women's health

The Best Birth Control for You

By Summer Hinthorne MSN, WHNP, Advanced Womens Healthcare

s the options for birth control continue to expand, it has become more overwhelming and confusing for women to decide which option best suits their life. Since the average woman uses birth control for nearly three decades, it is important health care providers adequately address the multiple options available. Birth control is not only used to prevent pregnancy. It is often used to control heavy bleeding and intense cramping during periods, lessen symptoms of endometriosis, and help alleviate symptoms of PMS by balancing hormonal levels. No single birth control is the best option they all come with pros and cons. The majority of options all result in about the same level of effectiveness. Therefore it is important to consult with a health care provider to determine which is best for you. Below is a brief overview of birth control options available. Oral Contraceptives The combination birth control pill contains both estrogen and progestin. It is taken daily to keep the ovaries from releasing an egg. The pill also causes changes in the lining of the uterus. Numerous pills are currently on the market.

Extended cycle pills are also available. These have 12 weeks of pills containing hormones and then one week without hormones. Women taking these pills will experience only three to four periods per year. The progestin only mini-pill contains progestin only, unlike combination pills which also contain estrogen. The progestin only thickens cervical mucus and thins the lining of the uterus, preventing sperm from reaching the egg. To obtain maximum effectiveness this pill must be taken the same time every day. The mini-pill may be recommended if you are breast-feeding, since estrogen is known to interfere with milk supply. The mini-pill is known to be less effective than the combination pill. The Patch The patch, Ortho Evra, is a skin patch worn on the lower abdomen, buttocks, outer arm, or upper body. It releases both estrogen and progestin into the bloodstream in order to stop the ovaries from releasing eggs, along with thickening the cervical mucus. A new patch is placed weekly for three weeks. On the fourth week a patch is not used, and one will have a period.

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Page 40 Healthy Cells Magazine Bloomington September 2013

Shot The birth control shot known as Depo-Provera is comprised of the hormone progestin. When using this method you will receive a shot every three months. This shot stops the ovaries from releasing an egg along with changes in the cervix. The primary risk of the shot includes temporary loss of bone density. The shot should not be used for an extended time. Studies have shown that the bone loss starts to grow after this method is stopped. Vaginal Ring The NuvaRing is a thin, flexible ring that releases both progestin and estrogen once it comes in contact with the vagina. It works by stopping the ovaries from releasing eggs and also thickening the cervical mucus. If used as directed, the ring works as well as the pill. In order to place, you squeeze the ring between your thumb and index finger and insert it into the vagina. The ring stays in the vagina for three weeks and is then taken out for one week in order to have a period. A new ring is placed following the fourth week. Implantable Devices Implanon is a matchstick-sized, flexible rod that is placed under the skin of the upper arm. The rod releases progestin and stops the ovaries from releasing eggs, as well as changes in the lining of the uterus and cervical mucus. This method is effective for up to three years.

Intrauterine Devices or IUDs An IUD is a small device in the shape of a T that goes into the uterus. This birth control option is available for women who have given birth as well as those who have not. Two types can be used: Copper IUD, known as ParaGard, releases a small amount of copper into the uterus, preventing the sperm from reaching and fertilizing the egg. The IUD must be placed by a health care provider and can remain in the uterus for five to ten years. The placement occurs in the office as an outpatient procedure with minimal discomfort. Hormonal IUD,known as the Mirena, releases progestin into the uterus, keeping the ovaries from releasing an egg as well as thickening the cervical mucus. This IUD is also placed by a health care provider in office and may remain in the uterus for up to five years. If you would like to consider changing your current birth control because it is not the "best" fit for you, or if you are wanting to start for the first time, schedule an appointment with your health care provider to discuss which birth control is right for you. For more information on womens health issues, you may contact Advanced Womens Healthcare at 309-808-3068, www.awhcare.com. Dr. Ogunleye specializes in Obstetrics, Gynecology, and female pelvic organ problems. The office is located at 2111 East Oakland Ave (Next to the Jewel-Osco Plaza).

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September 2013 Bloomington Healthy Cells Magazine Page 41