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A lot of teens are sexually active and would like to get a method of contraception, but aren't able to due to many laws. For some insurance companies, birth control is not included, making it naffordable for many women. Laws have been passed to ensure birth control after rape, to allow military personal to ability to get contraception, and to allow an abortion. In some states there are certain restrictions before getting an abortion (how many weeks, age, insurance, etc) while in others, the choice is all yours. There are abortion clinics in some states which offer free abortions to girls as young as the age of 12. Planned Parenthood was one of those clinics which are now getting shut down by the day to prevent abortions.

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Over the past several years, states have been passing TRAP (Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers) laws at an alarming rate. We all want women to be safe, of course, but leading medical groups say that these laws do not make women safer. They actually put women at risk by forcing women's health centers to shut down.

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Controversy and Moral Issues over Contraception E.C.

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Controversy and Moral Issues over Contraception E.C.

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There is a heated debate whether health professionals can refuse or provide treatments based on moral grounds. This issue makes it important to understand how physicians think about their ethical rights and obligations and if they're religously involved or not. A 2016 survey consisting 2,000 practicing U.S. physicians were evaluated and criticized on their judgments about their own ethical rights and obligations when patients accepting or denying the request to a legal, medical procedure due to religious or moral reasons. These procedures include administering terminal sedation in patients, providing abortion for failed contraception, and prescribing birth control to adolescents without approval from their parents. A majority (63%) agreed to be able to ethically permiss patients and explain their moral objections. Most physicians believe they should present all options (86%) and recommend the patient to other clinics who don't object (71%).

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While we all know about the most commonly used birth control methods, there are few you won't have to commit to. There are three short-term methods- the cervical cap, the sponge, and the ring. The cervical cap is placed inside the vagina to prevent sperm from reaching the eggs and it only lasts for 48hrs. The ring is also inserted in the vagina and releases hormones to thicken mucus so sperm cannot enter; it only lasts 3 weeks. Lastly, there is the 'sponge'. The sponge is a plastic foam that is also inserted in the vagina and it releases spermicide. this can only be used once.

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Birth Control Methods

What is it? A barrier method of contraception that is made of latex or non-latex material. Male condoms are placed on the erect penis while a female condom is inserted into the vagina. Condoms work by preventing semen from entering the vagina.

Male condoms must be removed once the man ejaculates while still erect by holding the condom at the base of the penis as he pulls out of the vagina. The female condom is inserted into the vagina using the closed-end ring.

Female condoms can be inserted up to 8 hours before having sex but should be removed after sex. Female and male condoms should not be used at the same time because it increases the chances of the condoms getting stuck together, slipping during sex or braking, making them ineffective.

Condoms cannot be reused; a new condom should be used every time you have sex from start to finish. It is not recommended to use oil-base lubricants when using a condom because it breaks down the rubber. Always check the expiration date of the condom, and if a condom seems dry, sticky, or stiff when removed from the package, throw it away and use a new one. Condoms should be stored in a cool, dry place.

Does it protect against STIs? When a condom is properly used from start to finish, they are very effective in protecting against an unwanted pregnancy and STIs.

What are the most common side effects? The most common side effect to condoms is an allergy for those allergic to latex. However there are non-latex condoms. Another side effect could be irritation to the penis or vagina.

Will I need to see a doctor or need a prescription? You can get a condom from your local drug store, pharmacy, gas station, or grocery store. Other places that have condoms at no charge are the following: Hartford's Health Department, your local Planned Parenthood, and school based health clinics.

What is the average cost? The cost of condoms varies depending on the brand, but typically cost around $6-28 per pack.

Use this video to learn more about the various forms of contraception

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Birth Control Methods, Hartford teen pregnancy, Pregnancy prevention, contraception, contraception methods, abstinence, cervical cap, condom, depo provera, the shot, diaphragm, emergency contraception, IUD, Nexplanon, The Patch, The Birth Control Pill, teen pregnancy prevention, nuva ring, preventing pregnancy, sex, sexual intercourse, sexual activity, sexually active

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In universal religions such as Christianity, sex is viewed as a powerful activity for the purpose to procreate. Because sexual intercourse is risky, there is respect for couples to use contraceptives after marriage. This however, doesn't mean you are allowed to abort children which is forbidden like Catholicism or receive sex education. Catholics are allowed intercourse after marriage only for the purpose to procreate. No contraceptives are endorsed whatsoever, the only contraceptive is to abstain. Another religion which are of the Muslim's of Islam allow intercourse after marriage for the purpose of pleasure and procreation therefore, they allow contraceptives however, abortions are forbidden. Other cases like China follow the religion of Taoism and Confucianism but are often named the "Greatest Tragedy". This is because of the lack of descendants that are high "quality". These two religions have the purpose of living in peace and harmony so they don't oppose contraceptives. The only acceptable one is by tracking the rhythm of ovulation abortions are prohibited however, due to it being viewed as murder. Contraceptives like birth control aren't used because women fear the side effects of weight gain, acne, and added hormones. Many couples, since the population is so large and male dominated, throw away their newborns in trashcans and toilets because children aren't "wanted" unless they're willing to train them to be talented or "perfect".

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History and Progression of Birth Control: T.S

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History and Progression of Birth Control: T.S

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Around the time of 3000 B.C, condoms were made from fish bladders and animal intestines. It wasn't until in the 1500's that spermicides were introduced which was linen cloth sheath that was soaked in a chemical solution. The Com Stock Act was passed in 1873, which had made any advertisements, information or distribution of birth control illegal. The first birth control clinic was opened in the U.S in 1916 by Margaret Sanger. She was sent to jail for 30 days for opening the clinic. Then when she was eventually released from jail, she had re-opened her clinic. In 1938 the Womb Veil became a popular choice of birth control. The first oral birth control pill was approved by the FDA in the1960's. In the 1970's the pill formulation was changed. Birth control was legalized for all U.S citizens in 1972, as it was previously only legal for married couples to use. Due to infections and seven documented deaths, the FDA suspened the sale IUD's in 1974. In the 1990's, the depo shot, female condom, plan B and the implant were all created. The 2000's brought new changes like the, hormonal patch, sterilization, and the single rod implant. In 2013, Plan B was made available over the counter.

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Women and men have long tried many methods to prevent pregnancy. Prior to modern methods of birth control, women relied on withdrawal or periodic abstinence. These methods often failed.

Around 3000 B.C. Condoms made from such materials as fish bladders, linen sheaths, and animal intestines.

Around 1500 First spermicides introduced which used condoms made from linen cloth sheaths and soaked in a chemical solution and dried before using.

1838 Condoms and diaphragms made from vulcanized rubber.

1873 The Comstock Act passed in the United States prohibiting advertisements, information, and distribution of birth control and allowing the postal service to confiscate birth control sold through the mail.

1916 Margaret Sanger opens first birth control clinic in the United States. The next year she was deemed guilty of maintaining a public nuisance and sentenced to jail for 30 days. Once released, she re-opened her clinic and continued to persevere through more arrests and prosecutions.

1938 In a case involving Margaret Sanger, a judge lifted the federal ban on birth control, ending the Comstock era. Diaphragms, also known as womb veils, became a popular method of birth control.

1950 While in her 80s, Sanger underwrote the research necessary to create the first human birth control pill. She raised $150,000 for the project.

1960 The first oral contraceptive, Enovid, was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as contraception.

1965 The Supreme Court (in Griswold v. Connecticut) gave married couples the right to use birth control, ruling that it was protected in the Constitution as a right to privacy. However, millions of unmarried women in 26 states were still denied birth control.

1968 FDA approved intrauterine devices (IUDs), bringing early versions like the Lippes Loop and Copper 7 to market.

1970 Feminists challenged the safety of oral contraceptives (the Pill) at well-publicized Congressional hearings. As a result, the formulation of the Pill was changed, and the package insert for prescription drugs came into being.

1972 The Supreme Court (in Baird v. Eisenstadt) legalized birth control for all citizens of this country, irrespective of marital status.

1974 The FDA suspended sale of the Dalkon Shield IUD due to infections and seven documented deaths among users. Although other IUD designs were not implicated, most IUDs were slowly taken off the US market due to the escalating costs of lawsuits in subsequent years.

1980s Pills with low doses of hormones were introduced, along with a new copper IUD, ParaGard (1998). (CuT380a). Growing awareness of the Yuzpe regimen for emergency contraception.

1990s Introduction of Norplant, the first contraceptive implant (1990),DepoProvera, an injectable method (1992), FC1/Reality, a female condom (1993) and Plan B, and a dedicated emergency contraceptive product (1999).

2000s Rapid expansion in method availability and improvements in safety and effectiveness, including introduction of Mirena, a new levonorgestrel-releasing IUD (2000), Ortho Evra, a hormonal patch (2001), Nuvaring, a vaginal ring (2001), Essure, a method of transcervical female sterilization (2002), Implanon, a single-rod implant (2006), and FC2, an improved female condom (2009).

2002 The first implant, Norplant, is taken off the US market.

2010s Ella, a new emergency contraceptive pill (2010) and Skyla, a new levonorgestrel-releasing IUD (2013) are introduced. Growing use of the copper IUD for emergency contraception.

2013 After protracted regulatory and legal battles, one brand of emergency contraceptive pill (Plan B One-Step) becomes available without a prescription on drug store shelves.

Today More research is needed on woman-controlled methods that protect against STIs and birth control for men. Barriers to accessing reliable contraception remain for women worldwide.

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A Brief History of Birth Control in the U.S. - Our Bodies Ourselves

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Women and men have long tried many methods to prevent pregnancy. Prior to modern methods of birth control, women relied on withdrawal or periodic abstinence. These methods often failed. Around 3000 B.C. Condoms made from such materials as fish bladders, linen sheaths, and animal intestines.

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Some side effects of taking birth control contraceptives include irregular menstruation cycles, missed periods, nausea, headaches, mood changes, tender breasts, and weight change. Most of these side effects usually only last for the first three to four months of starting birth control. There are also many benefits of taking birth control such as making periods lighter and more regular if you typically have an irregular period, it helps to clear acne, it lessens the severity of menstrual cramps, and it lowers the chances of getting ovarian or uterine cancers.  When taking birth control consistently, at the same time every day, it is ninety-nine percent effective in preventing pregnancy. If birth control is not taken consistently, it is about ninety-two percent effective in preventing pregnancy.

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Posted under . Updated 8 September 2015.

Key Facts

Birth control pills (also called oral contraceptive pills and the "Pill") are a type of female hormonal birth control method and are very effective at preventing pregnancy. The Pills are small tablets that you swallow each day. Most pills contain two types of synthetic (man-made) female hormones: estrogen and progestin. These are similar to the estrogen and progesterone normally made by the ovaries. These pills are called "combination oral contraceptives," and there are many different kinds.

The hormones in the pills prevent pregnancy by suppressing your pituitary gland, which stops the development and release of the egg in the ovary (ovulation) (see female reproductive anatomy image below). The progestin also helps to prevent the sperm from reaching the egg and changes the lining of the uterus.

Another type of pill contains only one hormone (progestin) and is called either the "progestin-only pill," or the "mini-Pill." It works by stopping ovulation and by helping to prevent the male's sperm from reaching the egg.

Which birth control pill should I take?

First, talk with your health care provider about whether the Pill is right for you. If it is, discuss which pill and what dosage is best for you.

The combined pill with both estrogen and progestin is slightly more effective than the progestin-only pill. However, some women can't take estrogen, so it's better for them to take the progestin-only pill.

How effective is the Pill at preventing pregnancy?

The Pill is very effective if you take it exactly as you are supposed to - one pill a day, taken at the same time each day. You should also use back-up contraception such as condoms if you have diarrhea or vomiting, or are taking a medication that could change the effectiveness of the birth control pill. Using condoms is always important to decrease your chances of getting a sexually transmitted infection ( STI).

Out of 100 women using Combination or Progestin Only BCP's

Typical Use: 9 Women Become Pregnant

Perfect Use: 1 or Less Women Become Pregnant

If you take the Pill at the same time every day (perfect use), it's more than 99% effective. This means that if 100 women take the combination pill every day, less than 1 woman will become pregnant in a year.

Although it's obvious that the Pill is most effective against pregnancy when it's taken at the same time every day, perfect use can be difficult for both teens and adults. That's why it's often considered 92% effective. This means that if 100 women use the Pill, but don't take it perfectly, 8 or more women will become pregnant in a year.

What are the possible side effects of birth control pills?

Most women have no side effects when taking the oral contraceptive pill. However, it's possible to have irregular periods, nausea, headaches, or weight change especially during the first few months. Each type of oral contraceptive pill can affect a young woman differently.

Irregular periods: Spotting (you don't need to use a regular pad, just a panty shield) or very light bleeding may occur during the first 1-3 weeks of starting the Pill, or if you miss a pill. If the bleeding becomes heavier or lasts more than a few days or the bleeding happens after you have been on the pill for a few months, keep taking the pill and talk with your health care provider.

Nausea: Nausea occasionally occurs when you first start taking the Pill and will often go away in a few days. It is less likely to occur if the Pill is taken after dinner or with a bedtime snack.

Headaches: Headaches may occur because of stress at school or home, too little sleep, sinus infections, or migraines. The Pill can make headaches better or worse. If your health care provider thinks your headaches are related to the Pill, he/she may prescribe an oral contraceptive pill with a lower amount of estrogen or have you go off the Pill for a short time. If you have migraine headaches, talk to your health care provider about whether the Pill is right for you.

Mood changes: Feeling up and down emotionally can sometimes happen to anyone and is unlikely to be caused by the Pill. Exercise and a healthy diet may help, along with talking to a counselor. Make sure you let your health care provider know how you are feeling.

Sore or enlarged breasts: Very occasionally, your breasts may become tender and/or get larger, but usually your breasts will stay the same. Breast tenderness usually goes away after a few months.

Weight change: Some teens gain weight and some teens lose weight while on the Pill, but most stay exactly the same. Try to remember to watch your portion sizes, avoid fast food, and eat 5-13 servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Drink lots of water and don't forget to exercise! Just in case you were wondering, there are no calories in the Pill.

If side effects occur, they're usually mild and go away in the first three to four months of taking the birth control pill. If you do have side effects, talk with your health care provider. If the side effects are uncomfortable or if they don't go away, your health care provider may switch you to a different kind of birth control pill.

Are there any serious side effects of birth control pills that I should be worried about?

Most young women who take birth control pills have few or no problems. If you do have any of the following problems, call your health care provider right away.
Remember: ACHES

Abdominal or stomach pain (severe)

Chest pain (severe), cough, shortness of breath

Headache (severe), dizziness, weakness, or numbness

Eye problems (vision loss or blurring), speech problems

Severe leg pain (calf or thigh)

Blood clots: A blood clot in your leg or lung is a very rare but serious side effect. If you suddenly have pain or swelling in your leg and/or shortness of breath and/or chest pain, see your health care provider right away or go to the emergency room. If you have a history of blood clots, you should not take the Pill. Tell your health care provider if anyone in your family (blood relative) has ever had blood clots, especially when they were young. The Pill increases the risk of blood clots by three to fourfold, which is less than with pregnancy. Blood clots are more likely to develop if you're also a smoker, overweight, having surgery, or sitting on a plane for a long time. To lessen your chances of blood clots, don't smoke, and if you're on a long plane trip, get up, walk around, and drink lots of water. If you do smoke, it is important that your doctor knows about your smoking before you start the pill. If you're scheduled for surgery, and won't be able to move around much after surgery, ask your health care provider about stopping the Pill for 3-4 weeks before surgery and after the surgery until you are walking around normally.

Medical Benefits

Adolescent girls and young women are frequently prescribed birth control pills just for the medical benefits. BCP's are a safe and effective treatment for many types of medical problems, including PCOS, irregular menstrual periods, menstrual cramps, acne, PMS, and endometriosis.

Are there any medical benefits with taking birth control pills?

Birth control pills not only prevent pregnancy, but they also have medical benefits. Many teen girls take the birth control pill just for its medical benefits and not for its protection against pregnancy.

Regular and lighter periods: Oral contraceptive pills can help to regulate the menstrual cycle so your period comes about every 28 days. The Pill usually causes lighter periods too. You may only have a brown smudge on a tampon, pad, panty shield or underwear. The hormone doses in BCPs are very low. When you are taking the birth control pill, the lining of your uterus doesn't become very thick so very little blood needs to come out each month. For the extended cycle pills, you might have a period every 3 months or even less.

Clearer skin: Birth control pills can improve acne. The hormones in most types of BCPs can help stop acne from forming. Be patient though, as it can take a few months to see an improvement.

Less cramps, or no cramps: Birth control pills can help to decrease menstrual cramps.

Other medical benefits: Because there's less menstrual bleeding with the use of birth control pills, girls taking the pill are less likely to become anemic (have too few red blood cells). Birth control pills also lessen your chance of getting endometrial (lining of the uterus) cancer, ovarian cancer, and ovarian cysts. BCPs also protect against pregnancies that occur outside the uterus (tubal or ectopic pregnancies).

Can anybody take birth control pills?

Almost all teens and young women can take birth control pills. There are only a few reasons why your health care provider might feel that you need to choose other methods of birth control. These reasons are called "contraindications."
Contraindications for taking combined birth control pills include:

You or someone in your family has a history of blood clots or genetic problems that cause clotting

Migraine headaches with aura (spots and wavy flashing lights or trouble seeing that occur 5 to 30 minutes before the headache starts), or neurological symptoms (numbness, loss of speech)

Certain kinds of heart disease

High blood pressure that is not controlled with medication

Surgery or any other condition that prevents you from moving or getting up and walking (immobilized)

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Birth Control Pills: General Information

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Posted under . Updated 8 September 2015. Key Facts Birth control pills (also called oral contraceptive pills and the "Pill") are a type of female hormonal birth control method and are very effective at preventing pregnancy. The Pills are small tablets that you swallow each day.

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There are 6 different commonly used birth control types. There is the implant, the patch, the pill, the shot, the IUD, and the morning after pill. The implant is a small, thin plastic like tube that is inserted under the skin of the arm which lasts up to 4 years. The patch is a thin plastic patch that sticks to the skin and it lasts for as long as you take it. The "pill" is taken as a daily medication and lasts for as long as you take it. The shot is an injection of hormones and lasts for 3 months. The morning after pill is taken as an emergency contraception pill and it must be taken within 120 hours from when you had sex. The IUD is a t-shaped device that gets inserted into the vagina. All the prevention types prevent the eggs from the leaving the ovaries and thickens the cervical mucus so sperm can't get through and releases estrogen and progestrin.

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Birth control is how you prevent pregnancy. There are lots of different birth control options out there. We're here to help you figure it all out.
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Birth Control Methods & Options | Types of Birth Control

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Birth control is how to prevent pregnancy before it begins. There are lots of different methods and options that work really well and are easy to use.