The subject of the pill is taboo in many Latinx households. En realidad, all types of contraceptives are taboo, the only choice is abstinence. With the little information from our conservative parents, we don’t really have much to go on when it comes to deciding what type and if it’s even accessible, verdad? It can be difficult making a big decisión with poquita informacion. So let’s talk about birth control.
Dime que es birth control?
The textbook definition of birth control is the planned prevention of conception or impregnation by any of various drugs, techniques, or devices. Basically, it is something that you can use for the purpose of planning a pregnancy or preventing an unwanted pregnancy, pero eso no es todo.
You can also use birth control for:
- Hormonal acne
- Relieve painful periods
- Regulate irregular periods
- Manage endometriosis
- Menstrual migraines
And, that’s just some. There are more ways birth control can help with issues you could be having. Asking your doctor is the best way to understand your symptoms and choosing the right type of contraceptives for you.
What are the different types of birth control?
Birth control comes in different ways, shapes and forms. There’s the birth control implant, the shot, a patch, an IUD and the most popular of all the pill. So let’s deep dive into what each of these can offer you.
- Birth control implant
The implant is 99% effective and can last up to 5 years.
- Birth control shot
The shot is 94% effective and you would need to get it every 3 months.
- Birth control patch
The patch is 91% effective and would be needed to be replaced weekly.
- IUD
An IUD is 99% effective and can last up to 3-12 years.
- Birth Control Vaginal Ring
The ring is 91% effective and needs to be replaced monthly.
- The Pill
The ring is 91% effective and needs to be taken daily.
Many of these birth control methods such as the implant and IUDs, have a more perfect birth control use percentage than the pill. Que es perfect birth control use? Significa que eres perfect y tomas la pastilla at the exact same time every single day.
Lo bueno y lo malo…
The good part about birth control is that you know exactly when you are getting your period, every single month, it’s like clockwork. In some instances, your period will be lighter and less painful. However, todo lo que es bueno tambien puede ser malo. Birth control also has side effects such as breast tenderness, nausea, bleeding between periods, and even weight gain. You could feel better on the pill or worse. It’s basically a trial and error game.
So, how do you decide?
The best way to make any decision is well, to be informed. So, it’s great that you’re here, girl! Taking the facts about birth control, the pros and cons of birth control pills and the other types of contraceptives is a good way to start with your research. However, birth control is not a one size fits all decision.
La mejor manera to get information suited para tu cuerpo is to talk to your healthcare provider about all things contraceptives.
