A PG-13 Look at Birth-Control
Princess
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If you are anything like me, then your b.c. (birth control) knowledge is pretty limited. Yeah, we are all pretty familiar with condoms and the pill but there are now a host of other options out there 
for women to choose from. Depending on your life style or what point you are in your life, some of these options may be better for you than others. The important thing is that we capitalize on these options to make sure we stay protected and sexually healthy. A lack of knowledge should not keep you from having happy and satisfying intimate encounters. Just make sure to discuss these options with your gynecologist.
Option 1. The Sponge
A non-prescriptive method, the sponge is a disk-shaped device that had nonoxynol-9, a agent that kills sperm. You wet it with water and insert it into your vagina before sex to keep sperm from going to your eggs. You can use it for up to 24-hours and is 84-91% percent effective. If you have had a child already, it is only 68-80% percent effective. This is a great option if you want to have uninterrupted sex since it can be inserted hours before. The sponge, however does not protect against STD's and cannot be used during menstruation.
Option 2. Depo-Provera
A shot containing progesterone, it is given in the stomach or thigh every three months and keeps the ovaries from releasing eggs. It also thickens cervical mucus to keep fertilized eggs from implanting. It is 97% effective but does not protect against STD's. This is a great option if you don't want to deal with birth control on a constant basis or if you're too busy too remember. This is not the option for you if you hate shots and want a long-term b.c. method. It is recommended that women not use the Depo-Provera for more than two years since it can cause a loss of bone density. Studies also show that women who took Depo-Provera gained an average of 3-4 pounds in the first year and 7-8 pounds after two years.
Option 3. Implanon
Option 1. The Sponge
A non-prescriptive method, the sponge is a disk-shaped device that had nonoxynol-9, a agent that kills sperm. You wet it with water and insert it into your vagina before sex to keep sperm from going to your eggs. You can use it for up to 24-hours and is 84-91% percent effective. If you have had a child already, it is only 68-80% percent effective. This is a great option if you want to have uninterrupted sex since it can be inserted hours before. The sponge, however does not protect against STD's and cannot be used during menstruation.
Option 2. Depo-Provera
A shot containing progesterone, it is given in the stomach or thigh every three months and keeps the ovaries from releasing eggs. It also thickens cervical mucus to keep fertilized eggs from implanting. It is 97% effective but does not protect against STD's. This is a great option if you don't want to deal with birth control on a constant basis or if you're too busy too remember. This is not the option for you if you hate shots and want a long-term b.c. method. It is recommended that women not use the Depo-Provera for more than two years since it can cause a loss of bone density. Studies also show that women who took Depo-Provera gained an average of 3-4 pounds in the first year and 7-8 pounds after two years.
Option 3. Implanon