You've got big plans for your future. Finish high school. Go to college. Start a career. Get married. Then have a baby. Let's face it, that's going to take some time. So, how do you prevent an unplanned pregnancy for all those years?
Long-acting reversible contraception is a form of birth control that's very safe and can last for up to 12 years. There are two kinds of long-acting reversible contraception.
The Implant
Brand names: Norplant, Jadelle (Norplant II), Implanon, Nexplanon, Sino-implant (II), Zarin, Femplant, and Trust
What is it?
A small flexible rod that's inserted under the skin of your upper arm. This method slowly releases hormones over time in a controlled manner and can last up to three years. The implant doesn't protect against STIs, so you'll need to also use a condom.
Pros
- Starts working immediately if placed within 5 days of your period. If placed at another time during your menstrual cycle, use a backup method for 7 days after placement just to be sure.
- No one can see it after it's inserted.
- Do not have to interrupt sex to use it. It's already in place.
- Don't have to remember to take a pill once a day or change a patch.
- Effective in preventing unintended pregnancy for up to 3 years.
Cons
- Irregular periods.
- Rare side effects include pain, swelling, irritation, and infection at the insertion site.
- DOES NOT PROTECT AGAINST STIs.
The IUD
Brand names: Paragard, Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, and Skyla.
What is it?
The intrauterine device, or IUD, is a small plastic device inserted into the uterus by a doctor. IUDs are divided into 2 types: copper IUDs (Paragard) and hormonal IUDs (Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, and Skyla). The copper IUD uses no hormones and can last between 3 and 12 years, while the hormonal IUD uses the hormone progesterone and can last up to 5 years.
Pros
- Immediately effective once in the uterus.
- Do not have to interrupt sex to use it. It's already in place.
- Don't have to remember to take a pill once a day or change a patch.
- Effective in preventing unintended pregnancy for up to 12 years.
- Paraguard IUD is good for people who cannot take hormones, since it only releases copper instead of hormones.
- You can have the IUD taken out at any time - if you choose to get pregnant or want to switch methods.
Cons
- Side effects for hormonal IUDs are similar to all hormonal birth control and can include irregular bleeding, weight gain or loss, nausea, breast tenderness, changes in mood, or headaches.
- DOES NOT PROTECT AGAINST STIs.
How do I get it?
You'll have to go to a health care provider to get either of these methods. Most of the time they can help you get a low-cost or free implant or IUD. Find a health center near you.
But low maintenance birth control isn't the only method...
Don't think low maintenance birth control is right for you? Check out some of the other types of birth control at Power to Decide to find one that works for you.
Get more answers in our FAQs, or check out the video below for an overview of available birth control methods.
Keep It Simple from CAI - Cicatelli Associates Inc.