Family Planning Prevention Methods
by: Lauren Miller
Birth Control Pill
Type of Method
How to Use it
Advantages: The birth control pill is a safe, simple, and convenient way to prevent pregnancy. It also has other benefits like reducing acne, making your periods lighter and more regular, and easing menstrual cramps.
Disadvantages: it can cause temporary side effects at first, such as headaches, nausea, breast tenderness, and mood swings. it can increase your blood pressure, it does not protect you against sexually transmitted infections, breakthrough bleeding and spotting are common in the first few months of using the pill. It has also been linked to an increased risk of some serious health conditions, such as blood clots and breast cancer.
Effectiveness
There is no specific time limit for how long you can be on a birth control pill, you can be on it for as long as you would like.
Accessibility
The Pill usually costs between $0–$50 a month, depending on the type. Many health and family planning clinics (such as Planned Parenthood) sell birth control pills for less. And birth control pills and doctor visits are covered by many health insurance plans.
Vasectomy
Type of Method
How to Use it
Advantages: a vasectomy is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. long-term effects on your health are rare. it doesn't affect your hormone levels, sex drive or interfere with sex.
Disadvantages: it doesn't protect against sexually transmitted infections. Reversal may be possible in some circumstances, but it's not always an option. Reversal is more complicated than the initial procedure.
Effectiveness
It doesn't have a time limit.
Accessibility
Getting a vasectomy can cost anywhere between $0 and $1,000, including follow-up visits.