By Christina Bivona, News Staff
Sex – it’s on the long list of priorities on every college student’s mind. Although getting a hold of birth control pills only takes a quick trip to the gynecologist and buying a condom takes a short run to the local convenience store, sometimes it can be a burden remembering to take that tiny pill each morning or to buy that rubber in the heat of the moment. To lessen your to-do list or just to shake things up, here are a few birth control options that are different, effective and long lasting so you can worry about everything else in your life rather than bringing another one into the world.
The female condom
Similar to a regular condom, this rubber is a little classier and safer than “plastic-bagging” it. The contraceptive is a clear casing between a small ring and a cap. The cap is inserted into the vagina while the ring stays on the outside. This form of condom is a safe way to have sex and gives the men a break from always remembering to have protection. Consumers should throw the contraceptive away after each use. Popular brands include FC2 and Reality, with costs ranging from $5-15.
The birth control patch
No, this patch won’t help you stop smoking but it does have a similar concept. The patch releases hormones such as progestin and estrogen which strengthen your cervical mucus wall to prevent sperm from entering your cervix while also averting the body from releasing an egg. The patch has to be changed once every three weeks. The most popular brand is OrthoEvra, which costs around $50.
The birth control shot and the birth control implant
These two contraceptives are both effective and easy. With one shot releasing progestin, this is another reliable source to prevent pregnancy. Each shot costs around $50. The most common brands are Depo-Provera, which is given every three months or Lunelle, which is given every month.
The implant is a small plastic stick that is injected by a doctor into your arm that releases progestin. The implant is effective for three years and costs around $600. Once those three years are up, the stick must be surgically removed. The most depended on brands are Implanon/Nexplanon and Norplant.
Cervical caps and Diaphragm
These are both affordable options that women can insert on their own. Both the cervical cap and the diaphragm are silicone caps that block off the entrance of the cervix. The cervical cap is sold for around $60 dollars while the diaphragm costs around $20. Consumers are also instructed to use spermicide. The customer can easily insert both products, although there is a risk of them moving out of place during intercourse. Popular brands include Prentif and Oves for cervical caps and Koro-Flex, Ortho-Diaphragm for diaphragms.
The Estradiol Vaginal Ring
Like many of the other options, the Estradiol Vaginal Ring is a dependable form of birth control. The most used brand is the NuvaRing, which is a small ring that is placed in the vagina every three weeks. The ring is easy to put in and releases estrogen and progestin within the uterus. The NuvaRing costs around $60.
Intrauterine Device (IUD)
This is the most effective contraceptive and lasts the longest, protecting you from pregnancy for 5 to 12 years. This plastic device that is in the shape of a “T” or an anchor is implanted into the cervix, blocking sperm from entering. The two top brands are Mirena and ParaGard. Mirena is a plastic IUD that releases progestin while the ParaGard is made of copper. Both devices prevent the sperm and the egg from conjoining. IUDs cost from around $500 to $1,000 depending on which one you get.
None of these contraceptives protect against STDs. You should pair them with a condom if you are concerned. Prices may vary depending on insurance plans. Anyone interested in any of these products should consult with a physician before using to find out more information and learn which option is best for you. Students can make appointments to see physicians/gynecologists through University Health and Counseling Services.
