Matte Stories & PSA
Matte Stories
Pills, patches, polyurethane, and progestin? Contraception options for the modern woman
These days, women have many more choices to make with birth control than they did in the 1700s, when abstinence, withdrawal, and condoms made of linen cloth or animal intestines were the only known options.
With all of the reliable—and more hygienic—modern contraception methods out there today, finding the one that’s right for your lifestyle and health history can be a bit confusing.
But even if you’ve had some tricky situations with condoms or remembering to take pills on time, you can rest assured there are plenty of new birth control methods that might be better for you.
Condoms have been trusted for so long you could write a book of slang terms used to describe them. But if the tried and tested latex isn’t your style, you’ll be happy to know that there’s a bold new competitor in the condom kingdom—polyurethane. This material is great for those with latex allergies or sensitivities. Polyurethane condoms are also made thinner so more heat is transferred through the condom.
Lambskin condoms, or natural membrane condoms, are another alternative that help reduce the risk of pregnancy and transmit heat faster than latex. But they won’t protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) so it’s best to avoid them unless you’re in a healthy and committed relationship.
The female condom is another alternative to latex that’s made of polyurethane. It’s also the only contraceptive female’s control that helps protect them from pregnancy and infections. It can be placed in the vagina up to eight hours before intercourse, and its two rings—one at each end—hold it in place.
If you’re in a relationship and want a long-term method, hormonal contraception and intrauterine devices (IUDs) are each worth considering.
Birth control pills were first made available in the ‘60s and half a century they are still the most widely prescribed form of hormonal contraception. With proper use, the pill is 99.9% effective, making it the most reliable option on the market. As an added bonus, hormonal birth control methods—and this family includes the patch, injections and vaginal rings—actually reduce the risk of getting endometrial and ovarian cancers, and help regulate periods and menstrual cycles.
If remembering to take a birth control pill at the same time every day is difficult, the vaginal ring might be your best option. This soft ring measures a half-centimeter, and sits comfortably in the vagina for three weeks, slowly releasing the birth control. The vagina is a closed space, so there is no way the ring can get lost in there.
The patch hit the Canadian market in January of 2004 and works just like the pill and the ring, releasing the same hormones for three weeks. The patch is sticky like a nicotine patch, so you can exercise, shower, or swim and it will stay on. Then during the fourth week at about the time menstruation is expected to start, it’s the patch-free week.
There are many brands of hormonal contraception out there that have different amounts and types of hormones. With any hormonal birth control, side effects like irregular bleeding, breast tenderness and headaches are common during the first few months of use. But a woman who is experiencing these symptoms for an extended period of time may want to consider switching brands before ruling them out completely.
Progestin only pills, also known as POP, don’t contain any estrogen like most other hormonal methods, but they must be taken at the exact same time every day to work correctly. These are popular with breastfeeding mothers, those who are at risk of blood clots, and others who have concerns about taking estrogen.
Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are another option for mothers who are breastfeeding since they don’t affect breastmilk production. They’re also suited to anyone who has a problem with hormonal methods or condoms. This small T-shaped device needs to be inserted into the uterus by a doctor, and it can stay there for up to five years. There are two types: Copper IUDs that change the chemistry of the vagina by creating a natural spermicide, and the Mirena Intrauterine System (IUS) which slowly releases the hormone progestin.
In making choices about contraception it’s important to see a doctor who can answer any questions you have, especially if their related to your medical history and lifestyle. You can also find more information on any of these birth control methods on the internationally renowned sexual health website www.sexualityandu.ca.
RELATED TO THIS ARTICLE
- Learn more about Contraceptive Methods
- Dare to compare options using the Contraception Comparison Chart
- Choosing Wisely: birth control selection tool
Last Modified: January 11, 2010
