How utilize mental health support

Having a support system in place can be a great way to make sure you’re ready for the inevitable ups and downs of life.

It doesn’t have to look like what you expect

Is there someone in your life you would feel comfortable sharing your struggles with? It doesn’t have to be the person you might feel you’re expected to turn to. Maybe the person who usually falls into the best friend category for you is a little high-strung, and opening up the question of mental health support with that person feels harder than not asking for help at all right now. That’s okay, and it doesn’t mean that person isn’t important to you. There may be someone else in your life who is a better listener, or someone who has more time for you. Maybe it’s a casual friend that can help you the most right now. You can try to turn that casual friendship into a more serious one by opening up, and sometimes this is a great opportunity.

Get specific

Asking for help is hard, and getting too specific about what kind of help you need can feel even harder, but even the people in your life who know you best can’t read your mind. If you’re having a hard time, and thinking you’ll do better reaching out and asking for help, sitting down and making a short list of exactly what might help you out – anything from a more general “please don’t ask me about,” a certain subject, “I’ll tell you when I’m ready,” to the more specific, “I need to take a break from cooking at night until things quiet down at work” – can help whoever it is you’re asking for help figure out the best way to support you.

Give a little to get a little

The strongest support system is one that’s mutually supportive. This can be tricky in moments when you’re the person who needs help, but it’s important to remember that by sharing vulnerability, you are offering friends, family, and others the chance to feel more open to sharing their own vulnerabilities or insecurities. Maybe you have that one friend who acts like a superhero, and always seems to be completely on top of things, even when their life is full of challenges and changes. It can be hard to feel comfortable sharing when you’re having trouble with a friend like that – but if you hide it every time you’re having trouble, they may feel the same way about you.

Asking for help can feel selfish, but everyone needs help at some point. If you make a point of reminding the people in your life that you’re committed to being there for them in the best way you can when it’s their turn, you’re offering the chance to deepen your relationship. Actively listening to what’s going on in the lives of the people in your support network, and doing your best to offer the kind of support they need isn’t just offering that chance, it’s taking an active part in maintaining and developing that relationship.

Think outside the box

Your support system doesn’t have to just consist of people you already know. For one thing, depending on why or how you’re starting to feel overwhelmed, talking to a therapist or looking for a support group can be a great place to get started, especially if you’re not sure how to bring the subject up with the people in your life already. Taking a step like this can make whatever you’re coping with feel more real – and sometimes that’s exactly what you need, as a reminder that your feelings are valid.

You also don’t need to talk to everyone in your life about everything that’s going on in your life. If opening up a big conversation about how you’re feeling seems out of reach, try just asking for help in a simple way. A friend may be willing to help you out if you ask them to carpool to get your toddler to dance class. Your sister may be perfectly happy to take the reins on planning the next family event.

Signs of depression and when to talk to a doctor about it

Most people experience majority of the symptoms of depression at some point in their lives, to one degree or another, and it can be hard to tell which moods and feelings are symptoms of disorders which require treatment. For this reason, many people who do have depression or other mood disorders are diagnosed many years after noticing symptoms, or are never diagnosed or treated at all.

Watch out for these symptoms and signs of depression

There are a wide range of symptoms of depression, and some of them are physical, which can make it easier for some people to figure out how and when to reach out and ask for help. Both physical and emotional symptoms may be signs of depression if they last for two weeks or longer. Physical symptoms of depression include:

• Changes in sleep, whether that’s sleeping more often than usual, or insomnia
• A loss of appetite, or increased craving for food, causing either over- or under-eating
• A loss of sex drive
• Tiredness or lack of energy
• Aches and pains or headaches with no obvious cause

The emotional effects of depression can vary widely, from a consistent level of negative feelings all the way to feeling suicidal or hopeless. Emotional symptoms of depression can include:

• Feelings of sadness, hopelessness or feeling on the edge of tears
• Anger, irritability, or frustration, especially anger or frustration that feels excessive to events
• A loss of interest or pleasure in favorite things or interests
• Slowed thoughts, speaking and movements
• Agitation, twitchiness or restlessness
• Feelings of guilt, inability to let go of past mistakes or blame
• Thoughts of death or suicide

Thoughts of suicide should be treated as a medical emergency and you should go to your local emergency room right away.

Depression can be caused and set off by different things at different times. Sometimes depression is triggered  more by life events and stressors. Other times, it’s more determined by brain chemistry, regardless of life and stressors. Often, it’s some combination of the two. In any case, when depression affects your life, reaching out to a healthcare provider  for treatment and support is one of the best ways to start to work towards recovery.

Talking to your provider

Depression is a serious condition, and not something that one snaps out of by force of will. The earlier treatment starts, the faster and more effectively one can begin to start feeling better.

Primary care providers tend to be the first line of defense against depression. Starting the conversation about your mental health with the healthcare provider you’re the most comfortable with is never a bad idea, but it’s also good to remember that most PCPs don’t specialize in mental health treatment, and mental health providers like psychiatrists can be fantastic resources as you start to figure out what your needs around treatment are.

Here, we’ll break down the basics of male fertility and what to do if you and your male partner are having trouble getting pregnant.

What typically happens when sperm meets egg

A healthy male produces tiny reproductive cells called sperm, which are made in the testicles. When he ejaculates, the sperm mixes with fluid from the prostate, forming semen. During vaginal intercourse, ejaculation carries the semen into the vagina where it travels through the cervix and into the uterus and fallopian tubes. During ovulation, an egg is released from the woman’s ovary and, if fertilized by the sperm, a ball of cells (called the oocyte) is formed. Fertilization occurs in the fallopian tube and the embryo then implants inside the uterus. If the egg is not fertilized, it disintegrates and sheds during the next menstrual period.

When to see a doctor

It’s generally recommended to see a doctor for a fertility evaluation if you and your partner have been trying to conceive for at least a year with regular, unprotected sex with no success. Depending on your and your partner’s medical history, your doctor may decide to check one or both of you for a fertility workup. You may want to seek care sooner if the female partner is over 35 years old or if the male partner has certain medical conditions such as:

• Past surgery on the groin, testicle, scrotum, or penis
• A history of testicular or prostate problems
• Problems with erection or ejaculation, low sex drive, or other issues with sexual function
• Pain, lumps, or swelling in the testicular region

What to expect when seeking care

For men having trouble with infertility, a doctor may order tests to  measure the amount and quality of the sperm. This is called a sperm analysis. Your partner will provide a semen specimen at the doctor’s office and the doctor will look at the sperm under a microscope. There are 3 factors doctors look for in a sperm analysis. 

• Sperm count: This shows the amount of sperm produced in an ejaculation. A healthy number is 20 to 150 million sperm per milliliter of semen.
• Sperm motility: This test shows how well sperm are moving. At least 60% of sperm should have normal forward motion. Sperm that move erratically or not at all can affect the ability to conceive.
• Sperm morphology (size and structure): Normal sperm have an oval head with a long tail. Damage to any part of the sperm can affect fertility by decreasing the ability to reach and penetrate an egg. Many conditions affecting the shape of sperm are genetic.

Remember that infertility is no one’s fault. It can be difficult and frustrating to experience any kind of fertility troubles on your journey to getting pregnant. Communicating and empathizing with your partner can help make the journey to parenthood a little easier.

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Sources

“How common is infertility?” National Institutes of Health. National Institutes of Health. February 8, 2018. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/infertility/conditioninfo/common

Mayo Clinic Staff. “Male infertility.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic. August 13, 2021. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/male-infertility/symptoms-causes/syc-20374773

“What is male infertility?” Urology Care Foundation. American Urological Association. n.d. https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/m/male-infertility

Cedars-Sinai Staff. “Optimizing male fertility.” Cedars-Sinai. Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. May 31, 2017. https://www.cedars-sinai.org/blog/optimizing-male-fertility.html

Bradley D. Anawalt & Stephanie T. Page. “Patient education: Treatment of male infertility (beyond the basics).” UpToDate. UpToDate. November 11, 2020. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/treatment-of-male-infertility-beyond-the-basics

By Gabrielle Kassel, Contributing writer

PSA: Sexually transmitted infections are not the only infections that can make home in or on your genital area. Yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and urinary tract infections are all totally curable infections that can people can get, even if they’ve never ever had sex. Really!

Important things to consider about genital infections

Read on to learn more about the three types of infections — including intel on how they differ from sexually transmitted infections also found in genital areas.

What is a urinary tract infection?

A urinary tract infection takes place when bacteria (usually E. coli) gets lodged in the urethra, occasionally traveling up the urinary tract to the bladder and/or kidneys.

What causes UTIs, exactly? Anytime outsider bacteria gets introduced to the urethra, there’s risk for infection. This could happen in a number of ways, including through sex. A UTI could also be caused from bacteria from the anus being brought forward towards the urethra, for example while wiping or during sex.

While people of all genitals can get UTIs, urinary tract infections are far more common in those with vaginas than penises because the urethra is so much shorter. This means that the distance the bacteria has to travel in order to get to the bladder is shorter, increasing the odds that the infectious agent makes it to the infection-site.

Common symptoms include:

• Frequent urination
• Pain or discomfort while urinating
• Urine that is cloudy or pink in color
• Lower abdominal or pelvic pain or cramping
• Rectal pain

A UTI can be diagnosed with a quick urine sample — for more information on how to properly collect a urine same, head here. If tested-positive, your healthcare provider will prescribe a round of antibiotics which will begin to clear the infection up in as little as 24 to 72 hours. The type of antibiotics will vary based on the type of bacteria found in the sample, as well as the location (urethra, bladder, or kidneys) of the infection.

What is a yeast infection?

Also known as candidiasis, a yeast infection occurs when there is an overgrowth of the fungi “candida” in the body.

Anybody can get a yeast infection. But those with vaginas are far (far!) more likely to be infected — nearly 75% will have a yeast infection at least once in their lifetime. Less than 1% of those with pensises will get a yeast infection in their lifetime.

The health of the internal canal of the vagina is regulated by something called the vaginal microbiome which is made up of millions of bacteria, yeast, and fungi that work the vagina’s bodyguard and janitorial staff, keeping the it clean while also warding off infectious pathogens.

When the vaginal microbiome becomes disrupted — which can occur from a variety of things including antibiotic use, pregnancy, uncontrolled diabetes, sitting in wet or sweaty clothes, oral contraceptives, interaction with another person’s natural genital bacteria, or use fragrant body washes — the owner becomes susceptible to a yeast infection.

Common symptoms include:

• Cottage-cheese-textured discharge
• Itching and irritation on the vulva, penis, or taint, or inside vaginal canal
• Pain or burning while urinating or during sex
• Redness, swelling, or irritation

Yeast infections can be diagnosed with a pelvic exam or lab test. Usually, they can be cured with a one to seven day regimen of anti-fungal topical or oral medication. However, if left untreated long enough the infection can travel elsewhere in the body and require a more rigorous course of treatment to be eliminated.

What is bacterial vaginosis?

Bacterial vaginosis names the condition in which there is an overgrowth of certain bacteria in the vaginal microbiome. As the name suggests, BV is a condition that only affects those with vaginas.

Similar to yeast infections, anything that upsets the vaginal microbiome can result in BV. However, things like douching, having sex with someone new, using fragrant washes and detergents, and smoking can all increase the risk.

Common symptoms include:

• Fishy or foul smelling odor
• Thin or loose discharge
• Vaginal or vulvar itching
• Burning while peeing

Bacterial vaginosis can be diagnosed through a pelvic exam, vaginal secretion or vaginal pH test. To treat bacterial vaginosis, your healthcare provider may prescribe an oral or intravaginal cream that should clear up the infection within a few days.

How are these infections different from STIs?

The main difference is how the infections are classified. Yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and UTIs are not classified as STIs.

While sex can increase risk of yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, and UTIs, they are not considered sexually transmitted infections because they are not infections transmitted from one person to another. All sexually transmitted infections are strictly transmitted from an STI-positive person, to someone who is not positive for that STI through direct skin-to-skin contact or through exchange of bodily fluid exchange.

Another difference is that all of the infections mentioned here are totally curable with adequate treatment. While some STIs are curable (gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and pubic lice), there are also some viral STIs that can be treated, but cannot be cured.

However, all genitals infections can be asymptomatic. Or, result in similar symptoms like itching, burning, or pain during sex or while urinating.

So…how do you know which of the genital infections you have?

Talk to your provider about your concerns and which genital (or other) infections you are worried about. Together you can come up with a plan for testing and treatment to get you feeling better as soon as possible.

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Sources

• Mayo Clinic Staff. “Urinary Tract Infection (UTI).” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic. October 14, 2020. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-tract-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20353447
• Mayo Clinic Staff. “Yeast infection (vaginal).” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic. March 17, 2021. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/yeast-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20378999

Sex Ed. class 2.0

Here, we’ve rounded up five things you should have learned from sex ed. class before reading this article, but will be useful to you long after you close it.

1. It is normal and healthy to masturbate

Masturbation is not just expected by boys and men, but encouraged. Yet, common cultural narratives tell girls and women that masturbation is dirty and wrong.

Here’s the thing: Nothing could be further from the truth. For people of all genders, masturbating is both normal and healthy! Benefits of masturbating include: reduced stress, boosted mood, and increased self confidence long term. And beyond being healthy, masturbating also feels good, which is absolutely reason enough to partake!

In summary: You should have been taught that masturbation is healthy. Further, you should have been encouraged to touch yourself in whatever locations, using whatever pressures, at whatever speeds, for however long, and however often you want.

2. STIs can be transmitted during oral sex

Despite the fact that many sex education curriculums rely on fear-mongering, few programs acknowledge sex acts other than penis-in-vagina intercourse exist, and therefore do not touch on potential risks of such acts. Like, oral sex for example.

From fellatio and cunnilingus to analingus, oral sex can bring Big Time pleasure for the giver and receiver alike. Still, important to know the potential risks. Ready?

While the risk is lower than it is during vaginal or anal intercourse, an STI can be transmitted during oral sex from a mouth or throat, to a penis, vagina, vulva, or anus — and vice versa. That means that, yes, an STI can infect body parts other than the genitals.

When oral STI symptoms do appear, they may include: sore throat, pain during swallowing, sores around the lips, sores and blisters in the mouth, and swollen lymph nodes. But as is true with STIs located elsewhere in the body, the most common symptom of an oral STI is no symptom at all. And that’s why it’s so important to get tested for oral STIs, between (oral sex) partners or once a year (whichever comes first). Oral STI testing involves a simple mouth or throat, and treatment typically involves an oral antibiotic or prescription mouthwash.

What can you do to reduce risk of STI transmission during oral hanky-panky? Glad you asked. With a partner who’s STI status you don’t know or who has an STI , you can use an external condom or dental dam to reduce risk of transmission.

3. PReP can be taken by all genders

PReP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a daily oral medication that can be taken by HIV-negative people to greatly reduce their risks of contracting HIV, if exposed to the virus. Highly effective, PrEP is one of the best additions to the sexual health space…ever.

While there is more that can be done to spread awareness about PReP to all people, cis-women in particularly tend to be less likely to take PReP. The problem is that people of all sexual orientations, genders, and genitals are susceptible to HIV, if exposed to the virus through sex, intravenous drug use, contaminated blood transfusion, or pregnancy. In fact, globally more than half (52%) of HIV-positive people in the world are women.

No matter your gender, to figure out if you’re a good candidate for PrEP read the federal guidelines put out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) and/or talk to your healthcare provider.

4. Sex is not supposed to be painful

No, not the first time you have it. No, not during anal sex. No, not postpartum. Pain is the body’s way of telling you that something is wrong — and it’s a message worth listening to.

Sometimes pain during sex is a sign that you need additional lubrication or that your not-yet aroused-enough for what’s happening. In these instances, slowing down and adding lube can turn your sex session from “ouch” into “ooh!”.

When sex is consistently painful, however, or you experience these symptoms outside of sex (for example: while urinating or inserting a tampon) there may be an underlying condition. Pain during sex is a common symptom of conditions like hypertonic pelvic floor, endometriosis, vaginitis, vulvodynia, vaginismus, and pelvic inflammatory disease.

If you’re experiencing pain during sex, stop. If you want to continue having sex, try slowing down and/or add a store bought lubricant. If the pain becomes more chronic, bring it up with your healthcare provider or seek out the guidance of a trauma-informed pelvic floor specialist.

5. Consent is an informed, ongoing, and enthusiastic agreement to engage with someone that can be withdrawn at any time

As of 2020, only 9 states required consent be taught in sex education curriculum. That means that a whopping 41 states don’t teach students the importance of receiving “Y-E-S”, nor validated the decision to say “N-O” at any point during a sexual encounter.

The failure of this absence becomes obvious when looking at the responses from a recent survey of people ages 18 to 25. In it, 53% admitted that they didn’t realize that consent can be withdrawn once someone is already naked (it can!) and just 13% said they’d feel comfortable discussing consent with their sexual partner.

While the staggering sexual assault statistics cannot be blamed on any one thing — curriculums in sex ed. class suffer from widespread avoidance of consent, and it certainly isn’t doing anything to help reduce the number of people assaulted.

If you’re reading this and haven’t yet learned about consent, take the time to read The Consent Checklist by Meg-John Barker and/or Beyond Yes & No by Kai Werder.

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Sources

• “Facts and figures: HIV and AIDS.” UN Women. UN Women. July 2018. https://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/hiv-and-aids/facts-and-figures. 
• “Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Care System”. CDC. CDC. September 10, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/effective-interventions/prevent/prep/index.html#About-PrEP. 

Choosing a birth control method is a very personal decision – what causes an issue for one person, might solve an issue one for another. There’s a lot to consider when selecting a method that might be best for you.

How to pick from multiple birth control options

First thing’s first, consider what’s important to you. Do you prefer an option that you don’t have to worry about most of the time? Are you looking for something hormonal to help you manage difficult periods, or do you have a health condition that prevents you from being able to use a hormonal option? Does having children in the future factor into your decision?

Here are some of the most popular birth control methods, and why you might find them to be a good fit, depending on your preferences.

Birth control implant

• What it is: A small plastic rod inserted under the skin of the arm, the implant releases a hormone that prevents the ovaries from releasing eggs.  It can be inserted in a provider’s office or health clinic. The implant is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
• Might be a good fit if you’re looking for: a long-acting reversible contraception (or LARC) that you don’t have to worry about regularly. The implant can last for about five years, is highly effective at preventing pregnancy, and doesn’t interrupt sex. You might also enjoy lighter or even non-existent periods (though this can come after spotting). LARCs can also be cost-effective over the long term.

Birth control pill

• What it is: These use one or two hormones to regulate the menstrual cycle — there are many types of birth control pills with different hormone combinations and doses. The pill is about 91% effective at preventing pregnancy, but if it’s taken correctly, that number shoots up to 99%. So be sure to follow the package instructions closely.
• Might be a good fit if you’re looking for: lighter and less painful periods, and if you want a method that doesn’t interrupt sex. You can also use the pill to skip your period.

Birth control patch

• What it is: A small hormonal patch worn on the skin. The patch needs to be changed once a week and is about 91% effective at preventing pregnancy. Like the pill, if it’s used correctly according to package instructions, it is 99% effective.
• Might be a good fit if you’re looking for: lighter and less painful periods and reduced acne. This method doesn’t interrupt sex and doesn’t need to be taken every day. You can also use the patch to skip your period.

Birth control ring

• What it is: A small, flexible ring that releases hormones. The ring is inserted into the vagina once every 3-6 weeks. If you do this on schedule every time, the ring is 99% effective.
• Might be a good fit if you’re looking for: lighter and less painful periods and reduced acne. This method doesn’t interrupt sex, doesn’t need to be taken every day, and can be inserted at home. You can also use the ring to skip your period.

Birth control shot

• What it is: A hormonal shot given once every three months. It is most effective when follow-up shots are administered on time. It is about 94% effective at preventing pregnancy as many people don’t get their shots on schedule. If you do get your shots on schedule, it’s 99% effective. Shots can be done by a provider or at home.
• Might be a good fit if you’re looking for: a LARC that you don’t have to worry about every day, that doesn’t interrupt sex, and that can lead to lighter or even non-existent periods (though this might come after spotting for about a year).

Condom

• What it is: Male and female (or internal) condoms are both physical barrier methods of birth control that are placed on either the penis or inside the vagina. The male condom is 85% effective at preventing pregnancy and the female condom is 79% effective.
• Might be a good fit if you’re looking for: a method with few side effects, that’s non-hormonal, affordable and available over the counter, and offers protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Condoms are the only birth control method that helps protect against STIs, so they can be used on their own or alongside other birth control methods (though these two types of condoms shouldn’t be used together).

IUD

• What it is: A small T-shaped device that’s inserted into the uterus. The copper version is hormone-free and the various types of plastic IUDs release a hormone. Both are more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
• Might be a good fit if you’re looking for: a LARC that you don’t have to worry about regularly — hormonal IUDs can last 3-5 years and the copper IUD can last 10 years. IUDs are highly effective at preventing pregnancy, and don’t interrupt sex. For some, the copper IUD is appealing as a non-hormonal method. For others, the hormonal IUD, allows for lighter or even non-existent periods (though this might come after spotting for several months). LARCs can also be cost-effective over the long term.

These are just some of the more effective forms of reversible birth control options. Other methods include physical methods (like the diaphragm, cervical cap, birth control sponge, and spermicide), behavioral methods (like breastfeeding as birth control, and cycle tracking or “the rhythm method”), and permanent methods (like sterilization and vasectomy).

With so many methods to choose from and so much to consider, it can be helpful to speak with a healthcare provider about your health history and your birth control preferences. They can help you learn more about all your birth control options, answer your questions, and recommend a method that should work for you.

And if you’re taking the pill or have an IUD, add it to your Ovia profile!

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Read more

• Finding the birth control method that works for you
• Unveiling birth control myths

Sources

• “Birth Control.” Planned Parenthood. Planned Parenthood. Retrieved March 31 2020. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control.
• “Birth control methods.” Office on Women’s Health.” U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, April 24 2017. Retrieved March 31 2020. https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/birth-control-methods.
• “Choose the Right Birth Control.” MyHealthfinder. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, February 5 2020. Retrieved March 31 2020. https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/topics/everyday-healthy-living/sexual-health/choose-right-birth-control.
• “What do I need to know about birth control?” Planned Parenthood. Planned Parenthood. Retrieved March 31 2020. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/teens/preventing-pregnancy-stds/what-do-i-need-know-about-birth-control.

(If you’re already taking the pill or have an IUD, add it to your Ovia profile!)

Start with your priorities

Everyone has different preferences – and what’s important to one person might be less important to another. 

Some people gravitate toward options that they don’t have to think much about, or toward those that are easy to use. Some want help managing period symptoms. Some want a method that’s highly effective at preventing pregnancy. Some want a long-lasting option, while others are looking for shorter term use.

To work through all of these considerations, you might find that it’s helpful to narrow your focus by considering each question when thinking about the right birth control method for you.

Choosing a birth control method? Ask yourself these questions before making the decision

• How effective is it at preventing pregnancy?
• How convenient is it — do you have to take it every day or can you think about it less frequently?
• How easy is it to use the right way?
• How long-lasting is it?
• How affordable is it?
• How will it affect your period and cycle health?
• What kind of benefits or side effects might you expect — with your health history and other health concerns taken into account?
• Does it protect against STDs?
• Is it discrete?
• Will using it interrupt intercourse?
• How soon can you potentially get pregnant after you stop using it?
• Do you need a healthcare provider to get it?

Given the range of options available, even if you have a lot of specifics that are important to you, chances are you can still find a method that will meet all or most of your preferences.

Talk to your provider

Some birth control methods are available over the counter, but many need to be prescribed. To consider all of your options, have a medical professional walk you through which ones could be best for you. They’ll be able to consider your medical history, your general health, your period and cycle health, your past experience with birth control, your lifestyle, your plans to have children, and your preferences. It will also give you a chance to learn more about your options from a medical professional and ask questions.

Try, try again

Once you decide on a method of birth control, if it turns out that it’s not a good fit, you should reconsider your options. The same is true if you’ve tried birth control in the past that you didn’t like. And sometimes what works for you at one stage in your life just isn’t a good fit for you later on. If you’re frustrated with the method you’re using, or if you just want to try something new, there are an encouraging number of options. A healthcare provider can help you figure out what didn’t work out for you, reassess your wants and needs, and recommend what might be a better choice.

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Read more about birth control methods

• Unveiling birth control myths
• Are LARCs more popular than ever?

Sources

• “Birth control methods.” Office on Women’s Health.” U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, April 24 2017. Retrieved March 31 2020. https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/birth-control-methods.
• “Choose the Right Birth Control.” MyHealthfinder. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, February 5 2020. Retrieved March 31 2020. https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/topics/everyday-healthy-living/sexual-health/choose-right-birth-control.
• “What do I need to know about birth control?” Planned Parenthood. Planned Parenthood. Retrieved March 31 2020. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/teens/preventing-pregnancy-stds/what-do-i-need-know-about-birth-control.

Common misconceptions and facts about birth control

How many of these facts did you already know? Take a look at common misconceptions and vital facts about birth control.

“The pill” doesn’t just describe one single kind of pill.

The name might suggest that it’s just one single medication, but “the pill” actually includes a number of different kinds of oral contraceptives. There are two main varieties of the pill — combination pills, which contain estrogen and progestin, and the minipill, which contains only progestin. And each type comes in a variety of doses, brands and generics. Conventional packs lead to a period every month, whereas continuous dosing/extended cycle packs lead to a period once every three or more months. With so many options to choose from, many people can find a form of the pill that’s a good fit.

Most birth control doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Many types of birth control do a fantastic job at preventing pregnancy — IUDs and the birth control implant are 99% effective! — but most birth control doesn’t protect against STIs. Male and female condoms are the only types of birth control that provide protection against STIs. They are not the most effective at preventing pregnancy — 85% and 79%, respectively — so it’s often a good idea to use more than one contraception in order to both prevent pregnancy and protect against STIs. Just don’t use male and female condoms together. They can rub against each other and break or slip, making them much less effective at protecting against both pregnancy and STIs.

You can use the pill to skip your period.

And it’s safe to do so. Essentially, you can skip taking the hormone-free “reminder” pills found at the end of a pack and instead take the first week of active pills in the next pack to skip your period. Some people do this so they don’t have to deal with getting their period on a special occasion or during travel. Others do it to skip out on pain or discomfort during their period. If you take the pill and are interested in skipping your period, just be sure to check in with your healthcare provider to understand how to do so with your specific brand.

The morning-after pill isn’t just for the morning after.

The name may suggest that you need to use the morning-after pill (or “emergency contraception”) right away to lessen your chance of getting pregnant after unprotected intercourse. But, technically, you have a little more time to do so — some brands of morning-after pill can be taken up to 72 hours (or 3 days) after intercourse, others for up to 120 hours (or 5 days) after. It is worth noting that the morning-after pill is most effective the sooner it’s taken because the hormones in it keep your body from ovulating — no ovulation, no pregnancy. Depending on where you live, the morning-after pill may be available over the counter or as a prescription. Just be aware: some studies suggest that these pills may be less effective at preventing pregnancy for people with higher body weights. In addition, many combination birth control pills can be used as emergency contraception if you have them at home. Talk to your provider about what option is best for you.

Some birth control is approved for use for up to 10 years.

The copper IUD is approved for use for 10 years to prevent pregnancy! The small T-shaped device is inserted into the uterus, and once in place, it can safely stay there for a decade. It can always be removed sooner, after which, it is possible to get pregnant right away. Because many people use this as a long-acting, reversible form of birth control, depending on your insurance, it may also come with the added perk of being cost-effective.

Hormonal birth control can be used for much more than just to prevent pregnancy.

42% of people who take the pill do so exclusively to prevent pregnancy. The other 58% take the pill for other reasons as well. Hormonal birth control can be used to help with irregular or particularly uncomfortable periods — heavy periods, lengthy periods, heavy cramping and discomfort, or pain and other health problems related to endometriosis — or even mood disorders and acne. Hormonal birth control can improve quality of life for those suffering from some of these conditions.

That’s the overview of important birth control facts and common misconceptions. If you want to learn more, or have questions about what sort of birth control might be right for you, be sure to speak with your healthcare provider.

And if you’re taking the pill or have an IUD, add it to your Ovia profile!

Read more about your birth control options

• Which birth control option is right for you?
• Finding the birth control method that works for you

Sources

• “Barrier Methods of Birth Control: Spermicide, Condom, Sponge, Diaphragm, and Cervical Cap.” American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, May 2018. Retrieved March 31 2020. https://www.acog.org/patient-resources/faqs/contraception/barrier-methods-of-birth-control-spermicide-condom-sponge-diaphragm-and-cervical-cap.
• “Birth Control.” American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, May 2019. Retrieved March 31 2020. https://www.acog.org/patient-resources/faqs/especially-for-teens/birth-control.
• “Combined Hormonal Birth Control: Pill, Patch, and Ring.” American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, March 2018. Retrieved March 31 2020. https://www.acog.org/patient-resources/faqs/contraception/combined-hormonal-birth-control-pill-patch-and-ring.
• “Contraceptive Use.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, March 21 2019. Retrieved March 31 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/contraceptive.htm.
• “Emergency Contraception.” American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, May 2019. Retrieved March 31 2020. https://www.acog.org/patient-resources/faqs/contraception/emergency-contraception.
• “IUD.” Planned Parenthood. Planned Parenthood, Retrieved March 31 2020. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/iud.
• “Long-Acting Reversible Contraception: Intrauterine Device and Implant.” American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, January 2018. Retrieved March 31 2020. https://www.acog.org/patient-resources/faqs/contraception/long-acting-reversible-contraception-intrauterine-device-and-implant.
• “Plan B morning-after pill.” Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts. Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts, Retrieved March 31 2020. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-massachusetts/online-health-center/planned-parenthood-services-birth-control-abortion-std-hiv-pregnancy-health-care/emergency-contraception-plan-b.

Know your options before you talk to someone about birth control

The first bit of good news: there are many birth control methods for you to choose from. Whether you are selecting an option for the first time or hoping to switch to one that’s a better fit, it’s likely that you can find a method that accommodates your needs. Your first step should be to speak with a healthcare provider and make an appointment to figure out a good fit. They can talk you through all of your options, answer any questions, and, if necessary, give you a prescription or schedule placement of a long-acting option.

Tips for talking with a provider

There are a number of different types of providers that you can speak with. You can work with your primary care provider, an OB/GYN, a certified nurse midwife, or a nurse practitioner to learn about your options. And you can do so in any number of different settings — like at a hospital, a private medical practice, a health or family planning clinic, or a community health center. Find a provider that you feel comfortable with at a convenient location.

Be honest

You should speak with your provider honestly about your general health, your period and your cycle health, your medical history, your lifestyle, and if or when you have any plans to have children. If you feel uncomfortable disclosing certain medical or sexual history, (for example, abuse or previous abortions) that is okay. It can take time to develop a trusting relationship with a provider. It is very helpful to talk about any experiences you’ve had in the past when taking birth control. Birth control isn’t one size fits all — when you are open about your needs and concerns you are more likely to find a good option!

Talk about your priorities

Does it make sense for you to take a pill every day or would you like to opt for a longer lasting option? Do you want something that will help you manage your period? Is effectiveness at preventing pregnancy your top priority? Make sure you talk with your provider about what’s most important to you.

Ask questions

Your provider is there to help you learn more about your options and ensure that you leave feeling good about the one you’ve chosen. You don’t need to have all the answers, so ask any questions that are on your mind and ask for clarification if anything is unclear. Do you want to know more about side effects? Or about how to use the method you’ve decided on? This is the time to ask away!

Choosing a birth control method is a very important — and very individual — decision. Speaking with a provider you trust is the best way to get started.

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Read more

• How much do you know about birth control?
• Which birth control option is right for you?

Sources

• “Birth control methods.” Office on Women’s Health. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, April 24 2017. Retrieved March 31 2020. https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/birth-control-methods.
• “Choose the Right Birth Control.” MyHealthfinder. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, February 5 2020. Retrieved March 31 2020. https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/topics/everyday-healthy-living/sexual-health/choose-right-birth-control.
• “What do I need to know about birth control?” Planned Parenthood. Planned Parenthood. Retrieved March 31 2020. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/teens/preventing-pregnancy-stds/what-do-i-need-know-about-birth-control.