Navigating the world of birth control can be overwhelming, with so many options available. Whether you’re looking for a method that suits your lifestyle, offers the best protection, or aligns with your health needs, understanding the various types of birth control is crucial.
This comprehensive guide will explore different birth control methods, from barrier methods like condoms to hormonal options like pills and IUDs. We’ll cover the pros and cons of each, their effectiveness, and how you can obtain them. By the end, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision about the best birth control option for you
For sexually active individuals who are not ready to start families, there are several options for birth control.
Barrier Methods
Condoms
Available over the counter either at a drugstore or online. Unlike most forms of birth control, condoms protect against sexually transmitted diseases, as well as offer a barrier against sperm. Both male and female condoms can be used, but not together.
For best results, condoms should be used with a spermicide.
- Male Condoms: Should be worn over the penis, with a small empty pouch at the end to hold seminal fluid.
- Female Condoms: Should be inserted with the closed end deep into the vagina and the open end about an inch outside. They are especially recommended for underwater sex.
Spermicides
Available without a prescription in the form of sponges, foam, gel, suppository, film, and tablet. Spermicides should always be used with a barrier contraceptive, as they are not reliable for killing all sperm cells.
Choose brands with the highest concentration of nonoxynol-9. Spermicides are not recommended for women at high risk for urinary tract infections, high risk for HIV or who have AIDS, women under 30, patients who will not use them regularly with a barrier, or women who have sexual intercourse three or more times a week.
Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)
- Copper IUD: Without hormones, it produces an inflammatory reaction that prevents fertilization.
Hormonal Contraception
Hormonal contraception is reliable and easy to use. The two types are oral contraceptives and implants.
- Vaginal Ring: Placed inside the vagina by the patient, worn for three weeks, then removed for one week to have a menstrual period. Releases estrogen and progestin.
- Estrogen and Progestin Patch: Placed onto the skin of the trunk once a week for three weeks, followed by a patch-less week in which menstruation takes place.
- Progestin Injection: Given into the arm or buttocks by the patient’s physician every three months.
- Progestin Implant: The most dependable of the hormonal birth control methods, with a 0.1% failure rate. It is inserted under the skin of the upper arm, where it remains for three years.
- Levonorgestrel IUD: Placed into the uterus by the patient’s physician and remains there, releasing progesterone for three to six years.
Birth Control Pills
At present, birth control pills are available by prescription only. In some states, they can be prescribed by a pharmacist; in others, a physician is required. Three types of birth control pills are available.
- Progesterone-Only Pills: Lower the risk of releasing an egg from the ovary, make it difficult for sperm to swim to the egg, and prevent a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus.
- Combined Estrogen-Progesterone Pills: Contains both hormones. Progesterone prevents pregnancy, while estrogen controls menstrual flow. These are the most common types of birth control, resulting in numerous brands.
Combination Brand Names
- Apri® (Desogestrel, Ethinyl Estradiol)
- Aranelle® (Ethinyl Estradiol, Norethindrone)
- Aviane® (Ethinyl Estradiol, Levonorgestrel)
- Beyaz® (Drospirenone, Ethinyl Estradiol, Levomefolate)
- Gianvi® (Drospirenone, Ethinyl Estradiol)
- Ortho Tri-Cyclen® (Ethinyl Estradiol, Norgestimate)
- Yaz® (Drospirenone, Ethinyl Estradiol)
- And many more.
What Is the Best Birth Control Option for Me?
Choosing the right birth control method depends on your personal needs, lifestyle, and health conditions. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the best birth control option for you:
1. Effectiveness
- Highly Effective Methods: These include implants, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and sterilization. They have a less than 1% failure rate.
- Moderately Effective Methods: Birth control pills, patches, rings, and injections fall into this category.
- Less Effective Methods: Condoms, diaphragms, and spermicides have higher failure rates.
2. Convenience
- Low Maintenance: Implants and IUDs require minimal effort after insertion.
- Regular Attention: Pills need to be taken daily, patches weekly, and rings monthly.
- On-Demand: Condoms and spermicides are used only during sexual activity.
3. Side Effects
- Hormonal Options: Pills, patches, rings, and some IUDs can have side effects like weight gain, mood changes, and nausea.
- Non-Hormonal Options: Copper IUDs and condoms avoid these hormonal side effects.
4. Health Conditions
- Some methods are not recommended for women with certain health conditions. For example, women who smoke and are over 35 are advised against using estrogen-containing contraceptives.
5. Protection Against STDs
- Condoms: The only birth control method that also protects against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
6. Reversibility
- Permanent: Sterilization is permanent and not reversible.
- Reversible: Most other methods, including IUDs, implants, and pills, are reversible.
7. Personal Preferences
- Some people prefer methods that they don’t have to think about every day, while others prefer having control over their contraception daily.
By considering these factors, you can narrow down your options and choose the best birth control method for your needs. Consulting with a healthcare provider at QuickMD can also help you make an informed decision based on your health and lifestyle.
Did you know? QuickMD can guide you to find the right birth control option for you. Our doctors can provide you with a birth control prescription online–without insurance needed.
