Experts at Princeton University and the Brookings Institute demonstrate with this new data how the human element plays a major role in the effectiveness of different birth control methods. Here as presented by The New York Times in their article: How Likely Is It That Birth Control Could Let You Down? – thank you!
For popular methods like the condom, it is clearly the users who destroy the effectiveness. Coming out on top again, as usual, the IUD as the best method for reversible protection.
Good News: The findings of a 20 year study on The Sex Lives of College Students shows birth control usage up.
About 5,000 students were surveyed by Dr. Sandra Caron, Professor of Family Relations and Human Sexuality at the University of Maine. 85% of college women are on the pill, up from 75%. Condoms are used 55% of the time, up from 45%. And about 40% of students report going Double Dutch, i.e. using both the pill to prevent unwanted pregnancy and condoms against STDs. Great news.
Have a read of the full findings for many insights on the sexual attitudes, behaviors, and influences of college students. Thanks to Dr. Caron for her work over many years to compile this important information!
Think you know what college students think? Test your knowledge with this nifty quiz compiled by HuffPost Labs. How did you do?
Here an interesting and worthwhile tidbit about improving your experience with the the birth control pill from Women’s Health Magazine, their article entitled BEHIND THE PRESCRIPTION PAD
They report: “The most surprising thing about oral contraceptives is how many gynecologists prescribe them carelessly.”
This is not surprising to many readers? Right. Doctors are human, too; they favor the products they know, and perhaps those for which they have free samples in their drawer.
What to do?
To find the optimal pill cocktail for any individual patient requires a little effort, such as a hormone test. “The test is easy — you just spit into a small plastic tube once during the second half of your cycle. The small sample of saliva is a snapshot of how your levels of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and cortisol fluctuate during the course of your menstrual cycle.” Sounds easy enough, and worth it for anyone trying to avoid pill side effects such as PMS.
If you feel your mix is perhaps not optimal, ask your doc about the hormone test and a re-assessment – or find a doctor who will do this with you. How is your mix? Anyone care to share their experience with the hormone test? Maybe a friend needs this advice as well?
With thanks to Women’s Health Magazine!