Living Life on the Edge

I'm sure most of us believe we could be a little more carefree, a little less cautious, but when it comes to some things, we can't be cautious enough.

Pregnancy. Yes, babies. If you are trying to have one, disregard the following. However, for all you single women who don't want to become single moms, take a second to catch up. Many of us know about the pill, and 30.6% of women in the U.S. use oral contraceptives. Here are a few facts:

The first oral contraceptive was launched in the U.S. in 1960
In 1993 the female condom became available in the U.S. (1992 for Europe)
In 2001 the FDA approved the first monthly vaginal ring- NuvaRing

Here are a list of contraceptive choices currently available to women

Abstinence -not having sex
Birth Control Pill
Cervical Cap -a latex cap covered in spermicide that is fitted to the cervix (change it every year) Condom -you know, a little party hat for his parts
Contraceptive Film -a 2 by 2 inch sheet that is placed near the cervix where it dissolves and kills sperm (kinda like a little sperm grenade- cool)
Contraceptive Foam -kills sperm and blocks them from entering the cervical canal
Contraceptive Implant -hormone implant inserted into upper arm (incredibly effective and helps lessen PMS symptoms)
Contraceptive Patch -like the pill, it is a patch that is replaced every week for three weeks and then left off for menstruation
Contraceptive Ring -a ring that works like the patch and is removed once a month
Contraceptive Sponge -vaginal sponge (more effective for women who have never given birth)
Contraceptive Suppositories -a barrier that melts and releases spermicide (85% effective)
Diaphragm -a latex disc that prevents sperm from entering cervix. Should be left in 6-24 hours after sex
Emergency Contraception -also known as Plan B or the morning after pill. A pill that acts as a high dose birth control pill that can be take up to 5 days after unprotected sex
Female Condom -a polyurethane condom that is placed into the woman (79% effective)
Fertility Awareness Method -awareness regarding a womans cycle and when she is most fertile (87-98% effective)
Injectable Contraception -a hormone shot administered every 3 months. Most commonly Depo-Provera
Intrauterine Contraception -(UID) a small device placed into the uterine cavity
Outercourse -alternatives to sex like kissing, mutual masturbation, and other activities
Shield -a soft silicone cup with a loop placed over the cervix with spermicidal jelly (85% effective)
Withdrawal -also known as "pulling out." The man removes his penis before ejaculation (77-95% effective)

So. Of those 20 or so options, I highly suggest using at least one. No matter what kind of contraceptives you use, I recommend also using a condom. Condoms, unlike the pill, patch, ring, or injections, can help protect you from HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Despite being incredibly cute, I don't think many of us want little duplicates of ourselves running around, so be smart, and be safe.
Until writing this post, I wasn't even aware of half of these.