Women and men commonly have questions about birth control. They want to know how effective different types of birth control are, how much they cost, and how easy they are to use. Perhaps you’ve also wondered how certain birth- control methods interact with your precious v-parts, the vulva and vagina. Given the dozens of different types of birth control available, we don’t have room to go over every single one here. However, this brief overview of common birth-
control methods and how they relate to your vulva and vagina, or your sex life, should be a good start:
Male Condoms
Most women who have male sexual partners find that male condoms are incredibly vagina-friendly. After all, male condoms—when used correctly and consistently, and when they stay intact (which they nearly always do)—keep semen away from the vagina, thus reducing the risk of infection and unintended pregnancy. That’s pretty vagina-friendly, if you ask us! Every now and then, though, women will say that they feel irritated after having sex with a condom- clad partner. If you are sensitive or allergic to latex condoms, choose condoms made of something other than latex, such as polyurethane. Even if you’re not sensitive or allergic to condoms, you may find that your vagina and vulva are more comfortable when you use a certain brand of condom. It’s possible that you may be reacting to the lubricant on the condom, if it’s pre-lubricated. Make note of condoms that work particularly well with your body and keep some on hand so that you’ll be ready to have safer sex.
Female Condoms
American women rarely use female condoms; they are more commonly used by women and promoted by health groups in other countries. Female condoms look like pouches. The closed end is inserted head first into the vagina with the outer edges folding over the vulva. Some women find that using a female condom gives them more control over having safer sex. Condom-using couples may find this a fun, pleasurable, and safe (albeit sometimes expensive) way to diversify their sex lives.
NuvaRing
The NuvaRing is a vaginal-ring contraceptive. Women only need to insert one ring into the vagina and then leave it there for three weeks. Some women worry that leaving the NuvaRing in the vagina for three weeks is unhealthy for the vagina. It’s not (that is, assuming the ring stayed in its original packaging and then a woman washed her hands before opening the package, removing the ring, and inserting it into her vagina). Women also sometimes wonder if male partners will feel the NuvaRing during sex. In one study of women using NuvaRing and their partners, nearly 70 percent of men said that they never felt the ring during
sex (it’s inserted pretty far up the vagina).7 Those who do feel the NuvaRing don’t, for the most part, appear to be bothered by it. However, every woman is built differently, and every couple has bodies that fit together differently and different ways of having sex, including favorite or go-to sex positions. If you try the NuvaRing and find it’s uncomfortable for either one of you during sex, you may be able to remove it during sex (but not for long—ask your healthcare provider for details), as long as you remember to reinsert it soon afterward.
Otherwise, consider other birth-control options that may be a better fit for you.
Birth-Control Pills
Birth-control pills are widely used by women around the world. Some women who take low-dose estrogen pills notice that they lubricate less than they used to (estrogen plays a role in vaginal lubrication). Also, keep in mind that birth- control pills are to be taken orally, meaning swallowed by mouth. We mention this only because every now and then, we hear about women who mistakenly believe that birth-control pills work by inserting them into the vagina. This is not the case! Please do NOT insert your birth-control pills into your (or anyone else’s) vagina. If you have questions about how to take birth-control pills or any other medication, please check in with your healthcare provider.
Diaphragms
Diaphragms are less commonly used in the United States, but they are still an important barrier method of birth control, meaning they help keep semen from reaching the cervix, uterus, and fallopian tubes. Women who use diaphragms appear to be at increased risk of urinary tract infections (UTI), which are infections of the urethra, bladder, the tubes that connect the bladder to the kidneys, or the kidneys themselves.8 Any time you suspect that you may have a UTI, it’s worth checking in with a healthcare provider who can advise you on possible home treatment and/or prescription treatment.
Cervical Caps
Cervical caps fit over the cervix, thus serving as a barrier to keep sperm away from the cervix, uterus, and fallopian tubes (just like diaphragms and condoms, in this regard). If you’ve had a baby since you last used a cervical cap, check in with your healthcare provider, as you may need to be re-fitted for one.
Spermicides
Spermicides may come in foams, jellies, or films. Spermicidal lubricant may also be used on male condoms. Although many women tolerate spermicide just fine, some women experience vulvovaginal irritation, such as vaginal burning, itching, or pain, when they use spermicidal products. If you experience genital irritation, we recommend asking your healthcare provider for recommendations about birth-control methods that may be a better fit for your vaginal and vulvar health.