One of the most effective types of birth control is an intrauterine device (a T shaped
device inserted into the uterus), also known as an IUD. Depending on the type of IUD, they may
not need to be replaced for up to ten years. There are two different types of IUDs: copper IUDs
(an IUD that releases a small amount of copper into the body to prevent pregnancy) and
levonorgestrel IUDs (an IUD that releases a small amount of hormones into the body to prevent
pregnancy). Copper IUDs cause the endometrium (uterine lining) to become inflamed,
preventing pregnancy. Levonorgestrel IUDs thickens a person’s cervical mucus (fluid created
by the cervix) which makes sperm unable to reach the fallopian tubes (tubes that connect the
uterus to the ovaries, eggs pass through these tubes). The main concerns regarding IUDs are the
IUD falling out of the uterus, an infection occurring after insertion, and the risk of the uterine
wall being pierced. Though, there are many more benefits such as being 99% effective and
having the ability to be removed at any time if a person decides to try for pregnancy.
Another type of birth control is contraceptive implants (birth control implanted into the
arm as a small rod). This type of birth control prevents pregnancy by thickening a person’s
cervical mucus like an IUD, as well as preventing ovulation (the release of an egg from the
ovaries). A contraceptive implant lasts for up to five years. It is also estrogen free, lowering the
risk of blood clots. Some of the risks include, but are not limited to, depression, change in blood
pressure, change in menstrual cycle, soreness, and weight gain. There are not found to be any
severe risks.
Medroxyprogesterone acetate (a birth control that is injected into the muscle or first
layer of skin) is another type of birth control. This type of birth control releases depo-provera (a
hormone that delays ovulation) and has benefits such as lessening menstrual symptoms and the
device inserted into the uterus), also known as an IUD. Depending on the type of IUD, they may
not need to be replaced for up to ten years. There are two different types of IUDs: copper IUDs
(an IUD that releases a small amount of copper into the body to prevent pregnancy) and
levonorgestrel IUDs (an IUD that releases a small amount of hormones into the body to prevent
pregnancy). Copper IUDs cause the endometrium (uterine lining) to become inflamed,
preventing pregnancy. Levonorgestrel IUDs thickens a person’s cervical mucus (fluid created
by the cervix) which makes sperm unable to reach the fallopian tubes (tubes that connect the
uterus to the ovaries, eggs pass through these tubes). The main concerns regarding IUDs are the
IUD falling out of the uterus, an infection occurring after insertion, and the risk of the uterine
wall being pierced. Though, there are many more benefits such as being 99% effective and
having the ability to be removed at any time if a person decides to try for pregnancy.
Another type of birth control is contraceptive implants (birth control implanted into the
arm as a small rod). This type of birth control prevents pregnancy by thickening a person’s
cervical mucus like an IUD, as well as preventing ovulation (the release of an egg from the
ovaries). A contraceptive implant lasts for up to five years. It is also estrogen free, lowering the
risk of blood clots. Some of the risks include, but are not limited to, depression, change in blood
pressure, change in menstrual cycle, soreness, and weight gain. There are not found to be any
severe risks.
Medroxyprogesterone acetate (a birth control that is injected into the muscle or first
layer of skin) is another type of birth control. This type of birth control releases depo-provera (a
hormone that delays ovulation) and has benefits such as lessening menstrual symptoms and the
