Now, you're probably reading this and thinking, "wait, what does this lady know about birth control, she's got a million kids". Well, because of that, I have a great knowledge of birth control methods and the fact that I'm a nurse..blah blah blah

• The Pill-The pill aka birth control pill is an oral contraceptive. It comes in many doses. The lower dose variety is often preferred often because of fewer side effects. To be considered "low dose" it has to contain 35 mcg's or less of estrogen. Some examples are Allesse, Yasmin,Nordette, Ortho-Cept, Mircette, LoOvral. There's even Seasonale and Seasonique, that allow only 4 periods a year ans also Lybrel which is taken year round with no periods at all (there is a higher incidence of break through bleeding with the latter 2).
  

There's some serious side effects though if your over 35 and a smoke. If you have a history of breast or endometrial  cancer. It does not protect against any form of STD's.

• Depo Proverais an intramuscular injection via arm/thigh/abdomen. It's main property is  medroxyprogesterone acetate (progesterone). It contains no estrogen. The injection is taken every 3 months and prevents the ovaries from releasing eggs and also makes the uterus an unfavorable environment for sperm via changes in the lining. Just as any form of birth control, there are side effects. Bone loss is one of them. It does not protect against any form of STD's.

• The patchaka Ortha Evra patch is very much self explanatory. It is a patch that is placed on your body and is changed once a week on the same day. The side effects are the same as the "pills" except there has been a higher reporting of headaches/migraine's .

• Nuva Ring This is a small flexible ring that's about 2'' around. It's inserted into the vagina and kept there for 3weeks/21 days. The 4th week  you'll have your period.  It contains small amounts of estrogen as well as progestin to prevent pregnancy. The hormones are released slowly on contact in the vagina. This does not prevent STD's. Side effects are the same as the "pill", as well as complaints of the "ring" falling out of place. 

• IUD'S -intrauterine devices. Now, the IUD is this really neat looking T shaped device that gets placed inside your uterus via vaginally. They can last from 5-10 years depending on which one that you choose. The Mirena is the 5 year version. This one is not copper but does release small dosages of progesterone in the uterus. This does not contain estrogen. The copper T, which is the 10yr version contains no hormones at all. They act by making the uterus and unfavorable place for implantation. You do still, however, ovulate. The IUD can be removed at any time if you want to become pregnant. While most women that have gotten the IUD report few side effects in comparison to hormonal contraceptives, there has been complaints of cramping, irregular periods, no periods and a higher incidence of pelvic inflammatory disease.

  Diaphragm, sponge and cervical cap, which are round rubber things that you have to get fitted for at the gyno's office. It is placed against your cervix, vaginally, prior to intercourse. For the device to be very effective, spermicide is to be placed on it prior to use. It is not to be removed until 6 hours after intercourse.

Plan-B- this is that new pill that the FDA recently approved to become over the counter. It is used not as a primary form of birth control but as a back up. It works by preventing the release of an egg from the ovary. It can also work by possibly preventing the fertilization of egg and sperm by thickening cervical mucous. It can also be taken in conjunction with your regular birth control pills. This is just in case you forgot to take one or two this past week. Side effects are headaches, nausea, menstrual changes and dizziness.

Condoms--Well I'm not gonna get into this one, because I believe that they're pretty self explanatory. What they DO, do that all of the above don't. Is protect. Condoms Do protect you from STD'S as well as pregnancy and other nasty diseases. This is an excellent option for those whom aren't settled down yet and still want to have fun...Just be safe..