The birth control pill is an oral contraceptive, meaning you take it by mouth. For the pill to work, you have to take it every day. Most women who take the pill have a period every 4 weeks (1 a month). One type of birth control pill reduces the number of periods from 1 period a month to about 1 period every 3 months.
Some common side effects of birth control pills are nausea, headaches, acne, increased blood pressure, breast tenderness, bloating, weight gain and depression. However, not every woman who takes the pill will have side effects. You may have to try several types of birth control pills before you find the type that is best for you. The pill may reduce cramping and shorten the number of days of bleeding during the menstrual period. The pill may also help premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Women who take the pill should not smoke. Smoking increases the risk of serious side effects, such as blood clots.
Are condoms a good choice?
Yes. Condoms aren't expensive and are widely available. Condoms can be combined with other methods of birth control. Condoms are an especially good choice if you or your partner are also having sex with other people or if either of you have had sex with other people in the past.
Of all the barrier method options, condoms offer the most protection against STIs. Using a spermicide with condoms can offer better protection against pregnancy, but it may not increase your protection against STIs. Spermicides containing nonoxynol-9 can cause genital irritation and may actually increase your risk of catching an STI.
Female condoms aren't as effective as male condoms, but they may be a good choice if a man won't use a male condom.
Hormonal methods of birth control!
Hormonal methods of birth control prevent pregnancy mainly by preventing ovulation (the release of an egg by the ovaries). They do this by releasing the hormones estrogen and progestin (or progestin alone) into your body. Hormonal methods of birth control are prescribed by your doctor and include the birth control pill, the patch, the vaginal ring, hormone shots and implants and a type of intrauterine device.
What about the patch?
The contraceptive patch is a thin, flexible patch that you put on your upper arm, buttocks, stomach or chest (but not on your breasts). You put on a patch once a week for 3 weeks. On the 4th week, you don't wear a patch and your period starts.
The side effects are similar to those of birth control pills. Breast discomfort is more common in the first two months using the patch. The area of skin where the patch was placed can become irritated. Women who use the patch should not smoke. Smoking increases the risk of serious side effects, such as blood clots.
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