Birth control- uses and side effects Birth control, contraceptives or anti-conception and fertility control medication is a form of medication that is used as a device to prevent and control pregnancies. It is usually used as a method to prevent unwanted pregnancies and as a family planning device. To be able to use contraceptives, it is important to seek out a medical professional. They will keep in consideration your cycle, health, how to take care of yourself and when to take breaks between cycles. There are many forms of contraception, for example, condoms, IUD’s, hormonal birth control or oral contraceptives. They can also be in the form of stick-on patches, insertable vaginal rings, shots, and implants. You will need a prescription for them. They use hormones, similar to the ones in your body, to stop the release of an egg so that it can't get fertilized by sperm. With typical use, hormonal contraceptive is about 90% effective but if used correctly all the time, it prevents pregnancies over 99% of the time. The implant is also about 99% effective. Birth control can also be used to skip your periods and make them easier as well. Birth Control and Mental health Hormonal contraception can cause feelings of anxiety in some people. Other users may find their birth control relieving anxiety symptoms. It all depends on the individual taking the medication. While taking oral contraceptives, the cocktail of oestrogen and progesterone can cause a heavy impact on one’s mood. The hormonal fluctuations through the pill also show their effect on the mental health of the women taking it. If you have a personal history of anxiety or mood disorders, you may be more prone to the emotional effects of birth control. Why is it important to be informed and talk about birth control? As humans, we need to have a conversation about women’s health. Why?
· To be sensitive to the issue and help the women around us.
· To lift the taboo and give women the needed authority and autonomy to their bodies.
· By putting out information, we help them make the right choice and keep options open for them.
To conclude, birth control is a safe option to prevent pregnancies, for family planning and for having the right to one’s health through self-help. Although birth control has its significance one should always seek help to get the right choice from a reputable medical professional like a gynaecologist or an endocrinologist so that your experience is risk-free. References
1. Traci C, Johnson. MD July 12, 2020. Web MD, Birth Control: What Type Is Right for You? 2. Medically reviewed by Valinda Riggins Nwadike, MD, MPH — Written by Lauren Sharkey on May 28, 2020. Is There a Connection Between Hormonal Birth Control and Anxiety?