Birth Control Q&A

njiwa · Jan 22, 2012

1. Which of birth control method has the lowest failure rate when used consistently and correctly?

Depo-Provera Injection, commonly called "the shot" is an injection of a synthetic hormone that is given every three months to stop ovulation. After injection, the medication is active within 24 hours and lasts for three months. It prevents your ovaries from releasing eggs and has a failure rate of 0.3%.

2. Which birth control method protects against the spread of STDs as well as unintended pregnancy?

Condoms are one of the few birth control methods that act as a barrier for sexually transmitted diseases. While other methods such as oral contraception and vaginal rings prevent unintended pregnancy, they do not protect you or your partner from STDs.

3. If you forget to take a birth control pill and don't remember until the next day, what should you do?

If you forget to take a birth control pill, take it as soon as you remember. If you don't remember until the next day, go ahead and take two pills that day. If you forget to take your pill for 2 days, you must use another form of birth control until you finish the pill pack.

4. Emergency contraception such as Plan B or Next Choice can be used as regular forms of birth control. True or False?

False. Emergency Contraception is for emergency use only and should not be relied upon as a regular method of birth control. It is intended only for partners whose birth control has failed or partners who have had unprotected sex.

5. If your birth control has failed, up to how many days do you have to take emergency contraception?

If you've had sex without birth control or your birth control method failed, you can take emergency contraception, often called "the morning-after pill," up to 72 hours after, however the sooner you take it, the better.

6. Which birth control method is effective for up to 5-10 years?

There are two main types of IUDs: copper IUDs (Paragard) and hormonal IUDs (Mirena). When an IUD is in place, it acts as birth control for 5 -10 years, depending on the type.

7. How often do you have to change a vaginal ring?

The vaginal ring, or the NuvaRing is similar to combination pills, but they don't require daily pills. The ring is changed monthly. You insert the ring for three weeks and then remove it for one week to allow for your period.

8. How long can the NuvaRing be taken out during intercourse and still protect against pregnancy?

In case of any discomfort, the NuvaRing can be taken our for up to 3 hours and you will still be protected from pregnancy. Make sure to rinse the NuvaRing with cool-to-lukewarm water and reinsert as soon as possible.

9. How effective is the birth control method of withdrawal?

The birth control method of "withdrawal" has a 27% user failure rate. This means that out of 100 partners that are using this method of birth control, 27 will become pregnant.

10. Which is considered to be the best method of birth control?

There is no "best" method of birth control. Each method has its own pros and cons, and it is up to you to discover which one fits your lifestyle best. Before choosing a birth control method, consider things like your overall health, how often you have sex and the number of sex partners you have.

DAWA YA SIKIO · Jan 23, 2012

Thanx Mkuu kwa elimu tosha!

Birth Control Q&A

njiwa

JF-Expert Member

DAWA YA SIKIO

JF-Expert Member