The Justice

Media Credit: PHOTO COURTESY OF HERFF JONES PHOTOGRAPHY SSIS seeks to promote the sexual health of Brandeis students through various services.

Media Credit: Max Breitstein Matza John Fonte '12, a SSIS educator, displays the various kinds of condoms that the SSIS?office has. The SSIS?office is located on the third floor of the Shapiro Campus Center.

Dear SSIS,

It's so hard to remember to take the Pill every day! I really hate it. Are there any other hormonal birth control methods out there?

Sincerely,

Unsatisfied in Usen



Dear Unsatisfied,

The Pill isn't right for everyone, and the great thing about birth control is that if one method isn't working for you, there are actually several other hormonal birth control methods out there. Determining which option is right for you depends on your personal habits and preferences.

We'll do a brief overview of the most popular options. All of the methods we discuss are around 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy when used correctly. It's important to note that none of the following protect against human immunodeficiency virus or other sexually transmitted infections. You can always add barrier methods such as condoms or dental dams to these birth control methods to help protect against HIV and STIs.

The first option is the NuvaRing. It's a flexible ring that has enough hormones in it to last four weeks. You insert it into the vagina, where it rests near your cervix (so you don't feel it) ,and take it out after three weeks. During the fourth week, you get your period. Some benefits of the NuvaRing are that you don't have to remember to take a pill every day and you can leave it in during sex. Don't worry, most partners say they can't feel it during penetrative vaginal sex. If you're uncomfortable with getting up close and personal with your vagina, this may not be the best choice. Depending on where you get it and whether or not your insurance covers it, the Nuva-Ring can cost between $15 to $50 per month.

A second method of birth control is the Ortho Evra Patch. It's a small, square adhesive patch that releases a steady stream of hormones into your system. You apply a new one every week (on the same day) to a different spot on your body on a rotating basis. However, there are only four areas of the body where you can put it: your front and back upper torso (excluding breasts), your upper outer arm, your lower stomach and your buttocks. The fourth week, you don't replace the patch and therefore get your period. Just like when using the Ring, you don't have to remember to take a pill every day, but it is less invasive than the Ring. However, it's more difficult to conceal because it's on your skin. Also, it only comes in one color, so if it doesn't match your skin tone, it will be even more visible. If you smoke cigarettes, we don't recommend you use the patch because of higher risk of blood clots, stroke and heart attacks. The Ortho Evra Patch costs between $15 to $50 per month, depending on the provider and insurance.

Another option is the Depo-Provera Shot. It's an injection of hormones in the arm administered by a health care provider, that lasts for three months. Most people don't get their period while they're using this method. In contrast with the pill, patch and NuvaRing, which aren't fully effective until about a month after you start using them, the shot prevents pregnancy immediately after injection. You don't have to remember to do anything for three months, which is highly convenient. However, if you prefer to get your period regularly as reassurance that you're not pregnant, the shot might not be right for you. Unfortunately, if you decide you want to get pregnant, it can take nine months or more for the effects of the shot to fully wear off. The Depo-Provera shot costs between $35 and $75 per injection.

You can also consider the Mirena Intrauterine Device. The IUD is small, plastic and T-shaped. This device is inserted into the uterus by a physician. You can keep the IUD in for five to 12 years but can remove it any time. There's also a nonhormonal IUD made of copper called ParaGard that's just as effective as the Mirena IUD. You still get your period while using the IUD, and unlike the Shot, you can become pregnant quickly after you remove it. Some people may not like this option because the insertion is very invasive. However, it is extremely cost-effective, and you don't have to think about it for up to five to 12 years. The IUD costs between $175 and $650 (a one-time payment that depends on your provider and insurance).

Still another option is the Implanon Rod. It is a thin, matchstick-sized plastic rod that is inserted under the skin of the inner upper arm by a health care provider. It can stay in up to three years, but like the IUD, it can be taken out at any time, and you can become pregnant very soon after removal. On the down side, insertion and removal are invasive; removal in particular can be difficult because of scar tissue. But like many other options above, once the Rod is inserted, you don't have to remember to take anything for a long time. The Rod costs between $400 and $800 (one-time payment).

If you are interested in any of the options we just talked about, we recommend doing your own research, talking to a health care provider or asking an SSIS counselor. Thanks for writing in, and good luck!

Sincerely,

SSIS

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