Birth control is a way for men and women to avoid unwanted or unplanned pregnancy. Contraceptive methods have been used for generations, but the women of today have so many more options than those before us! To help understand all the contraceptive methods out there, here is a guide to modern birth control methods.
IMPORTANT NOTE: While there are many birth control options out there, it is always best to discuss these options with your healthcare professional to determine what is best for you!
Hormone-Based Birth Control
1. The Pill (oral contraceptive)
Effectiveness: 99.9% effective when used correctly (every day, at the same time)
How it works: The pill is most commonly a combination contraceptive, meaning that it contains both Oestrogen and Progestin. The presence of the two hormones stabilize that natural hormone levels in the body and prevent pregnancy by inhibiting the natural menstrual cycle. Stabilized hormone levels avoid a mid-cycle estrogen peak and stop the body from ovulating; and therefore, without egg release, pregnancy is impossible. Balanced hormone levels also alter the uterus lining to make it more difficult for an egg to implant itself into the lining. On a 28-day schedule, there are 21 estrogen/progestin pills and 7 placebos, for the week you get your period.
Another option: if avoiding monthly periods sounds appealing, the extended-cycle oral contraceptive allows you to extend your estrogen/progestin pill supply with one week of placebo pills after three months. Extended-cycle pills have the same benefits and disadvantages as monthly cycles; however, it limits your menstrual cycles to four times a year (Bonus!).
Benefits:
- Many women on the pill have found that it helps to control hormonal acne flare-ups and painful cramping.
- With extended-cycle birth control, you won’t have your period for three months.
Disadvantages:
- If you are not good at sticking to a routine or are forgetful, the responsibility of taking a pill every day at the same time may be tedious and stressful, especially when using it as contraception.
Effectiveness: 91-99% effective when used correctly (replacing the ring after three weeks of use and one week of menstrual cycle)
How it works: For people who like the pill-method but don’t like worrying about taking a pill every day, the NuvaRing does exactly the same thing without the day-to-day responsibility. The NuvaRing is a small ring that contains Oestrogen and Progestin and is inserted into the vagina once a month for three weeks. It slowly releases hormones that balance hormone levels and inhibit ovulation. It is removed once a month, during menstruation, and then a new ring is inserted.
Benefits: There is no concern about whether or not you remembered to take the pill and it does not interfere with you having sex.
Disadvantages: You do need to keep track of how long you’ve had the ring in and when you need to remove it.
3. Ortho Evra (skin patch)
Effectiveness: 91-99% effective when used correctly (replacing it each week)
How it works: Ortho Evra is a beige skin patch that contains hormones within its adhesive layer. When stuck to your lower abdomen, lower or upper body (avoiding the breast area), the patch slowly releases estrogen and progestin for the week. Each week, you replace the patch and for one week each month, you remove the patch completely, at which time, you get your period.
Benefits: You don’t have to worry about the patch on a daily basis.
Disadvantages:
- You need to replace the patch each week
- The patch does release a larger dosage of estrogen and that may be linked to increased risk of blood clots
Progestin-Only Birth Control
4. The Shot (Depo-Provera)
Effectiveness: 94-99% effective when used correctly (shot is administered properly, every three months)
How it works: The shot is an injection administered every three months by a healthcare professional that contains progestin only. The progestin stops the egg from being released from the ovary and thickens the mucus lining of the uterus so that sperm cannot reach the egg. The shot prevents pregnancy and your menstrual cycle for those three months.
Benefits:
- No worrying about taking a pill
- You are protected for three months once you’ve received the shot
- Typically, periods stop after 6-12 months with the shot
Disadvantages: You need to go back to your doctor every three months to get another shot (you will not be protected if you do not get another shot after the three months).
5. IUD (Liletta, Mirena, Skyla, and Kyleena)
Effectiveness: 99.9996% effective for up to 12 years
How it works: IUDs are small, plastic, T-shaped apparatuses that are inserted into the cervix and prevent pregnancy. There are two types of IUDs: copper and hormonal. Copper IUDs are hormone-free and prevent fertilization of the egg, but do not alter the menstrual cycle. Hormonal IUDs release a progestin called levonorgestrel that inhibits ovulation and thickens the cervical mucus lining so that sperm gets trapped. IUDs can also be used as emergency contraceptives. If an IUD is inserted within five days of unprotected sex, it is 99.9% effective in preventing pregnancy.
Benefits:
- IUDs are one of the most effective forms of contraceptive birth control
- They can last for as long as 12 years and they are not permanent
- It is a one-time insertion with no hassles afterwards. Once it has been inserted, you are protected.
Disadvantages:
- It’s the most expensive form of birth control (but it’s a one-time fee for as long as you have it in)
- There can be side effects, such as mild to moderate pain when the IUD is put in and other side effects.
Barrier Methods
6. Condoms
Effectiveness: 79-82% effective
How it works: Condoms are made for both men and women. Male condoms are latex pouches that are worn on the penis to trap sperm from entering the vagina. Female condoms are plastic pouches that are inserted into the vagina to catch sperm from entering the vagina and fertilizing an egg. Regardless of whether you’re using any other form of birth control, condoms are highly recommended because they also protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
Benefits:
- No worrying about pills, patches or rings
- Protection against STDs
- It has no effect on natural hormone balance
Disadvantages:
- Condoms are one of the least effective methods of birth control
- They have the potential to break or move during sex (they need to fit properly for them to work properly) and some say they reduce feelings of pleasure during sex
7. Diaphragm
Effectiveness: 88% effective
How it works: A diaphragm is a shallow, dome-shaped cup that is inserted into the vagina that prevents sperm from making contact with an egg. The diaphragm must be used with a spermicide so that while the cup blocks the entrance to the cervix and the egg, the spermicide stops sperm from moving. Sperm can live for up to five days, so the spermicide ensures that once the cup is removed, the sperm will not be able to move to the cervix and fertilize an egg.
Benefits:
- It has no effect on natural hormone balance
- Is generally not felt during sex and can be easily inserted
Disadvantages:
- May be pushed out of place
- Must be inserted before intercourse each time
- It needs to be fitted to your body and may need to be refitted in the future.
8. Abstinence
Effectiveness: 100% effective
What is abstinence? Abstinence is the refrain from intercourse (sexual activity resulting in pregnancy). It can be not having vaginal sex that can lead to pregnancy or it may be periodic abstinence, which is a fertility-awareness based method that tracks a woman’s fertility and abstains from vaginal intercourse during that time.
Benefits:
- The most effective form of birth control
- No medical or hormonal changes
- 100% effective in preventing STDs
Disadvantages:
- Difficulty abstaining
- Monthly, potential irregular periods
There are many different birth control options, so ensure that you do your research and talk to your doctor before deciding which option is best for you!
Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
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