Medical Review by Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP, DipABOM
Summary:
- Different birth control options are available, including hormonal and non-hormonal methods such as pills, rings, patches, implants, IUDs, barrier methods, natural family planning, and permanent solutions. Understanding the pros and cons of each method and considering factors such as health, lifestyle, and personal preferences can help you make informed choices.
- The non-hormonal birth control options include copper IUDs, barrier methods such as condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps, natural family planning, and permanent solutions like tubal ligation for women or vasectomy for men.
- When choosing a birth control method, it’s important to consider factors such as potential side effects, convenience, long-term health implications, personal comfort with the method, and lifestyle compatibility. Consulting with a healthcare provider is essential to determine the best option based on your individual needs. Each method comes with potential benefits and side effects, so it’s important to understand these aspects to make an informed decision.
Making an informed choice doesn’t need to be difficult
Choosing the right birth control method impacts your health and daily life. With so many options available, it’s important to make informed decisions with a healthcare provider about the type you use.
The more you know about different approaches to birth control, the easier it will be to select one that works for you. Below, we present information you can use to evaluate the pros and cons of each method.
What kinds of birth control are there?
There are many different ways to prevent pregnancy—including devices, medications, procedures, and lifestyle choices. Some of these methods involve using hormones like progesterone or estrogen, while others do not.
Hormonal Birth Control Options
Hormonal pills
Hormonal birth control pills fall into two main categories:
- Combination pills that use both estrogen and progesterone. Examples include Ortho-Tri Cyclen lo®, Sprintec®, and Yasmin®.
- Progesterone-only pills like Errin®.
Progesterone (or progestin, it’s synthetic form) has the biggest impact on preventing pregnancy. It works by preventing your ovaries from releasing eggs, while also changing your cervical mucus and uterine lining so that male sperm can’t get through.
In combination pills, estrogen provides extra support by influencing your pituitary gland. This helps make sure your ovaries don’t release eggs.
Although both types of pills have similar effects due to the progesterone they contain, their side effects and risk factors can be different. Always consult the patient information and talk to a healthcare provider before taking any birth control pills or other medications.
Vaginal rings
Vaginal rings deliver birth control hormones directly to your reproductive system after being placed in your vaginal canal. Because they continuously release these hormones at a controlled rate, these rings can be preferable for people who want an effective birth control method without having to remember to take it daily.
See also: NuvaRing®: A Convenient Approach to Contraception
Transdermal patches
Transdermal patches like Xulane® offer a convenient weekly option for preventing pregnancy. They stick to the skin and release hormones to prevent pregnancy, making them an excellent alternative for those who do not want to take pills or use vaginal devices.
See also: Peel, Stick, and Protect: Introducing Xulane®
Implants
Contraceptive implants are placed under your skin to release a steady stream of progestin over time. They can be effective from anywhere between one and five years, depending on the one you use. They are highly effective, and their effects on your fertility are easy to reverse once they have been removed.
Intrauterine devices (IUDs)
Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are small devices placed inside the uterus that contain either copper or progesterone. They are highly effective, long-lasting, and reversible forms of contraception, although the insertion process may cause discomfort.
Non-hormonal birth control options
Copper IUDs
Copper IUDs use copper to create a controlled inflammatory response in your uterus that creates a hostile environment for sperm. They can prevent pregnancy for up to 10 years. This method might be right for you if you want an IUD but are worried about risks or side effects related to progesterone.
Barrier methods
Barrier methods include condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps. These methods physically prevent sperm from reaching the egg. Condoms are unique in that they also protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, barrier methods can fail in different ways (like condoms tearing), which makes them less effective than hormonal birth control options.
Natural family planning
Natural family planning involves tracking your menstrual cycle so you can determine fertile days and avoid having sex (or use barrier methods) during this period. While this method requires diligent tracking and is less effective than other options, it is hormone-free and does not require a procedure or device.
Surgical solutions
If you or your partner are certain you do not want children in the future, surgical solutions are available. For women, this may involve partially or completely removing the fallopian tubes. Male partners can also have a vasectomy—an operation that disrupts the flow of sperm so that they cannot get you pregnant.
These surgical procedures are highly effective but should be considered carefully—while vasectomies can be reversed, removal of the fallopian tubes is often irreversible.
Factors to consider when choosing birth control
When selecting a birth control method, it’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best option based on your health, lifestyle, and preferences. Factors that can affect your choice of birth control may include the following:
- Your current health status
- Your age
- How often you have sex
- Your number of sexual partners
- Whether or not you want to have children in the future
- Your medical history
Each method listed above (as well as each specific medication or device) also comes with unique side effects and risk factors. Be sure to talk about these with your healthcare provider before selecting or using any birth control method.
Find support for your birth control choice with Lemonaid Health
Choosing the right kind of birth control isn’t always easy, but help is available. Talking to your healthcare provider is essential for finding a birth control option that offers you maximum safety and effectiveness.
Lemonaid Health can put you in touch with qualified medical professionals for private virtual consultations to help you learn more about your options and prescribe appropriate birth control medication if clinically indicated. Get personalized support from our team and make an informed choice about the best way to support your reproductive health.
FAQ
How do I know which birth control method is right for me?
Choosing the right birth control method for you depends on various factors such as your health history, lifestyle, and personal preferences. A qualified healthcare professional will ask you a series of questions to help determine an effective method that is as safe for you as possible.
Can I switch birth control methods if the one I’m using isn’t right for me?
If your current birth control method is not meeting your needs or causing unwanted side effects, it may be time to consider switching to a different method. Many women choose to change the method of birth control they use—although you should always consult your healthcare provider before doing so to ensure a safe and effective transition.
Ortho-Tri Cyclen lo® is a registered trademark of Johnson & Johnson. Yasmin® is a registered trademark of Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc. NuvaRing® is a registered trademark of Merck Sharp & Dohme B.V. Xulane® is a registered trademark of Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc. Errin® is a registered trademark of MAYNE PHARMA LLC.
