known, Less serious side effects include irregular bleeding and irregular menstrual periods, acne, weight gain, breast tenderness, headaches, nervousness, depression, and nausea.
Norplant is one of the most effective reversible methods of fertility control. In addition to being very convenient, the implant is easy for a trained practitioner to do, so there is little chance of error. It costs less than the pill-$550 compared to $1,180 over five years. Medical assistance programs in many states will pay this cost for poor women.
- Vaginal Ring A method that is not yet approved by the FDA but that appears promising is the vaginal ring. Rings that are 2 to 3 inches in diameter and contain estrogen and progesterone or progesterone alone are placed by a woman in he vagina. They may be left in place continuously or removed every three weeks for one week to allow regular bleeding. The rate of effectiveness is similar to that of the pill.
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