Condoms Verses Birth Control Pills

Condoms verses Birth Control Pills There is always that question on which is safer, more effective, easier, and which one is more likely going to prevent unwanted pregnancy? There is several different studies out there supporting each one of the methods, and for every one that is supporting there is also one against. Some of the studies can be found at www. HCP-Different-Birth-Control. com, and www. not-the-pill. com. When considering a birth control method you have to look at it from all angles.

Think about the side effects, the health risks the and overall question of which one is going to work better. This day and age sex is not just between married couples, it has moved to younger and younger teen. Everywhere one may look there is a magazine, television show, and even other peers pushing young teens to engage in sexual intercourse. “Based on data from a two year period between 2006 and 2008, it found more than 42 percent – or 4. 3 million – teenage girls have had sex at least once. That number was 43 percent – or 4. 5 million” (CNN Health).

With this being said it is very important to know the types, effectiveness, and the risk of each different kind of birth control. Not every method is as effective as another and not every method is going to protect you against more than just getting pregnant but also against Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD’s). In this essay birth control pills will be compared and contrasted with male and female condoms. “Condoms are absolutely the best birth control for teenagers. They protect against pregnancy and disease. ”(Karen Payne, Ph. D. ).

Condoms can be made out of three different materials, latex, polyurethane, and lambskin. Latex condoms is what most of the condoms in the United States is made of. Latex is more likely to prevent one from getting human immunodeficiency virus, better known as HIV. Polyurethane is made from synthetic material that is similar to plastic. Male and female condoms are more commonly made from polyurethane. Then there is lamb skin condoms which are made from the intestine of a lamb. These condoms are effective in preventing pregnancy but does not prevent against sexually transmitted diseases.

The down side to lambskin condoms is that they are more expensive then the latex and polyurethane condoms. Condoms are manufactured as one size fits all, to an extent, standard sizes and the tightness or looseness of the elastic rings can very base on the manufacturer that produced them. Not all condoms are for sexual intercourse, there is also what is called novelty condoms more used for gag gifts. For example there are condoms coated with lubricants that contain sugar, corn syrup, or other fructoses these are called flavored condoms.

Then there is glow in the dark condoms which are great for bachelor or bachelorette parties. Condoms are very light weight and disposable, and they also do not require a prescription. Men and women can both be responsible for having condoms when needed. There is types for both genders, and each gender can buy the other genders to make sure there is going to be protection when need be. “Male condoms are 82-98% and female condoms are 79-95% effective at preventing pregnancy. ”(Centers for disease control and prevention).

One of the best things about condoms are that they are used at the time of intercourse there is no wondering if any other method was taken. One could buy condoms at a drug, or convenience store or get them free at the free health clinic. School districts across the country are beginning to have condoms available in the nurse’s office and are even setting up baskets during the sex education classes. Condoms are the easiest birth control methods to get, and that is why most young adults used birth control in the United States. More than two thirds (69%) of sexually active New Your City teens use condoms, compared to 63% nationwide, according to a new survey of public high school students” (NYC Health). Along with pregnancy sexually transmitted diseases are a big issue in the United States today. “The only thing that has been proven to decrease the risk of STDs has been the male and female condom” (Dr. Eisenberg). Birth control pills also known as “the pill” usually contain one to two different hormones, estrogen and progesterone to prevent ovulation.

If a woman doesn’t release an egg then there is nothing for the sperm to fertilize and the sperm will die. The pill can also thicken the lining around the cervix making it difficult for sperm to get to the uterus incase an egg was released. Most combination pill (pills containing both hormones) comes in either twenty one day packs or a twenty eight day pack. One would take one birth control pill each day and take a sugar pill during the week of their menstrual cycle. Also available are the progesterone pill also called the mini pill.

This type of pill only contains one hormone, progesterone, instead of estrogen and progesterone. In order to be placed on birth control pills one would have to make an appointment with their town gynecologist, or going to a free clinic in a town or city. With any medication there is always the chance of side effect. These side effects include but not limited to blood clots, depression, a change in hormone levels, headaches, nausea, mood swings and even decreased libido. These side effects will decrease or even disappear after using the pill of a week.

Most women choose the pill as their main birth control. “The pill is the most popular method, used by more than half or all women trying to avoid pregnancy” (Slate). When birth control pills are used correctly, meaning taking the pill at the same time every day they are over ninety-nine percent effective. Birth control pills do not only contribute in preventing pregnancy but also can assist in reliving cramps, preventing mood swings, and lighting or discarding periods. “Many women say it improves their sex lives because it helps them feel more spontaneous” (planned parenthood).

It is easier to be discreet about the pill. Most birth control pills come in square or round cases that are small enough to be carried into your pocket. The down side to the pill is that it does have to be taken at the same time every day, so if you are going to be out of the house at the time that you usually take your pill you need to make sure you are caring it with you. Both birth control pills and condoms will help in different ways. Each one helps prevent pregnancy and helps you to have a sexual life safely.

Birth control pills and condoms are both ninety to ninety-nine percent effective, and both are relatively easy to get a hold of. Birth control pills and condoms have many different kinds and brands for every different individual. If one has any allergies there is a contraception that they could use that is going to be perfectly safe for that individual. Using birth control pills and condoms correctly at the same time make the chances of not becoming pregnant more than one hundred percent. When it comes to choosing a method that is best, it is better to use Birth control pills and condoms at the same time.

Condoms will help protect against disease and pregnancy, and birth control pills will help regulate the female body as well as helping in preventing pregnancy. There is nothing to stop one from having sex, so the least one can do is to make sure they are protected from anything that could harm them. Condoms would be easier to obtain, one would just have to run to their local corner store. It is easy to get caught up in that moment but one always has to remember this could either end up with one at the hospital or the abortion clinic. Have fun and stay safe.