The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

MANY women say, oral contraceptives are convenient and effective. However, there are some who agree, the pill is not for everyone and there are alternative contraceptive methods.

Some women who make the decision to "boot the pill", as people say, do so just to try something new. Some are looking for an option that does not involve remembering a daily dose.

For Melissa, a Bahamian local who made the decision to turn to the female condom method of birth control, she said it works perfectly well for her, and it does not alter her system in any way.

"I like the idea of it because I have no issues whatsoever with it and I don't have to insert anything into my body like the Intrauterine Device (IUD) or the sponge that may cause a problem for me. I can just keep the condom in my bag until I am ready to use it. I can take it out when I'm done using it and I have nothing to worry about," said Melissa.

According to the mayoclinic.com, the female condom acts as a barrier to keep sperm from entering the uterus. It is a soft, loose fitting pouch with a ring on each end. Among various benefits, the female condom is available without a prescription or special fitting and it rarely causes allergic reactions and has minimal risk of side effects.

Claire told Tribune Woman, it is never a problem for her when deciding on a birth control method because she sticks with abstinence. She said she believes there is no better contraceptive than abstinence.

"When you are not having sex there is no risk whatsoever of getting pregnant or getting a sexually transmitted disease. On top of that most contraceptives I have explored have some kind of side effects that does the body no good," said Claire.

Emily, another sexually active woman, said she made the decision three years ago with her boyfriend to use the withdrawal method.

The mayoclinic.com noted that using the withdrawal method for birth control requires self-control. The website stated that even then, the withdrawal method as typically used is not an especially effective form of birth control.

With her firm views, Emily said: "A lot of people have said that this is the most unsafe way of preventing a pregnancy but I have been doing the withdrawal method for years and nothing happened. I have thought of other options but I am not interested in any of them. I do not like taking pills and some days I might forget to take it. I do not want any thing inserted in me either."

Speaking about the sterilization alternative, Lucile said she believes this method is the best option for her because she does not have to worry about birth control ever again.

"My husband and I are both in our forties and we have four children. The youngest is 12 and we now that we don't want anymore, I got my tubes tied because I don't want any surprises or change of life babies," said Lucile.

Judy, an Intrauterine Device (IUD) user said she likes the long term effect this method has for her. This device is implanted into a woman's uterus by a doctor.

"I don't like short term methods and all of those contraceptives where you have to put in before sex and have to take out after, I think it kills the spontaneity. However it is not perfect because it can cause some problems, but next to the pill, it seems to be one of the most effective," said Judy.