CONTRACEPTION
What is Contraception? It is an artificial method of manipulating the natural biological functions of the reproductive system in order to prevent pregnancy.
What it does…
It is important to remember that whenever we administer something artificial into our bodies in order eliminate or suspend reproductive functions...we are opening ourselves up to serious side effects and complications. Our society has desensitized us to the terminology "side effects" to the point that we gloss over the true meaning of what that might entail. No matter what your decision is about contraception - it's important that you make an INFORMED decision. You have the RIGHT to know what you are putting into your body, what it will do to you in the long run.
You have the RIGHT to know that there is another option...a safe option that puts YOU back in control of your
fertility...your biology...your health.
See our section on NFP - Natural Family Planning.
What you NEED to know about the following before you decide to use the following:
* Birth Control Pills
* Depo Shot
* IUD's
* Ortho-evra
* Norplant
* Condoms
Birth Control Pills
What is the Birth Control Pill? 11 The birth control pill is any drug which uses artificial hormones to keep a woman from getting pregnant or from staying pregnant by interfering with her normal fertility.
What it is...
There are several types of the Pill on the market, but they basically break down into two groups: combination pills and progestrin-only “mini-pill.”2
The combination type contains two artificial steroids that mimic the effects of naturally occurring hormones, estrogen and progesterone. Some pills work in a “monophasic” way, keeping the dosage of hormones the same throughout the pill cycle. Others work in a biphasic or triphasic manner which alters the dosage of artificial hormones two or three times respectively through the cycle of pills, attempting to produce fluctuations similar to what a fertile woman would undergo naturally.
The progestin-only “minipill” uses only one artificial hormone, progestin, which is a steroid that has a progestational effect similar to natural progesterone.
What it does…
Suppresses Ovulation
Both pills act to prevent the release of an egg from the ovary (ovulation). However, women can and do experience breakthrough ovulation – meaning that an egg is released from the ovary and is available to be fertilized by the sperm.
Prevents Fertilization
Both types of pills also cause the cervical mucus to thicken, making it difficult for the sperm to reach the egg. It is possible, though, for the sperm to break through the mucus and to fertilize the egg.
Inhibits Implantation
Both types of pills change the lining of the uterus. This makes it difficult, if not impossible, for the five –to-seven-day-old baby to attach to the lining of the uterus, where it would receive the nourishment needed to grow. If the baby does not successfully attach to the lining of the uterus, he/she dies and is expelled from the body during menstruation. This process is known as a chemical abortion and is why the Pill is referred to as an abortifacient.
The lower the dosage of the pill, the more likely it is to work by causing a chemical abortion. Other birth control methods that cause chemical abortions (abortifacients):
* All Hormonal Contraceptives
* Depo-Provera (the shot)
* The IUD
* Ortho-Evra (the patch)
* Norplant
* Nuva ring
* “Emergency” contraception (Morning-After Pill, Plan B)
Important warnings:
There are possible side effects with the use of any type of birth control pill:
* Cycle irregularities: bleeding or spotting mid-cycle, changes in menstrual flow, and even loss of menstruation.
* Painful menstruation (dysmenorrheal)
* Headaches; migraines
* Depression
* Decrease of sex drive
* Abdominal cramps
* Bloating, weight gain or loss, and water retention
* Nausea; vomiting
* Not effective against sexually transmitted infections
* And more…
“The Shot” Depo-Provera
What is Depo-Provera? Depo-Provera is the marketing name for the most widely-used injectable method of birth control in the world (depot medroxyprogesterone acetate, or DMPA).3
What it is…
Depo-Provera is a long-acting, man-made hormone. It has been available in some parts of the world for 20 years or more and has been used by doctors specifically to abort children. That is why Depo-Provera was not approved in the U.S. until the mid-90’s.
What it does…
(See Birth Control Pills)
Important warnings:
* Some common side-effects:
oHeadaches
oWeight gain
o Mood swings
o Abdominal discomfort
o Dizziness
o Fatigue
* Not effective against sexually transmitted infections
Serious risks are rare, but include heavy bleeding, sterility, increased risk of cervical cancer, adrenal gland suppression, hair loss, depression, decreased sex drive, and risk of breast cancer.
IUD
What is an IUD? An IUD is an intrauterine device made of plastic and/or copper that is inserted into the womb (uterus) by way of the vaginal canal.
What it is…
One type releases a hormone (progesterone), and is replaced each year. The second type is made of copper and can be left in place for five years. The most common shape in current use is a plastic "T" which is wrapped with copper wire.6
What it does…
(See Birth Control Pills)
Important warnings:
* The IUD has some possible side-effects:
o septic abortion-infection that can cause high fever, endometriosis and other complications
o continuation of pregnancy-potentially dangerous for baby and mother
o ectopic pregnancy-fatal if not discovered in time
o pelvic infection which can lead to sterility
o embedding the IUD in the uterus which is very painful
o perforation of the uterine wall or cervix
o perforation of the urinary bladder
o spontaneous abortion
o backache
o copper toxicity (Wilson's disease)-poisoning of the organs
o anemia-decrease in red blood cells causing weakness and lack of energy
o localized pain that persists each time ovulation occurs
* Not effective against sexually transmitted infections
“The Patch” (Ortho Evra)
What is Ortho Evra? Ortho Evra is a thin beige patch that measures 1 3/4 inches on each of its 4 sides. The transdermal—or "through the skin"—weekly birth control patch attempts to prevent pregnancy by delivering continuous levels of the hormones norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol (progestin and estrogen, respectively) through the skin and into the bloodstream.10
What it does…
Hormones from patches applied to the skin get into the blood stream and are removed from the body differently than hormones from birth control pills taken by mouth. You will be exposed to about 60% more estrogen if you use Ortho Evra than if you use a typical birth control pill containing 35 micrograms (mcg) of estrogen. In general, increased estrogen exposure may increase the risk of side effects.
(See Birth Control Pills)
Important warnings:
* The patch has possible side-effects:
o Nausea
o Breast symptoms
o Headache
o Emotional Lability
o Blood clots
o Stroke
o Heart attacks
* Not effective against sexually transmitted infections
NuvaRing
What is NuvaRing…
NuvaRing is a flexible contraceptive ring that is about two inches in diameter. The ring is self-inserted into your vagina once a month. The muscles in your vaginal wall will keep the ring in place for three weeks. During that time, it will slowly release hormones into your system in an attempt to prevent pregnancy.9
What it does…
(See Birth Control Pills)
Important Warnings:
* Some possible side-effects:
o Headaches
o Elevated blood pressure
o Bleeding irregularities
o Ocular lesions
o Blood clots
o Stroke
o Heart attack
o And more…
* Not effective against sexually transmitted infections
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Norplant
What is Norplant…
It is a birth control method that requires the surgical insertion of six flexible rods into the arm of the woman who will be using it. The rods contain a chemical called levonorgestrel, a man-made hormone. This chemical is slowly released into the woman’s body. One insertion of six rods will last for up to five years. 8
What it does…
(See Birth Control Pills)
Important Warnings:
* Some possible side-effects:
o Discomfort in the area of the arm where the rods are surgically implanted
o Difficulty in surgically removing the rods
o Increased bleeding and spotting associated with the period and sometimes in between
o Changes in blood pressure
o Risk of heart attack
o Headaches
o Increased body weight
o Blood clotting
o Mood swings
o Ovarian cysts
* Not effective against sexually transmitted infections
Condoms
What is the condom? A sheath made to cover the penis before intercourse to attempt to prevent the sperm from joining the egg.
What it is made of…
The sheath may be made of thin latex, plastic, or animal tissue
What it does…
Acts as a barrier to attempt to prevent sperm from reaching the egg.
Important Warnings:
* Condoms slip or break from 1.5 percent to 3.5 percent of the time.
* Less than half of 15- to 19-year-old males report using a condom consistently over the past year.
* Not effective against sexually transmitted infections
* Some side-effects:
o Reaction due to an allergy to latex.
o Loss of sensation.