More research shows long-acting reversible methods like the IUD and the implant to be...freakin' awesome, basically.
From our latest Get on Top:
In terms of effectiveness, not all birth control methods are created equal. And if there was any doubt as to which methods stand out in that arena, an article by the folks behind the Contraceptive CHOICE Project (just published in the New England Journal of Medicine) should put it to rest. The researchers found that when cost and lack of information aren’t an issue, women are way more likely to choose a super-effective method of birth control like the IUD or the implant. This is great news since the researchers also found that those methods are way less likely to fail than other methods.
Regimens: IUD May Be Best Emergency Contraception
Well, we knew that. But we’re super-psyched to see this little-known fact getting more attention in the media.
How Not to Talk Doctor
A few handy examples of how not to approach your next visit to a health care provider.
We know you’re not actually that awkward. We also know that even if you’re super smooth, it can still feel weird to bring up sex with your health care provider. That’s why we put together a list of dos and don’ts to make it easier.
IUDS: Pamper, Pamper, Pamper -- Plus 9 Other Tips For Falling In Love With Your IUD
Tips for how to make the IUD insertion process easier = awesome. (Courtesy of Huffington Post.)
So much love for this Hairpin article on IUDs (a.k.a. “sperm scarecrows”)
We found this fabulous post from Lola over at The Hairpin a little late to the game (it was published on March 12th), but in case you missed it like we did, we’ve pasted our favorite of favorite part here. Read the excerpt and then check out the article in its entirety—yes, we love it for its Bedsider shout-out and construction paper infographic, but it’s so much more than that…
Depending on what graph comparing IUD use by country you’re looking at, our rate of 5.5% is either “very low” or “dead last,” even though the usage rate almost doubled between 2002 and 2008. This is to say: if you want an IUD, you might still have to safari into medical self-advocacy. A common species you’ll find there is a well-meaning clinician who thinks they’re preventing you from harm: you can tell them by their suggestion that you first try another “less drastic” method, like the pill. They’re most likely just under-informed, so you can go so far as to furnish research like ACOG’s recommendation that IUDs be offered to most women as first-line contraception. Or share this thought experiment!“You’re sick and there’s two treatments: a device that sets up in minutes and works for years and a pill that’s only as effective as the device if you take at same time every day forever, which is actually so difficult that31% of users fail at in the first 6 months. Wouldn’t you be like, ‘Fucking give me the easy thing!’ (put on sunglasses) So why is preventing pregnancy so different that you wouldn’t treat with the most effective, least likely to fail treatment first?” (drive away in red convertible)
Every provider has a different risk tolerance. It’s possible that the reason they don’t want to insert a Mirena is because they’ve never done it for someone without kids before. If someone says they won’t insert an IUD for you, they should able to tell you where they’re coming from and give you suggestions about other options to consider. But also be on the lookout for clinicians who make their recommendations against scientific evidence to rationalize their own moral beliefs. You’ll know this species when any questioning about why the IUD can’t happen for you is dismissed with a moral judgment, like “you have too much sex” or “because you’re not married.” Say thank you, disarm them with one of those hoods you put on birds to make them sleep, and switch to someone else in their practice. Or another practice entirely!
Body Blog: Should You Become an IUD Diva?
Hurrah for IUDs on College Candy! We can affirm that they are as awesome as blogger Garnet Henderson suggests.
Minor point: “typical use” effectiveness rates for certain methods have changed a bit lately—it’s actually 9 in 100 women who will get pregnant within a year while using the pill, and 18 in 100 while using male condoms—so the argument for super-effective birth control methods like the IUD is even stronger. Minor details aside, great coverage of a fabulous method!
The important lesson here isn’t so much that you can engage in ‘intense’ play while on an IUD, but that you can ask your doctor all about it; and if it ends up that you aren’t the only one blushing and stuttering, it might be time to look for another provider.
Tracy Clark-Flory in response to an “Am I Normal?” question about whether IUDs limit kinky play.
Well said.
We love this video from the Back Up Your Birth Control campaign, and it’s as relevant as ever this New Year’s Eve. You know we’re way into mistake-proof methods like the IUD or the implant, but if you’re using a method that’s subject to error, you may want to use our EC finder and pick up some back up birth control for the old medicine cabinet. While you’re at it, check out this week’s Frisky Friday on how not to let excuses get in the way of a good new year’s kiss.
impressive collection of birth control methods into one easy chart.
It tells you all about each type, pros and cons, and general costs.
source: http://bedsider.org/methods
Why thank you!
(via vaginastuff)
Who Uses Birth Control, Anyway?
A lot of people do (no news to us). Some of them started using the hashtag #iusebirthcontrol on Friday as part of a response to news that religious groups are pushing for broader exemptions to the new health reform provision that would make birth control coverage without co-pays mandatory for most health insurance plans.
Being the birth control nerds we are, we’re excited at this unexpected glimpse of the contraceptive preferences of real women and wanted to highlight a few favorites we’ve seen over the past few days. Enjoy, and share your favorite #Iusebirthcontrol tweets in the comments!
Some things are worth fighting for. @salamandrina73: @IAmDrTiller I was on the Pill for 14 years, and I fought my insurance like hell to get my Paragard IUD this year. #iusebirthcontrol
Let’s hear it for doubling up! (And technology.) @MissTVotes: @IAmDrTiller #iusebirthcontrol Nuvaring+condoms! <3 I only have to remember it 2x/month & there’s even a desktop app for it!
Birth control can have perks besides pregnancy prevention. @elizabr0: @PPact #iusebirthcontrol because my periods are irregular, painful, and tend to last more than a week. Virgin or not, I NEEDED BC.
@crankenwedge: @PPact #iusebirthcontrol to reduce acne that causes scarring. #bcrefusal
@pdxfashionista: #iusebirthcontrol I use the pill continuously for severe dysmenorrhea. Been on it for 11 years. Otherwise I’d be anemic and debilitated.
@APBBlue: @IAmDrTiller I stopped the Pill because of migraines. ParaGard for 4 years now. I freaking LOVE IT. #iusebirthcontrol
Some people don’t want kids. Period. @alaskalainen: #iusebirthcontrol because my husband & I enjoy life as a family of 2 - and because 7 billion is a LOT of people
And some just want to be ready. @SquatLikeALady: #iusebirthcontrol because I am married, work FT, am a FT student & want to wait to have kids until I can stay home with them for a few yrs!
@pazenlavida: #iusebirthcontrol B/c overachievers like me want to make sure their pregnancies are better than yours. We gotta plan that ish & be ready.
Knowing yourself is a beautiful thing. @Girarf: @PPact #iusebirthcontrol b/c I’m emotionally and financially ready to have an IUD, not a baby!
@sondi_hardy: @PPact #iusebirthcontrol because i am a proactive, sexually active, responsible young woman. thank you for helping me stay healthy!
And did we mention that planning rocks? @marissaRgarcia: #iusebirthcontrol 42 reasons I love sex & I want control over the consequences of my decisions. I don’t leave anything 2 chance.
