Roughly two in five women in the United States do not use any form of birth control and many underestimate their risk for pregnancy, according to a recent survey about contraceptive practices in the United States.
While contraception is widely available, women don’t access clinics or health care providers. Women who are uninsured frequently don’t seek the attention of a health care provider until it is too late.
There is confusion on how long an intrauterine device (IUD) lasts even among women who use them. One in three women say an IUD lasts less than five years.
Though IUDs are extremely effective in terms of pregnancy prevention, they will not prevent STDs. The use of IUD’s has increased significantly over the past few years. As a result, more IUDs are being placed in younger women who as a group, have the highest risk of accidental/unintended pregnancy. Depending on the type, an IUD can be inserted by a health care provider and used for five to 10 years on an average.
In addition to IUDs, there are many other options available to women. Women should first determine their stage of life and understand their purpose for using contraception in order to make more informed decisions on which methods will be most beneficial and appropriate. For example, women who plan on having children can choose from a variety of birth control pills, the shot, the patch, diaphragms, caps, shields, and rings. Women who want to fully prevent pregnancy in the short-term but not permanently may choose to use an IUD. If a woman wants to permanently prevent pregnancy, her options include, tubal ligation, and a newer procedure in which tiny metal coils are inserted into the fallopian tubes, which scar over, and leave the passage blocked, making it impossible for sperm to enter. Finally, men have the option of a vasectomy, which prevents sperm from leaving the man’s body.
Among the sexually active women, many do not try to avoid pregnancy and a majority perceive that they are at “low or no risk” for accidental pregnancy. Incidentally, more than two in five women ages 18-49 report that they have used no method of birth control in the past 30 days.
Many health care providers are under tremendous time constraints with their patients and it is difficult to sometimes convey all of the information necessary regarding contraception options during the course of an office visit.
There are large gaps in information and understanding among women of reproductive age when it comes to contraception. Women should begin the contraception conversation with their health care providers at their wellness visits to see what is right for them. An open dialogue between the patient and doctor is a great way to ensure the exchange of information necessary to empower women to make the best decisions.
Contraceptives and its effects
