Birth Control
The Illinois law requires a young woman under eighteen to notify a parent, legal guardian or grandparent before terminating a pregnancy. This law is currently pending.
To become sexually active is a serious and highly personal decision. Unfortunately, many young men and women become sexually involved first and then worry about unplanned pregnancy afterward. The only way to be sure that a woman will not get pregnant is for her not to have sexual intercourse. If she decides to become sexually active, the next area to explore is birth control. There are a variety of contraception methods available, mainly for use by females. No one method is best for everyone and it is important that each individual learns about the advantages and disadvantages of each before making a choice. Whatever that choice is, it is important to remember that a condom must be used to prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted infections.
Things to consider when thinking about becoming sexually active:
- Is this something I want to do?
- Am I being pressured into having sex?
- Am I involved in drug or alcohol use?
- How do I define abstinence?
- What is the best method of protection for me?
- What are my options if I became pregnant?
Abstinence
This is the only 100% sure method of birth control. It can be defined as having no sexual intercourse of any kind or intimate unclothed contact even without penetration.
Advantages: no risk of pregnancy.
Potential Disadvantages: may not be a practical choice.
Oral contraceptives (birth control pills)
This method is 99% effective if taken correctly. Since it is a medication, this method requires a pelvic exam, medical history and medical prescription. A female must wait for her menstrual period before beginning the pills. They must be taken at the same time every day.
Advantages: They are easy to use, are highly effective and come in a variety of doses.
Potential Disadvantages: The pill changes the body chemistry, has occasional side effects and offers no protection from sexually transmitted infections.
Condom
Because of the risk of breaking or slipping off, condoms, used alone, are 70-90% effective. When the female uses a spermicide such as contraceptive foam or suppositories as a back up, this method is 95-99% effective. Condoms must be worn start to finish and a new condom must be used for each act of intercourse. Care must be taken that the condom does not slip off. They should be used for oral sex as well.
Advantages: They are easy to buy. They help prevent against sexually transmitted infections.
Potential Disadvantages: Condoms can break or slip off. A male partner may refuse to use one. If it breaks or slips off there is a high risk of pregnancy if used without spermicide. Some people are allergic spermicide, especially nonoxinol-9.
Female Condoms are available. They are more expensive than male condoms and must be inserted into the vagina with an outer area that must be held in place during intercourse.
Other Forms of Birth Control Available by Prescription at Links
Depo-Provera
This is the birth control shot which contains a hormone that prevents pregnancy. The shot is given once every three months.
Advantages: It is safe, highly effective, long-lasting protection, with no need for action before, during or after sex.
Potential Disadvantages: Can cause irregular monthly periods and spotting may occur. There can be bloating/weight gain, headaches, depression, and hair loss.
Nuva-Ring (the ring)
Advantages: The ring is inserted for three weeks and removed for one week during menstruation. There is no need to remember to take a daily pill.
Potential Disadvantage: If the ring is not inserted correctly it can fall out.
Ortho Evra (the patch)
Advantages: The patch is replaced weekly and is removed for one week during menstruation. There is no need to remember to take a daily pill.
Potential Disadvantage: The patch can fall off the skin or cause skin irritation from the adhesive.
Emergency contraception (ECP)
Emergency contraception (also known as "the morning after pill") is a way to reduce the risk of pregnancy after having unprotected intercourse. ECPs are regular birth control pills taken in a different way. Treatment must be started within 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex. The pills are not 100% effective and can produce the following reactions: nausea and vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, breast tenderness, and early or late menstrual period. If no period has started within three weeks of the treatment, a pregnancy test should be done. ECPs are only to be used in an emergency, not as a regular method of contraception.
ECPs (Plan B) are available in pharmacies for individuals 17 and older with identification.
