As much as your parents don't want to admit it, when a bunch of 18 to 22-year-olds get together and add alcohol, lots of scandalous actions occur. According to Planned Parenthood, 70 percent of people will become sexually active by age 19. With hookup culture being so present on college campuses across the country, it's no surprise that college students are having sex. However, 10 percent of women age 20-29 will experience an unplanned pregnancy and 50 percent of sexually active people will contract a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) before age 25. Unfortunately, many college-age people don't know what types of birth control are available to them, aren't aware of how to use birth control correctly, or are ill-informed about the effectiveness of their chosen birth control type.
If you are having sex and don't want to become pregnant, using some type of birth control or STI protection is crucial. So what type of birth control is right for you and your needs? There are several different methods of birth control that you and your partner can utilize:
- Implant Method: Both the IUD and the Implant are long-lasting options that are implanted in the body to prevent ovulation. While both of these options are highly effective, they are expensive and require an insertion procedure performed by a doctor.
- Hormonal Method: The Pill, the Patch, the Ring, and the Shot are Hormonal Methods that women can use to prevent pregnancy. Each method requires a different commitment- the Pill is taken daily, the Patch weekly, the Ring monthly, and the Shot every three months. Hormonal Methods often carry side effects, including weight gain or changes in libido.
- Barrier Method: The Barrier Method includes Condoms, Female Condoms, Dental Dams, the Cervical Cap/Diaphragm, the Sponge, and Spermicides. These types of birth control act as obstacles to prevent sperm from reaching the egg or prevent STIs from contacting the genitals or other parts of the body. It is important to note that condoms and female condoms are the only types of birth control that protect against STIs. If you chose to use another form of birth control, make sure you and your partner are regularly getting tested for STIs.
- Rhythm Method: Women who use the Rhythm Method must actively chart their menstrual cycle in order to predict their fertile window. The Rhythm Method is free and does not require additional hormones, however, if you lose track of your cycle, it can be ineffective.
- Abstinence: Abstinence from sex is the only 100 percent effective form of birth control and STI prevention.
- Sterilization: This permanent form of contraception, which is 99 percent effective, is not a decision to be taken lightly. These surgical procedures prevent you from ever being able to biologically have children and often are expensive.
- Emergency Birth Control: Colloquially referred to as Plan B, Emergency Contraception is not a regular form of birth control. It should only be taken if absolutely needed, such as when another method of birth control fails. It can be taken up to five days after sex.
The infographic below from The Greatist provides an in-depth look at different types of birth control. It explains how each form works while also addressing the pros, cons, and costs of using it. In addition to the infographic, there are hundreds of resources that can help you and your partner find the best birth control options that work for you. Planned Parenthood has amazing details regarding all different types of birth control, their effectiveness, and how they work. You can find out more at http://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control.
If and when you decide to have sex, do your research on birth control. Whether it be casual, committal, or just for fun, unprotected sex can lead to STIs and unplanned pregnancies. By planning ahead, you and your partner can enjoy the ride, free from baby or disease-related distractions.
