Birth Control Types (Effectiveness and Side Effects)

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2. Think You Know Birth Control? Quiz

• Facts and definition of birth control
• What is the effectiveness, and what are the side effects of birth control pills?
• What is the effectiveness, and what are the side effects of other hormonal methods of birth control?
• What is the effectiveness, and what are the side effects of an IUD(s) (intrauterine device)?
• What is the effectiveness of natural or behavioral methods of birth control?
• Is douching an effective method of birth control?
• What is the effectiveness of condoms, and what are the side effects of condoms?
• What is the effectiveness, and what are the side effects of other barrier methods of birth control?
• What is the effectiveness, and what are the side effects of spermicides?
• What is the effectiveness, and what are the side effects and risks of permanent methods of birth control?
• What emergency contraception is available to prevent pregnancy?
• What is RU-486 (mifeprestone)?
• What new methods and types of hormonal birth control are being studied?
• Read more on Birth Control Overview from Healthwise

• The practice of birth control or preventing pregnancy is as old as human existence. For centuries, humans have attempted to avoid pregnancy.
• Ancient Egyptian writings dating back to 1850 BC refer to techniques using a device placed in a woman's vagina made of crocodile dung and fermented dough, which most likely created a hostile environment for sperm. Other items placed in the vagina included plugs of gum, honey, and acacia.
• During the early second century in Rome, a highly acidic concoction of fruits, nuts, and wool was placed on the cervix as a type of spermicidal barrier.
• For the individual woman, the ability to effectively control when and whether she becomes pregnant affects her ability to achieve her own goals and contribute to her sense of well-being. A woman's choice of a birth control method involves factors such as how ease, safety, risks, cost, and personal other considerations.
• There are a variety of methods and types of birth control available, for example:
• Hormonal methods (the "pill", patch, shot, implant, etc.)
  • Barrier devices (male and female condom, cervical cap, diaphragm, etc.)
  • Spermicides
  • IUDs (intrauterine devices)
  • Behavioral (natural)
  • Permanent (tubal ligation, vasectomy)
  • Emergency contraception
• Side effects for birth control methods and types depends upon the method, for example, birth control pills may cause side effects such as:
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Weight gain
  • Mood changes
  • Breast tenderness
• The effectiveness in preventing pregnancy depends upon the birth control method used.
• This overview discusses the main methods of contraception (birth control) used in the United States, as well as their advantages and disadvantages.

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