There are a very wide variety of birth control methods on the market today with different pharmaceutical companies producing similar products under various names. The list below is not all-inclusive. The thing to remember, again, about artificial birth control is that it is just that — artificial. There is nothing natural about these forms of birth control and they all work to destroy both the unitive and procreative function of the marital act. All of these methods involve the possibility of serious side effects. As noted previously, chemical birth control may also function to cause early chemical abortions. None of these methods are guaranteed to prevent pregnancy and none are fool-proof in protecting against sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV-AIDS.EXPAND ALL
Spermicides
A spermicide is a chemical that kills sperm. One type of spermicide, Nonoxynol-9, is the main active ingredient in nearly all popular brands (foams, creams, jellies, vaginal tablets, suppositories and sponges).There are many brand names of spermicides, including Ortho-Creme, Gynol II, Semicid, Conceptrol and Delfen.
A spermicide can be used alone as a method of birth control. But because the failure rate is so high, it is often used with a condom.
There are side effects to spermicides. Some affect either women or men: vaginal or penile irritation and itching as well as vaginal or penile soreness.
There are additional side effects for women: vaginal discharge, vaginal dryness, painful urination and toxic shock syndrome (when used with a sponge).
Spermicides also offer no protection against sexually transmitted diseases including AIDS.
Condoms
The condom is a latex sheath, or cover, that fits over the penis or, in the case of the female condom, fits into the vaginal opening. In either case, the condom has not been shown to be totally effective either in the prevention of pregnancy or protection from AIDS.
Some of the problems encountered with condoms include:
- leakage, which means sperm do get past the condom,
- high failure rates due to breakage and incorrect use,
- barrier methods such as the condom and the diaphragm have been associated with an increased incidence of pre-eclampsia in couples who have used them,
- condoms may or may not protect the user and the user’s partner from gonorrhea, chlamydia, genital herpes, AIDS and other strains of venereal (sexually transmitted) disease,
- particles of talc found on some condoms can enter the body of the woman and irritate her tissues, potentially causing infertility or cancer
- a condom is softened when used with a spermicide so the ability of sperm or viral infections to penetrate the condom is increased making the condom even less effective
- if condoms are not stored at the recommended temperature, they will not work.
The IUD
The IUD, (intra-uterine device), is an object that is placed inside the uterus (womb) by a physician. There are two different kinds of IUDs manufactured in the United States today. ParaGard®, manufactured by Duramed Pharmaceuticals, is made of plastic and uses copper as its active ingredient. Mirena®, manufactured by Bayer Health Care Pharmaceuticals, releases the hormone progesterone.
Although doctors claim they aren’t quite sure how the IUD works, it is clear that the IUD does not prevent ovulation, which means that the woman’s body will still produce an egg during her monthly cycle. When the IUD is put in place, it and the chemical it contains alters the fluids in the womb and the lining of the womb. Even the presence of the IUD irritates the lining. This is not necessarily painful to the woman, but it can have deadly effects on a tiny human being.
After this new life begins, the tiny boy or girl must travel to the wall of the womb and implant. Because the IUD alters the wall of the uterus, this tissue becomes inhospitable to the new human being. The tiny child cannot attach to the wall of the womb and get nourishment, so he or she dies. This is abortion.
WARNING: You may be told that the IUD cannot cause abortion, but that statement is based on the incorrect notion that pregnancy begins when the baby implants in the lining of the womb (about a week after his or her biological beginning). This is dishonest and scientifically false. Don’t be misled.
The IUD is NOT safe! Side effects of the IUD include:
- septic abortion—infection that can cause high fever, endometriosis and other complications
- continuation of pregnancy— dangerous for baby and mother
- ectopic pregnancy—may be fatal if not discovered in time
- ovarian cysts (Mirena)
- pelvic infection, which can lead to sterility
- embedding the IUD in the uterus, which is very painful
- perforation of the uterine wall or cervix
- perforation of the urinary bladder
- heart injury
- spontaneous abortion
- backache
- anemia—decrease in red blood cells causing weakness and lack of energy
- localized pain that persists each time ovulation occurs
The IUD also offers no protection against sexually transmitted diseases —including AIDS.
Ortho Evra
Ortho Evra is a square patch, similar to a small bandage, which is applied to the skin at various places on the body on a weekly basis. It is used for three weeks. For one week, no patch is used. A new patch is then applied each week for the next three weeks. The patch slowly releases a combination of estrogen and progestin hormones through the skin. If certain medications including antibiotics are taken, the effectiveness of the patch decreases.
Ortho Evra has three ways of working:
- It can prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary);
- It can cause the mucus in the cervix to change so that if sperm reach the cervix, it is more difficult for them to enter; and
- It can thin the lining of the uterus so that if the first two actions fail, and the woman does become pregnant, the tiny baby boy or girl will die before he or she can actually attach to the lining of the uterus.
In other words, if the third action occurs, the woman’s body rejects the tiny baby and he or she will die. This is called a “chemical abortion.”
WARNING: You may be told that Ortho Evra cannot cause abortion, but that statement is based on the incorrect notion that pregnancy begins when the baby implants in the lining of the womb. This is dishonest and scientifically false. Don’t be misled.
Ortho Evra is NOT safe! There are reports of deaths among women who have used the birth control patch. Lawsuits have been filed claiming users have developed blood clots and other serious health risks. The Food and Drug Administration has cautioned women that the patch carries a higher risk of blood clots than the birth control pill.
There are other possible side effects as well:
- rashes and skin irritation at site of patch
- irregular bleeding
- increased risk of breast cancer
- increased risk of cervical cancer
- fluid retention or weight gain
- problems wearing contact lenses
- high blood pressure
- nausea
- headache
- breast tenderness
- mood changes
- abdominal pain
Ortho Evra also offers no protection against sexually transmitted diseases, including AIDS
Nuva Ring
The Nuva Ring is a thin, transparent, flexible ring that you insert into the vagina. It is left in for three weeks, during which time it slowly releases estrogen and progestin hormones into the body. The ring is worn for three weeks, and is then removed for one week. Then a new ring must be inserted. If certain medications including antibiotics are taken, the effectiveness of the ring decreases.
Nuva Ring has three ways of working:1. It can prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary); 2. It can cause the mucus in the cervix to change so that if sperm reach the cervix, it is more difficult for them to enter; and 3. It can thin the lining of the uterus so that if the first two actions fail, and the woman does become pregnant, the tiny baby boy or girl will die before he or she can actually attach to the lining of the uterus.
In other words, if the third action occurs, the woman’s body rejects the tiny baby and he or she will die. This is called a “chemical abortion.”
WARNING: You may be told that Nuva Ring cannot cause abortion, but that statement is based on the incorrect notion that pregnancy begins when the baby implants in the lining of the womb This is dishonest and scientifically false. Don’t be misled.
The Nuva Ring is NOT safe! Possible side effects may include:
- vaginal discharge or irritation
- weight gain
- nausea
- breast tenderness
- mood changes
- irregular bleeding
- severe abdominal pain
- increased risk of breast cancer
- increased risk of cervical cancer
- chest pain or shortness of breath
- severe headaches
- eye problems such as blurred vision
- severe leg or arm pain or numbness
Nuva Ring also offers no protection against sexually transmitted diseases including AIDS.
Seasonale
Seasonale® is referred to as an “extended cycle” birth control pill. The only difference between Seasonale and regular birth control pills is that with Seasonale, each packet contains 91 pills instead of 28. The effect is that the reproductive process is suppressed for three months instead of one.
Seasonale pills use the same hormones in the same doses as many traditional birth control pills. Specifically, each pill contains levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol. Levonorgestrel is a synthetic progestin and ethinyl estradiol is a synthetic estrogen.
Seasonale has three ways of working:
- It can prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary);
- It can cause the mucus in the cervix to change so that if sperm reach the cervix, it is more difficult for them to enter;
- It can thin the lining of the uterus so that if the first two actions fail and the woman does become pregnant, the tiny baby boy or girl will die before he or she can actually attach to the lining of the uterus.
In other words, if the third action occurs, the woman’s body rejects the tiny baby and he or she will die. This is called a “chemical abortion.”
WARNING: You may be told that Seasonale cannot cause abortion, but that statement is based on the incorrect notion that pregnancy begins when the baby implants in the lining of the womb (about a week after his or her biological beginning). This is dishonest and scientifically false. Don’t be misled.
Seasonale is not safe! If you are not using it, don’t start. If you are already taking it, take out the patient package insert that should accompany the pills and read it completely.
Seasonale is NOT safe! Some of the potential side effects include:
- increased risk of breast cancer
- increased risk of cervical cancer
- unexpected and/or irregular bleeding
- increased weight gain
- mood swings
- acne
- breast tenderness
Researchers also report increased incidence of:
- pulmonary embolism
- blood clot
- stroke
- heart attack
- breast cancer
Seasonale also offers no protection against sexually transmitted diseases—including AIDS.
Depo Provera
Depo-Provera is the marketing name for the most widely used injectable method of birth control in the world— depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate. Depo-Provera is a long-acting, man-made hormone. It has been available in some parts of the world for 25 years or more, but was not approved in the United States until 1992.
Depo-Provera is an injection. It can work in one of three ways:
- It can prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary);
- It can cause the mucus in the cervix to change so that if sperm reach the cervix, it is more difficult for them to enter; and
- It can thin the lining of the uterus so that if the first two actions fail and a new human being is created, the tiny baby boy or girl will die before he or she can actually attach to the lining of the uterus.
In other words, if the third action occurs, the woman’s body rejects the tiny baby and he or she will die. This is called a “chemical abortion.”
WARNING: You may be told that Depo-Provera cannot cause abortion, but that statement is based on the incorrect notion that pregnancy begins when the baby implants in the lining of the womb. This is dishonest and scientifically false. Don’t be misled.
Depo Provera is NOT safe! Some of the side effects include:
- excessive and irregular bleeding
- temporary or permanent sterility
- increased risk of cervical cancer
- increased risk of breast cancer
- headaches
- abdominal discomfort
- anxiety
- nervousness
- weight gain
- hair loss
- decreased libido (sex drive)
- loss of bone density
- mood swings
- dizziness
- fatigue
- severe mental depression
- allergic reactions causing rash or itching
Depo Provera also offers no protection against sexually transmitted diseases, including AIDS.
Implanon
Implanon is a thin rod that is inserted under the skin of the upper arm. The rod contains a synthetic hormone called etonogestrel that is released into the body over a three-year period. The manufacturer advises that during the third year less etonogestrel is released, thus making the rod less effective in preventing (or destroying) pregnancy.
Implanon works in three ways:
- It can prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary);
- It causes cervical mucus to thicken, which makes it difficult for a sperm to reach and fertilize an egg;
- If that action fails, Implanon alters the lining of the uterus. This action is not painful to the woman, but can be deadly to the embryonic human being. After the embryo’s life begins, the tiny boy or girl must travel to the wall of the womb to implant. Because Implanon works to alter the wall of the uterus, this tissue becomes inhospitable to the new human being. The embryo cannot attach to the wall of the womb and get nourishment, so he or she dies.
WARNING: You may be told that Implanon does not cause an abortion. This statement is based on the fact that many doctors decided to change the definition of when pregnancy begins, saying it only begins when the human embryo attaches to the wall of the mother’s uterus. This is dishonest and scientifically false. Don’t be misled. Ask to see the product package insert, and you will read for yourself exactly how Implanon works.
Implanon is NOT safe! Some of the possible side effects include:
- irregular and unpredictable bleeding patterns
- slight increase in weight
- pain at the site of the insertion
- headache
- migraine
- acne
- breast pain
- increased blood pressure
- increased blood clots
- abdominal pain
- changes in libido
- no menstrual cycle
Implanon offers no protection against sexually transmitted diseases—including HIV/AIDS.
So, what is the best option??
Some people may try to convince you that various birth control methods are totally without risk. Don’t believe it! Don’t depend on artificial birth control. These methods could be harmful to you. It could kill your baby without you even knowing it.
If you’re single, abstinence is always your best choice. It isn’t always easy, but it always works. By abstaining from sex, you eliminate the possibility of pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease.
If you’re married, be faithful to your spouse. Take the time to learn about natural methods for spacing children, which will also increase your awareness of your body and how it works.