The birth control catch-22

Despite Bayer’s recent Yaz and Yasmin lawsuit settlements, a new Danish study suggests that non-oral birth control forms like patches and vaginal rings like NuvaRing may increase the risk for blood clot-related health risks pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) compared to oral contraceptives.

The study, published in the British Medical Journal last week, determined that women using vaginal rings were 6.5 times more likely to develop blood clots than women not using birth control, and women using the patch were 8 times more likely. In an FDA study, women taking oral contraceptives were three times likely to suffer these risks, leaving researchers to recommend that women stick with birth control pills. The 11,000-plus women suing birth control pill maker Bayer likely feel otherwise.

So, is there a catch-22 to using birth control? Not if you do what you’re supposed to do. According to Mayo Clinic’s website, finding the right birth control depends on your lifestyle, personal preferences, and health. When visiting your doctor, you should always be honest in assessing yourself, your partner and your relationship. Not all birth controls were made the same, nor were they made for everyone. The following is a list of several available contraceptives. Speak with your healthcare professional to find out which type is right for you.

• Vaginal ring: a hormone-releasing flexible plastic device inserted into the vagina for three weeks, then removed for the week of your period, and replaced with a new ring.
• Birth control pills: a combination of estrogen and progestin taken for 21 days, which prevents ovaries from releasing an egg thickens cervical mucus to prevent sperm from joining with an egg.
• Condoms: waterproof, elastic, and durable latex, polyurethane, or lambskin barrier device that blocks semen from entering the other person, thus preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
• Depo-provera shot: a hormonal contraceptive injected into the thigh, buttocks or deltoid muscle every three months.
• Patch: A thin, beige Band-aid-like plastic patch that releases a combination of progestin and estrogen, prevents ovulation, thickens cervical mucus, and is worn on the stomach or buttocks once a week for three weeks.
• Tubal ligation or vasectomy: sterilization surgeries for women and men to prevent pregnancy.