If you ever worried about pregnancy during intercourse with your partner, you should consider taking some preventive measures. Whether for financial, religious, or political reasons, birth control is an effective way of nullifying your worries about pregnancy. So what is it? How costly can it get? And does insurance cover birth control?
What is birth control?
Birth control is also known as contraception or fertility control. It is any method or device used to prevent unplanned pregnancy. Since ancient times, birth control has been present, but the latest science development allowed birth control to become safer.
Birth control isn’t limited to planned parenthood only; certain medical conditions render patients at risk if they get pregnant. Thus, they are required to use any of the following birth control methods:
Permanent birth Control Methods
Sterilization
A permanent surgery that blocks or closes your fallopian tubes. Patients should take their time and think this through because this procedure is irreversible.
Vasectomy
This is a quick and safe procedure for male patients who want to avoid sperm in your semen permanently.
Long term birth Control Methods
Birth control implant
Also known as Nexplanon. It is an implant about the size of a matchstick that is inserted into your arm. This rod protects you from getting pregnant by releasing hormones that prevent pregnancy. It lasts for approximately five years.
IUD
A device that is inserted into a uterus to prevent pregnancy. It comes in 2 types: copper and hormone IUDs. They work by stopping sperm from reaching the egg. What’s great about IUDs is that it can last for 3-12 years, and it is reversible at any time. Patients can get pregnant the moment they remove the device.
Scheduled birth Control
Birth control shot
Also called the Depo shot, and it is taken every three months. However, it would help if you took it every 12-13 weeks to make it work.
Birth control ring
Also known as a Nuva ring, it is a wearable ring inserted inside your private area. It releases hormones that last for a month and need replacement after.
Birth control patch
The transdermal contraceptive patch is a safe method of preventing pregnancy by wearing a patch on specific parts of your skin. This patch releases hormones that halt sperm from reaching the egg, and it needs to be replaced weekly.
Birth control pill
When you buy this pill, it comes as a 30 pill clip that needs to be taken daily. It is a safe and easy way of stopping pregnancy.
One time birth Control
Condom/Internal condom
This is a cheap, safe, one-time use method of preventing both pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases (STD).
Spermicide
It is a cream applied before intercourse. That releases chemicals that block pregnancy.
As you can see, there are many birth control methods, and it all depends on the cost, effectiveness, and period. So how much does it cost?
Birth control cost without insurance
Permanent
Vasectomies can cost around $1000; on the other hand, sterilization is a surgery that can cost over $6000 with insurance.
Long term
Both IUD and birth control implants can cost up to $1300 without health insurance.
One time use
This is a cheap alternative for birth control. For just a few bucks, you can prevent both STDs and Pregnancy.
Scheduled
Scheduled birth control can cost
- Shot: Every 3 months – $150
- Ring: Monthly – $150
- Patch: Weekly – $150
- Pill: Daily – $50
Birth control cost with insurance
Thankfully, most marketplace health insurance plans cover one or more forms of birth control. This can include many methods such as pills, IUDs, sterilization, and many more…. which can be at a low cost or free regardless of meeting deductibles or resorting to co-payments.
Conclusion
Birth control is an effective way of resorting to planned parenthood. It has many cheap, safe, and painless methods. That is covered by the majority of health insurance providers. If you want to know which insurance providers cover birth control, feel free to consult our experts at the art of insurance.
