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Pharmaceutical technologies have advanced birth control to a new height. The varied amount and improved methods of birth control with fewer side effects and a higher percentage of success rates have given women a better understanding of the birth control of their choice. Pharmaceutical companies have given women the ability to give more thought to other things than the worry of whether their birth control method works correctly. The companies have become aware of women’s hectic lifestyles and are designing birth control to fit them.

The birth control pill, although it has improved with technology, still relies on the patient in order to be effective, which leaves room for error. It has a high success rate for patients who use the pill correctly (99 percent), but unfortunately has a higher failure rate for those who cannot give the pill daily compliance. Unfortunately, the pill requires women to take it at the same time everyday, and many women often forget. Birth control pills do have many side effects, although there are many different pills to fit different women. Othro Novum 7/7/7 is one of the oldest forms of birth control pills on the market, and one of its side effects is weight gain. However, it does minimize menstrual cramps.

It seems it is always a give and take situation. The pill does help to prevent ectopic pregnancies, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), benign breast disease, cramps, cysts, acne and iron deficiency anemia. Increased risk of breast cancer from patients who use the pill is still an issue which seems debatable between scientists and researchers. Risk of breast cancer depends on a person’s age group, ethnicity, family history and pill use, possibly too many factors to just pinpoint on the pill.

The pill is not your only choice of birth control today. Newer, simplified forms of birth control have been advertised all over television and magazines. Ortho Evra is a revolutionary advancement from the hormones of the pill (Ortho-Tri Cyclen) and is found in a self-applicable sticker called “the patch.” Othro Evra can be applied to various places on the body, including the buttocks, abdomen, upper back (by shoulder blades) and upper arm. Unlike the pill, you need not worry about the patch everyday. The patch only requires you to remove and re-apply a new patch once a week. When used correctly, the patch is 99 percent effective. You may want to check the patch once a day, to make sure it is still on. It is reported that the patch does come loose 3 percent of the time. A back up patch is provided with your first prescription.

The NuvaRing, one of the newest forms of birth control on the market, has also become highly popular. A flexible ring the size of a silver dollar, it is inserted vaginally by the patient herself, and is effective for three weeks. Many think it is a barrier method, but in fact it also serves as a hormone release method like many of the other birth controls discussed. When it’s in its appropriate place and used as prescribed, the NuvaRing is also 99 percent effective.

Possibly the most effective form of birth control, at 99.7 percent effective, is Depo-Provera. Unfortunately for all women who fear shots, it is given every 3 months in injection form. The injection is administered in either the upper arm or the buttocks. One advantage is that your menstrual cycle becomes little to non-existent. If you happen to be a smoker, you might encounter many doctors who advising against pill use, but Depo-Provera might be the answer for you. Depo-Provera is a safer birth control than the pill. If you are a smoker, please consult your doctor either way. Sadly, the biggest side effect and disadvantage to Depo-Provera is weight gain, which is very prominent in many patients. If you are one of the patients who appears to be gaining weight, the weight gain will usually continue with continued use of Depo-Provera.

New advances have made women’s lives easier. But remember that although you may be on birth control, it does not protect you from HIV, or sexually transmitted diseases. Abstinence is still the safest method, but if that doesn’t work for you, do some research before taking anything.