Prompt Cast
The Effectiveness and Risks of Different Contraception Methods
TLDR Current contraception methods in the US have varying levels of effectiveness and risks. Withdrawal is not very effective, while the pill and IUD are highly effective but come with potential side effects. Male hormonal contraception is not available on the market despite being well-tolerated and effective.
Timestamped Summary
00:00
Nearly half of unwanted pregnancies in the US occur while couples are using birth control, raising questions about the effectiveness of current methods.
04:32
Withdrawal as a method of contraception is not very effective, with about 20 out of 100 couples who use it getting pregnant within a year.
08:33
Pre-ejaculate can contain sperm, but studies show that only about a third of men have enough active sperm in their pre-ejaculate to get someone pregnant, and if withdrawal is used perfectly as a method of contraception, only four out of 100 couples will get pregnant within a year.
12:47
Research suggests that the pill can affect hormones in the brain and potentially change its structure, leading to mood swings and other emotional effects in some women, but the impact varies and more research is needed to fully understand the implications.
16:39
Research has found that more women feel better on the pill than feel worse, with 70% reporting less feelings of depression after a few months on the pill compared to 10% who experienced worsening mood swings.
20:57
The IUD is highly effective at preventing pregnancy, but only 7% of American women use it due to fears about it damaging the uterus, despite the fact that it is not inherently dangerous.
25:13
IUDs are safe and effective, with newer designs reducing the risk of infections and infertility, although there is a small risk of perforating the uterus during insertion.
29:03
Male hormonal contraception, such as the male shot, is well-tolerated and 95% effective, but it is not available on the market because the pharmaceutical industry does not believe there is a market for it.
33:05
There is no perfect form of contraception, as they all have risks and side effects, but abstinence is the most effective method.
