Facts About Birth Control

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly every woman will use some form of contraception in her lifetime. Some will even use more than one in a single month. Over time, some types of birth-control have become more popular, while others are less so.

According to a report published by the National Center for Health Statistics (CDC), the use of intrauterine devices (IUDs) is also increasing. After the Affordable Care Act was passed, health insurance covered more birth-control options, and there were no copays.

You may be surprised by these 10 facts about contraception.

Contraceptives: 10 Surprising Facts

1. The majority of American women aged 15-44 use contraception. According to the CDC, nearly two-thirds of women of this age use contraception. The pill is their number one choice for non-surgical contraception, followed closely by long-acting reversibles, such as IUDs or implants.

2. About 62 per cent of women aged 20-29 use birth control. Compare that to 72 percent of women aged 30 to 39, who use contraceptives. And to nearly 74 per cent of women aged 40 and over who are on birth control.

This trend worries Lindsey Longerot MD an ob/gyn in Houston’s Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women, as she believes that younger women those in their 20s and 30s are “likely to be the most affected by an unintended pregnancies.”

3. According to the CDC’s statistics, 18.6 percent of American women use female sterilization. As women age, the use of female sterilization increases. From about one in twenty women aged 20-29 to almost two out of five women over forty. The procedure prevents pregnancy permanently by blocking or closing the fallopian tube so that eggs cannot be fertilized by any sperm. Dr. Longerot warns that there is still a small risk of an ectopic pregnancy following sterilization.

4. It’s popular but not for everyone. The pill remains the most popular reversible birth control method, but the CDC data shows that its use is decreasing with age. It’s currently used by 19.5% of women aged 20-39, 11.5% of women aged 30-39, and 5.1 % of women aged 40+. Longerot says that the pill can be stopped easily if a women wants to become pregnant. Linda Rice, certified nurse midwife and certified midwife of Boston Medical Center, says that taking the pill can ease PMS symptoms, difficult periods, and acne.

Combination birth control pills that contain progestin and estrogen are not for everyone. According to the National Blood Clot Alliance, these oral contraceptives must be taken daily, ideally at the same time. They can also increase the risk of a blood clot. The CDC recommends that women over 35 who smoke and those with a blood clot or breast cancer history should choose another form of contraception.

5. Some women may find the mini-pill a better option. Rice says that because the mini-pill only contains progestin it is a good option for women who want to avoid estrogen. This includes those at risk of blood clots and breastfeeding mothers. Side effects can include headaches, nausea, mood swings, or irregular periods. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advises that women with breast cancer should not take progestin only pills.

6. It may be easier for some people to stick with contraceptive rings or patches than pills. Longerot explains that these patches and rings contain the same hormones as most combination birth-control pills (estrogen, progestin), and they carry the same risks, benefits and side effects, but have a more convenient dosing schedule. Sally Rafie is a pharmacist specialist and birth control expert at the University of California San Diego Health System. She says that the patch and ring are generally replaced every week and monthly respectively. This is much easier to remember than taking the daily pill.

7. The progestin injection is another method of birth control that women can use. According to the CDC these injections are administered in the buttocks and arm four times a yearly. However, because they can cause bone loss, the shot is not usually recommended. Dr. Rafie advises that if you don’t have a birth control option, you should take enough calcium as well as vitamin d.

The injection may also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in women, particularly those with preexisting risks or who have a history or stroke, vascular diseases, or high blood pressure that is not well controlled. The ACOG notes that some women may also experience irregular bleeding following the injection.

8. IUD usage has tripled since 2002. In 2002, only 2.4 percent of women aged 15-44 reported using IUDs. According to the latest data from the National Survey of Family Growth, this rate increased to 7.9 per cent between 2015 and 2017.

The IUD has been around for many decades. However, they were not popular in the 1970s or 1980s. According to the National Women’s Health Network, older devices were prone to a design defect that caused bacteria to enter the uterus. This could cause pelvic inflammation disease, which can lead to infertility or even death.

The redesigned devices of today are 20 times safer and more effective than pills, but they still pose a small risk of uterine infection and perforation. Rafie says that the device is essentially “get it and then forget about it” for at least a few more years. They are ideal for women who do not plan to become pregnant for several more years. The American Academy of Pediatrics, and ACOG recommend IUDs as a solution for sexually-active teens.

9. The only way to protect against certain STIs is by using a male latex condom. The only contraceptive method that has been proven to work against certain STIs including HIV is the latex or polyurethane male condom. Rice says condoms are available without prescription and can prevent sexually transmitted diseases. , according to the CDC, condoms have a failure ratio of around 13 percent. They don’t provide 100 percent protection from STIs. This is especially true for the Human Papillomavirus.

10. Longerot advises that the best birth control for you is one that you can use consistently. You should also consider your medical history and whether or not you intend to have children. Talk to your doctor openly about your options and needs.