subject: The pros and cons of popular birth control methods [print this page] The pros and cons of popular birth control methods
No birth control method is 100% guaranteed to be effective. However, let's compare 3 popular birth control methods that require a doctor's prescription with two that do not.
A birth control shot (Depo-Provera) is the most effective birth control drug, claiming to be about 97% effective. The shot requires a doctor's prescription and is effective for 3 months but doesn't protect against STDs or STIs. As with any drug or medication, the shot has some possible side effects including irregular or no periods and weight gain.
Probably the most popular method is known as the "pill." It is 92% effective but only when taken at the same time every day. Like the birth control shot, it doesn't protect against STDs or STIs. The pill carries several possible side effects including nausea, headaches, and breast tenderness.
The Patch (Ortho Evra) is about 92% effective and must be replaced weekly. It releases hormones that stop the ovaries from releasing eggs and it thickens cervical mucus preventing sperm from travelling into the uterus. You still require a doctor's prescription for the birth control patch. Possible side effects are the same as the pill: nausea, headaches, and breast tenderness.
Male condoms are also very popular and can be the cheapest form of birth control at about $1 each. It is available over-the-counter and also helps protect against STDs and STIs. As long as they are used correctly, only 2 out of every 100 women will get pregnant, but if used incorrectly that number increases to 15 out of every 100 women. In other words the condom is 98% effective when correctly used, and only 85% effective when not used correctly.
One popular birth control method, that doesn't require a prescription, is Spermacide. It is only moderately effective (at about 71%). Unlike other methods, spermacide is only used before each act of intercourse. Its possible side effects include skin irritation and increased risk of vaginal infection.
The birth control pill, Depo-Provera shot, the patch, male condoms, and spermacide are all available from online Canadian pharmacies cheaper than in traditional brick-and-mortar pharmacies. Prescriptions will still be required for all these except for the non-prescription condoms and spermacide.
