Here’s How the Newest Birth Control Method Could Be a Game-Changer

By Martha Kempner - Rewire News Group
May 29, 2020

“Another form of contraception, intrauterine devices (IUDs), long-acting reversible contraceptives, slow the progression of sperm toward the egg, but all but one type of IUD contain hormones. Barrier method contraceptives, like “male” condoms, internal condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps, are also nonhormonal forms of birth control—but besides male condoms, barrier methods are rarely used these days.

Hormonal methods are safe for most people and, in fact, have some benefits along with pregnancy prevention, like regulating periods and reducing heavy flow and menstrual cramps, as well as the other physical and emotional symptoms that come with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). They can also be particularly helpful for people who have endometriosis, or experience menstrual migraines, anemia, or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a severe type of PMS. Research has shown people who take birth control pills are 50 percent less likely to get uterine cancer than those who have never taken them, and the effects can last for up to 20 years after they stopped taking the pill.

Hormonal methods are not appropriate for everyone, however. People with high blood pressure or smoke cigarettes are warned against using birth control pills that contain both estrogen and progestin, for example, because of the increased risk of blood clots. People with a history of breast or uterine cancer may be told to avoid some IUDs. And some health-care providers recommend that people with diabetes, heart conditions, or a history of some types of migraines avoid certain hormonal methods.”

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