As October begins, we reach the halfway point of another semester. There’s mid-semester grades to worry about, and there’s the five projects and papers due next week, and it seems that you’re just now getting into the swing of things. So, now would be a terrible time to get those unexpected two little lines on the pee stick. If this scenario resonates with you, read on.
If you feel that a baby doesn’t fit into where you are in life at the moment, there are plenty of birth control options for you to consider:
- The Intrauterine Device (a.k.a. IUD) is a little T-shaped piece of plastic (may also contain copper) that is inserted into the uterus to prevent sperm from reaching the egg. And it can work for up to 10 years!
- The Implant is a teeny-tiny flexible rod smaller than a match inserted under the skin of the upper arm that helps prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg.
- The Pill contains hormones that are taken every day to help prevent sperm from reaching the egg.
- The Patch is a thin, beige piece of plastic (kinda looks like a square Band-Aid) that helps prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg.
- The Ring is a small bendable ring (like those jelly bracelets kids wear) that is inserted in the vagina and helps prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg.
- The Shot is given every three months and helps prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg.
- The Condom is a thin, rubber sleeve that prevents sperm from entering the vagina. It can come as an external condom for males or an internal condom for females.
- Withdrawal works when the penis is removed from the vagina before ejaculation, preventing sperm from entering the vagina.
- Fertility Awareness works by tracking the menstrual cycle to determine the days you can get pregnant and not having sex on those days.
- Sterilization is a minor procedure that permanently blocks the release of an egg in women and sperm in men.
- Emergency Contraception is taken after having unprotected sex and it works by preventing sperm from reaching the egg.
- “Not Right Now” is a nice way of saying you’re not currently having vaginal sex.
The point is, if you are ready to have and raise a child, whether you are in school or not, then this post isn’t for you. But if you know that you are not ready, if you want to finish school or start a career before considering a kid, then be smart and be safe. Use protection. The future is your decision, and it all starts here!
**For more details on the contraception methods listed in this post, please click here.