Birth Control as Public Health

The CDC named family planning and modern contraception as one of the 10 greatest public health achievements of the 20th century. And as an organization focused on reducing unplanned pregnancy and increasing birth control access, we agree. Having the power to decide if, when, and under what circumstances to get pregnant and have a child increases young people’s opportunities to be mentally and physically healthy, to complete their education, and to pursue the future they want, on their own terms.

Much of America agrees as well; 4 in 5 Americans support protections for access to the full range of birth control methods no matter who they are, where they live, or what their economic status is. We regularly hear from those thankful for their birth control about how it has impacted them and allowed them to live their best life. 

 We’ve learned so much from these stories and they have helped us to talk to policymakers across the country about why it’s important to expand access for all.

One of the many reasons that contraception is fantastic is because it’s not one-size-fits-all, and a method that works at one point in a person’s life may not work later. There are many forms of birth control, each with its own list of pros and cons. And new birth control methods are being approved by the FDA and research on existing methods is changing the way providers can offer them. 

Phexxi

FDA-approved, Phexxi is a hormone-free gel that is inserted into the vagina before sex and maintains the naturally acidic pH of the vagina in the presence of semen to prevent pregnancy. An acidic pH is inhospitable to sperm and reduces sperm mobility, keeping eggs and sperm apart to prevent pregnancy. With perfect use, it’s around 93% effective, but with typical use it’s still 86% effective. Currently, it costs an average of $280 for 12 one-time-use, pre-filled applicators without insurance. However, the cost will depend on whether users have health insurance. With insurance, it may be covered, but for those with a copay, Phexxi offers a copay savings plan where you may pay as little as $30 for each box of 12. 

A New Kind of Ring

The ring is a flexible ring that is inserted into the vagina and works to prevent pregnancy by releasing hormones that prevent your ovaries from releasing an egg. Previously, the only type of ring available was NuvaRing and its generic form, which users placed in the vagina for 21 days and then removed for seven days. Every month, users threw away the used ring and placed a new ring for each cycle. Now we have more options; Annovera is good for 13 cycles, up to one year, so when users take it out after 21 days, they can simply wash it and store it for the seven ring-free days before placing the same ring into the vagina again to continue using it. 

In addition to reducing the waste and hassle of having to throw away a ring every month, those who use Annovera may have fewer trips to the pharmacy, and unlike NuvaRing, Annovera never needs to be refrigerated. And with more than 19 million women in need living in contraceptive access gaps, that is more than convenient; it’s a lifeline that can increase their ability to use birth control and decrease gaps in access. 

A New Use for IUDs with Hormones

There are four types of emergency contraception (EC): Paragard, the copper IUD; ella, a one-pill formula available by prescription; over-the-counter levonorgestrel EC pills such as Plan B One-Step, which are available in stores or online without a prescription; However, an IUD with 52mg of levonorgestrel, such as Liletta or Mirena, is also a highly effective form of EC when placed within five days of unprotected sex. For people who want to continue using an IUD for birth control, IUDs can remain in place as highly effective birth control for 3 to 7 years for the IUDs with 52mg of levonorgestrel, such as Liletta and Mirena, and up to 12 years for the copper IUD. 

Reproductive and sexual health is an important component of public health. And, excitingly, just as individuals’ birth control journeys grow and change alongside their lives, so too does the world of reproductive and sexual health research.