Do You Know Your Birth Control Options?

Contraception, or birth control, has been around for nearly 4,000 years. The ancient Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks used a variety of methods. Improvements have made contraceptives safer and more effective.

Birth control isn’t one-size-fits-all. The method you use will depend on several factors, including your health status, frequency of intercourse, and future family plans. Condoms are one of the most well-known and accessible options, but they aren’t the only method out there.

Every woman should make an educated decision about which birth control method she uses. Complete Women’s Healthcare gives you a place to start with a quick list of options and things to consider before choosing the best contraceptive for you.

Barrier Birth Control

Barrier birth control includes one-time methods that are put into place right before you initiate intercourse. This category includes condoms, diaphragms, sponges, spermicide, and cervical caps. They form a barrier that stops sperm from reaching the egg.

No prescription is required to use these methods. They can usually be purchased over the counter in pharmacies and stores.

It’s important to remember that barrier birth control must be used correctly to work. They are around 71% to 88% effective, depending on which option you choose. Incorrectly applying the barrier will lower the effectiveness. A spermicide is usually recommended when using a cervical cap or diaphragm.

Condoms are beneficial when using other birth control methods because they can also protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Long-Term Birth Control

If you prefer a method that requires minimal interruption before sex, long-term birth control may work better for you. These last a long time with less maintenance than short-term methods.

Long-term contraception includes an intrauterine device or IUD, that’s inserted inside the uterus. An IUD is 99% effective and works for 3 to 10 years, depending on which you choose.

Hormonal IUDs like Mirena, Skyla, and Kyleena, as well as the implant Nexplanon, adjust progestin levels in the body. Women who prefer a product that doesn’t use hormones can have a copper IUD inserted instead. Copper prevents fertilization.

Once you have an IUD, you don’t have to worry about contraception. If you decide to have children later, you can have the IUD removed.
Women who are considering an IUD should be aware that there may be some discomfort when the device is inserted. They can also come with temporary or ongoing side effects like headaches, soreness, and weight gain.

Short-Term Hormonal Birth Control

Hormones can be used for short-term birth control. They can adjust the body’s natural progestin or estrogen levels to lower the chances of pregnancy. This happens by using a daily birth control pill, a weekly patch, a monthly vaginal ring, or a shot administered once every 3 months.

Every contraceptive in this category requires a prescription. Short-term hormonal birth control is between 91% and 95% effective.
Women should be advised that side effects can vary, especially if this is your first time using a hormonal birth control method. Along with pregnancy prevention, these options can also reduce period pain. They may be prescribed for women who have difficult menstrual cycles.

Permanent Birth Control

Women who know that they do not want to have children in their lifetimes may choose permanent birth control. This is done through tubal ligation. It is a common surgical procedure that is nearly 100% effective.

The fallopian tubes are cut and tied or blocked, which is why this method is sometimes called having your “tubes tied.” The egg cannot travel out of the ovaries and sperm cannot enter.

There is a male version of this birth control method called a vasectomy. This procedure blocks the vas deferens or tubes that allow sperm to reach the semen that is ejaculated during intercourse.

Tubal ligation recovery time usually only takes a few days. Sexual function will remain normal. You will still get your period. Nothing else should change once you recover. The only difference is that you will not be able to get pregnant. It’s very convenient if you are certain you do not want to have children.

It is possible to reverse tubal ligation, but it isn’t a guarantee that you will become fertile again. This should only be done if you are certain you don’t want to have children or if you can’t due to health concerns.

Emergency Birth Control

Birth control methods can fail. If you discover that your contraceptive didn’t work or if you have unprotected sex, you still have options. These should be used quickly for maximum effectiveness.

The most common type of emergency birth control options are pills that are often called “Plan B.” Most pharmacies will sell one to you without a prescription. They can work up to three days after intercourse.

There is a more effective version of Plan B called Ella that requires a prescription. This option can work up to five days after sex.
Another method is the copper IUD. This requires a visit to your doctor but is nearly 100% and can be used up to five days after intercourse.

You should speak to your gynecologist about emergency birth control now before you need it. They can give you advice on which method would work best for you. Having this discussion now will help you prepare in case of an emergency.

Emergency Birth Control

Birth control methods can fail. If you discover that your contraceptive didn’t work or if you have unprotected sex, you still have options. These should be used quickly for maximum effectiveness.

The most common type of emergency birth control options are pills that are often called “Plan B.” Most pharmacies will sell one to you without a prescription. They can work up to three days after intercourse.

There is a more effective version of Plan B called Ella that requires a prescription. This option can work up to five days after sex.
Another method is the copper IUD. This requires a visit to your doctor but is nearly 100% and can be used up to five days after intercourse.

You should speak to your gynecologist about emergency birth control now before you need it. They can give you advice on which method would work best for you. Having this discussion now will help you prepare in case of an emergency.

• Sexual Activity Considerations

How often do you have sex? Do you have sex with multiple partners? These questions can help you decide if you need a one-time use product or something that will work for a while. You should also think about whether you should combine methods for additional protection against STIs.

• Birth Control and Your Future Plans

Do you plan to have kids? If so, a non-permanent method should be used. Also, think about how soon you would like to have children. If you plan on trying for a baby in the coming months, then a temporary solution that won’t affect your hormones may work better.
If you plan on waiting a while, then you could opt for short-term hormonal birth control. For example, some women can become pregnant one to three months after stopping a combination birth control pill however it can take longer than six months in some cases.

• Health Status and Side Effects

Today’s birth control methods are generally safe, but you should still consider your health status and potential side effects before getting started. Your doctor can advise you on which product will be the safest and most effective based on your health needs.
You should also be aware of side effects that could occur in case you need to make lifestyle changes or talk to your doctor about alternatives.

• Birth Control Maintenance Needs

Do you feel confident that you can put on a barrier contraceptive when the time comes? If not, then you may opt for something that is lower maintenance. Proper application is necessary to maximize effectiveness.
Your gynecologist can explain how to correctly put on contraceptives or make a recommendation based on ability.