Today’s modern woman is a lady who is ambitious, determined, and active. She lives on her own terms as best she can. She’s extremely independent but wise enough to know when to accept help and support. Her career is important to her because it’s a direct channel to her self-fulfillment.
Today’s modern woman is an entrepreneur, a career woman, single, married, and may or may not have children. Today’s modern woman has choices and she makes decisions based on how it will affect her overall well-being. Today’s modern woman is able to make an independent choice about their reproductive health.
The Facts
- More than 99% of women aged 15-44 have used at least one method of contraception.
- Sixty-two percent of women of reproductive age are currently using birth control.
- The proportion of women at risk who are not using any contraception methods is among those aged 15-19 years old.
- The pill has been one of the most commonly used methods of contraception.
- Sixty-seven percent of women who use contraception usually uses the nonpermanent hormonal methods.
What Method is Right for You
There are many methods of birth control currently on the market. There are hormonal and non-hormonal options, there are pills, injections, patches, and rings. It's important to know andunderstand each method and its side effects so you can choose the method that works best for your body and lifestyle.
When consulting with your physician or researching, its beneficial for you to understand how effective the method is, the convenience of the method, how long it lasts, the cost, and the risks and side effects. Every method is different and every woman will have a different experience.
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According to Planned Parenthood, the IUD, implant, and sterilization methods are the most effective at preventing pregnancy.
Condoms
Condoms are a thin, stretchy, rubber-like pouch that is worn on the penis and is the only birth control method that aids in preventing sexually transmitted infections. Condoms are 85% effective.
IUD (intrauterine device)
IUD is a small t-shaped device that has either copper or hormones and is put in the uterus by a doctor or nurse. The IUD prevents pregnancy by changing the way sperm moves so it doesn’t get to an egg. The IUD is known to beone of the most effective methods of birth control and can work for up to 3-12 years depending on which one you get. The non-hormonal method may cause heavier bleeding and longer periods, while the hormonal method may have irregular bleeding or no bleeding at all.
The Implant
The implant is among one of the other most effective birth control methods. The implant is the size of a matchstick-size plastic rod that is placed in the upper arm. The implant works mostly by preventing ovulation. It lasts up to 4 years. You may experience irregular bleeding and gain weight.
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Depo-Provera (The Shot)
The shot is given every 3 months and contains the hormone progestin and works by preventing ovulation. 6 out of 100 women may get pregnant while using the shot. You may experience weight gain, irregular periods and bleeding, and could take 6-10 months to get pregnant once off the shot.
The Pill
The pill prevents ovulation and makes the cervical mucus thicker to prevent the sperm from getting into the egg. You may experience nausea, headaches, and sore breasts. You have to remember to take the pill daily, and you could possibly experience rare, but serious problems like heart attack, stroke, blood clots, or high blood pressure.
The Ring
The ring releases hormones and is placed in the vagina. It has to be replaced each month; it too works by preventing ovulation. The ring is less effective than the implant and IUD with 9 out of 100 people becoming pregnant while using it. You may experience the same side effects as the pill.
The Withdrawal
The withdrawal method know to most as the “pulling out” method is not as effective as the above-mentioned methods of birth control; however, many women choose not to take birth control because they don’t want to experience the side effects of other methods. 27 out of 100 women will get pregnant using the withdrawal method.
Ultimately, deciding which method to use is your choice. Speaking with a few modern women, I found that those that used birth control used IUD for its effectiveness, not having to remember to use it every day, feeling protected against unwanted pregnancy, and going months without a period.
Elissa Mirsky, known to most as Elle, is a published author and former editor-in-chief of Bold Magazine. She believes food shouldn’t be boring and every meal should be fashionably edible. Follow her on Instagram @mylifebeingelle where she is documenting her journey to eat well, live life, and love self.
