Choosing your birth control is a rite of passage for any sexually active woman. Are you gonna go with a tried and true classic, like the pill? Or maybe something a little different, like the Nuva Ring? Or maybe even go all the way and get the IUD? Whatever method you choose, the best thing about women’s birth control is that there are a ton of options out there, so if you try one out and don’t feel like it’s the one for you, you can always change it up.
The FDA just approved a new IUD called Kyleena that similar but different than the ones currently on the market. It’s a hormonal birth control that prevents pregnancy in two amazing ways. First, the IUD stops your eggs from leaving your ovaries, but if one of his swimmers happens to slip by, the hormones thicken the mucus in the cervix to stop sperm from reaching your eggs.
Kyleena lasts for up to five years, which is two years longer than Skyla and Liletta, but less than Paraguard, which lasts up to 12 years. Mirena also lasts five years, but Kyleena has fewer hormones, which is good for anyone whose body doesn’t agree very well with hormones. Skyla has the fewest hormones out of any of the options (13.5 milligrams levonorgestrel compared to Kyleena’s 19.5 milligrams), but it’s effective for less time, so it’s a trade-off.
Kyleena, like all IUDs, will probably mess with your period at first, but as your body adjusts, your periods will be lighter and shorter — or if you’re lucky, they could disappear altogether. Your doctor can prescribe it and insert it starting next month, and if you have insurance, it should be free (thanks, Obama).
As someone who has had the IUD for almost two years, I can’t recommend it enough for people who are sick of taking pills every day and want a 99 percent effective form of birth control with absolutely zero maintenance or room for human error. It doesn’t hurt *too* bad to get inserted, and even if it does, it’s still worth it.
At least until male birth control finally becomes available in 2017 and it’s his turn to suffer a little bit. .
[via PR Newswire]
Image via Shutterstock
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Cristina Montemayor
Cristina is a Grandex Writer and Content Manager. She was an intern for over two years before she graduated a semester early to write about college full time, which makes absolutely no sense. She regretfully considers herself a Carrie, but is first and foremost a Rory. She tends to draw strong reactions from people. They are occasionally positive. You can find her in a bar as you're bending down to tie your shoes, drinking Dos XX and drunk crying to Elton John. Email her: cristina@grandex.co (not .com).
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