One to Two Lines: Decoding Birth Control Effectiveness and Choices

Abstract

This paper illustrates the different types of contraceptives available to the public. We studied each type of birth control and show the reader which method best suits their needs for protection. Throughout this paper, we cover the pros and cons of each birth control measure to give the reader a comprehensive understanding of each method. This paper discusses contraceptives available for both men and women. STDs, teenage pregnancy, and hormonal imbalances can be common if birth control is used incorrectly.

We present the best ways to use each type of birth control method to mitigate the risk of most of these adverse effects. This paper aims to highlight the importance of birth control measures by listing the statistics of escalating STD rates, the sharp increase in the number of teenage pregnancies in our state, and the number of unplanned pregnancies that result from neglecting birth control. Each birth control method is different and offers a different percentage of effectiveness, and these percentages are detailed for each method. Both men and women need to understand each type, so they can choose the birth control method that is right for them.

There are many methods used to prevent the misuse of birth control, STDs, and teenage and unwanted pregnancies. According to data from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey (YRBSS), "about 50% of ninth to 12th graders reported having sexual intercourse in 2011" (Nobiling). From ages 12 to 20, it is especially important for these adolescents and young adults to be educated about birth control measures and how to prevent unwanted consequences without them. These methods include, but are not limited to, birth control pills, male and female condoms, IUDs, contraceptive patches, arm implants, and abstinence. According to "Trends in Teen Pregnancies", written by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, there were 18.8 births for every 1,000 females between the ages of 15 and 19 in 2017; these ages account for 5% of all births recorded in 2017. Unwanted and teen pregnancy is not the only result of the misuse and disregard of birth control; sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a major issue today. According to the World Health Organization, almost four hundred million new sexually transmitted infections are detected every year, with over a million of these STDs being acquired every day.

Preventative Measures

To lessen the chances of getting pregnant and to also manage your periods, females can be given the option of taking birth control pills. Birth control pills, considered an effective oral contraceptive method, contain estrogen and progesterone. Females taking birth control need to be educated on how to properly take the pills and why they are using them. It is important for nurses to instruct patients to take it every day at the same time. There is a nine percent rate of effective pregnancy prevention, but birth control pills aren't guaranteed to work in all cases (Gupta 2019). Couples should consider other alternatives such as using two types of birth control methods. For example, taking the pill and using a condom can help avoid getting pregnant and contracting STDs.

One of the most commonly heard of and used birth control method is the condom. It comes in two forms: male and female. The male condom covers the penis, preventing sperm from entering the vagina and reaching the ovum, and the female condom, which is inserted into the vagina, serves the same purpose. A male and female condom cannot be used at the same time due to the risk of friction causing them to tear and thus become ineffective. According to KidsHealth.org, “15 out of 100 typical couples who use male condoms will have an accidental pregnancy” (Hirsch 2018). It's essential to educate males and females on using condoms properly. That being said, condoms should not be solely relied upon as a means of pregnancy prevention. “About 21 out of 100 couples who use female condoms will have an accidental pregnancy” (Hirsch 2018). While condoms do provide protection, they shouldn't be the first thing you reach for when considering safe sex measures.

Another common birth control method, used by many females today, is the IUD, which stands for intrauterine device. According to KidsHealth.org, “An intrauterine device (IUD) is a T-shaped piece of plastic, about the size of a quarter, that is placed inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy” (Hirsch 2018). There are two different types of IUDs available: copper and hormonal. Most people use condoms or birth control pills, but IUDs statistically have a higher rate of success. Because IUDs are not often explained or taught to adolescents, they frequently rely on less effective birth control measures such as condoms. IUDs would be an excellent option for young adults and teens to prevent unwanted pregnancies since they last for many years and require minimal maintenance (Hirsch 2018).

A lesser-known birth control method, newer to the market, is the contraceptive patch. It works as any transdermal patch would, by slowly releasing anti-pregnancy hormones into the body over three weeks. The patch is placed on the skin of the belly, upper arm, buttocks, or back so that it will not come off prematurely. The likelihood of becoming pregnant while using the patch is less than one percent when used correctly and consistently.

The birth control arm implant is very common in today's female population. Known to be one of the most effective ways to prevent pregnancy, this device is implanted into the inside of the arm and releases specific hormones into the body that suppress the hormones that lead to pregnancy. Arm implants stay in place for up to three years and must then be replaced. There are some disadvantages to the implant, such as bruising at the insertion site and some tenderness that can last for up to a week. If you aren't adept at taking pills at the same time every day or replacing a patch every three weeks, then the implant may be for you.

There are many ways to practice safe sex that we have discussed. However, the only way to 100% avoid pregnancy and STDs is to practice abstinence. Webster's dictionary defines abstinence as "the practice of abstaining from something: the practice of not doing or having something that is wanted or enjoyable." It takes diligence and perseverance to abstain from sex, especially under peer pressure during adolescent years, but it is very much possible and is the most effective method to avoid these consequences.

Causes of Problem

Due to a lack of education about birth control methods and proper techniques, teenagers and young adults are bearing the brunt of sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies. Often, protection during sexual activity is not used due to a lack of proper education from parents, schools, and healthcare providers, leading to these undesirable consequences. Birth control is a topic that teens and young adults are often not comfortable discussing with anyone apart from their peers. Gathering information from other adolescents and behaving based on what they see on television is not the most reliable source.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is an excellent resource for learning about prevention, treatment, and other statistics related to the risks of practicing unsafe sex. According to WHO, "Unsafe sex is ranked second among the top ten risk factors to health in terms of the burden of disease they cause." The misuse of birth control due to improper education seems to be having a profound impact on today's society, causing numerous problems that could easily be avoided with the correct use of the numerous birth control methods available.

Teaching

Educating people about birth control is an easy task that is often neglected. Without proper education, there are many consequences that not many realize could have been easily prevented. From using condoms to the birth control pill, there is always a better chance of preventing STDs and pregnancy than there is with unprotected sex. Abstinence, as discussed before, is a 100% effective measure to prevent these things and is often overlooked and rejected. It is crucial to get the most accurate information about birth control, even if it is from a health department website, although a health care provider would be best.

It is also essential for the patient to know what birth control device or measure will be best for them, the different methods, how those methods may fail, and how they can lessen the risks of those failures. Deciding on the best method can be challenging. Consulting a healthcare provider can provide the best options and resources available. A nurse or doctor can tailor the options based on the patient's preferences and still ensure effectiveness. It all begins with correct teaching from the most reliable source.

Implications of nursing

As a nurse, teaching is a major part of the occupation. Most patients rely on the nurse to clarify, provide comfort, and explain what is going on with their health. Annual checkups and STD screenings can be crucial to a patient's life. For example, it is important that women attend their yearly gynecologist appointments, which most women begin to do starting at age 15, sometimes earlier.

These doctor visits are not to diagnose you, but to ensure that your health is in good condition. During these visits, the healthcare professionals merely check if you are having menstrual issues such as heavier than usual bleeding, perform pap smears and other tests to detect certain cancers and STDs, and provide current lab reports on your overall health. Doctors will also often inquire if the patient is sexually active, and if so, they may pose questions about any problems related to intercourse. Annual STD screenings at a local health department can benefit a patient by providing treatment, offering proper education, and reducing the risk of unwanted infections.

In conclusion, several different birth control measures can be taken to prevent the risk of unwanted STDs and pregnancies. A few of the birth control measures discussed include: birth control pills, male and female condoms, intrauterine devices (IUDs), the transdermal birth control patch, the birth control arm implant, and the practice of abstinence. Teenage pregnancies and STDs are increasingly prevalent in today's society due to a lack of proper education.

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