5 birth control options and which may be best for you

Many women in the United States use birth control at some point in their lives. And choosing the best type of birth control for your own personal lifestyle and goals can be very rewarding, allowing you to take control of your future and live the way you want.

But you can spend a lot of time and energy trying out different types of birth control, and if you just want to know how to prevent pregnancy in the best way for you, that can be frustrating. With so many possibilities, where do you start? What should you keep in mind?

Below, we’ve collected the most important details so you can easily compare different birth control options and start a conversation with your doctor.

Forms of birth control

Generally, there are five categories of birth control methods:

• Short-term
• Long-term
• One-time use
• Permanent
• Emergency

Each method works in a different way, like preventing sperm from getting to an egg or discouraging your body from releasing eggs. But every form of birth control has the same primary goal of helping you avoid unwanted pregnancy.

However, there are a couple of important things to know. First, different types of birth control have different levels of effectiveness. Second, contraception and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention aren’t the same thing. When used correctly, condoms are the only form of birth control that can protect against STIs. To prevent STIs, you’ll want to use condoms in combination with another birth control method.

Birth control options at a glance

1.

Short-acting hormonal birth control

Hormonal contraceptives adjust your body’s natural levels of estrogen, progestin or both to make pregnancy much less likely. Common methods include birth control pills you take every day, a patch you replace every week, a vaginal ring you change every month or a shot your doctor gives you every three months. All of these methods require a prescription.

Low-hormone birth control pills

There are also birth control pills that contain a lower amount of hormones than regular pills. Low-hormone pills can be a good form of birth control for people who have hormone sensitivities or who want relief from menopause or perimenopause symptoms.

What are the side effects of short-acting hormonal birth controls?

The short and long-term side effects of birth control pills, patches, rings and shots can vary. If you find that you’re experiencing negative side effects like weight gain, headaches or nausea that don’t go away after a few months, talk to your care provider about switching birth control methods. But a benefit of birth control pills and other hormonal birth control options that many women notice is a decrease in period pain, frequency or flow

So, if you experience heavy periods, painful periods or other challenges with your menstrual cycle, a hormonal birth control option may be worth exploring.

How effective are short-acting hormonal birth control options?

Short-acting hormonal birth control methods, including birth control pills, are about 91-95% effective at preventing pregnancy for most women when taken as directed. When it comes to lower-hormone birth control pills specifically, you have to be especially strict about taking them at the same time every day, otherwise they won’t be as effective at preventing pregnancy.

A long-term reversible birth control option may be a good choice if you want effective, lasting birth control without much maintenance. One option is an intrauterine device (IUD) that’s inserted into your uterus, which has both hormonal and nonhormonal options. Another option is an implant that’s inserted into your arm.

Hormonal IUDs

IUDs most frequently use the hormone progestin to prevent pregnancy. The small amounts of progestin that these IUDs release over time prevent ovulation (which is when your ovaries from release eggs), and thicken your cervical mucus so that sperm can’t get through. Brands of IUDs that use hormones include Skyla, Mirena and Kyleena. Depending on which brand you choose, an IUD can last 3-7 years.

Nonhormonal IUDs

ParaGard brand IUDs don’t use hormones. Instead, they use copper, which is a natural spermicide. ParaGard IUDs can last for up to 10 years.

Implants

The Nexplanon birth control implant uses progestin just like a hormonal IUD. But instead of being inserted into your uterus, the implant goes into your upper arm. It’s about the size of a matchstick, and can last for up to three years.

How effective are IUDs and implants?

IUDs and implants are 99% effective at preventing pregnancy and can be removed by a doctor if you decide you want to have kids.

3. One-time barrier contraception

Condoms, sponges, diaphragms, cervical caps and spermicide are all barrier birth control methods. They each work differently, but they all create a sperm “barrier” during sex to physically prevent sperm from reaching an egg. Barrier contraception methods don’t require a prescription and are available at many stores or online. And again, condoms are the only type of birth control that can protect against STIs.

How effective are barrier birth control methods?

You only use barrier contraception when you’re actually having sex. You need to use it every time you have sex and you need to use barrier contraception correctly for it to be most effective. Because of this, barrier contraceptive techniques don’t usually work as well – they prevent pregnancy 71-88% of the time, depending on the method. But you can also combine them with other methods for greater effectiveness. For example, it’s recommended that you also use spermicide if you’re using a diaphragm or cervical cap. Talk to your doctor for more information.

4. Permanent contraception

Tubal ligation or salpingectomy (for women) or vasectomy (for men) are relatively simple surgical procedures intended to make pregnancy impossible. If you’re very sure you don’t want to have children in the future, they’re a great option to consider.

With tubal ligation, the fallopian tubes are tied, cut or sealed to prevent eggs from reaching the uterus. And with salpingectomy, the fallopian tubes are removed, which has an added benefit of reducing lifetime risk of ovarian cancer by about 50%.

Recovery time from these procedures usually takes only a few days. Your (and your partner’s) sexual function won’t be impacted, and with either procedure, you’ll still get your period. Essentially, nothing will change in your day-to-day life, except that you won’t be able to get pregnant. This makes permanent contraception one of the most convenient birth control options, but only if you’re confident you don’t want children going forward. Reversing a tubal ligation or vasectomy is possible, but there isn’t any guarantee your fertility will return. A salpingectomy is not reversible.

How effective are permanent contraception options?

Tubal ligations, salpingectomies and vasectomies are almost 100% effective at preventing pregnancy.

5. Emergency contraception

If you have sex without using birth control – or your birth control option of choice fails – emergency contraception can help prevent pregnancy. If you need emergency birth control, there are two types of pills available, or a copper IUD may be used as well. No matter which method you prefer, you’ll want to use emergency contraception as soon as possible for it to be most effective.

How effective are emergency contraceptives?

One type of pill, often called “Plan B,” is available from most pharmacies without a prescription – it can prevent pregnancy up to three days after sex. The more effective pill, often called “Ella,” does need a prescription but can prevent pregnancy up to five days after sex. Copper IUDs also require you to see a doctor, but they’re almost 100% effective as emergency contraceptives when inserted within five days of intercourse.

Emergency contraception isn’t meant to be your primary birth control method – only a backup in case something doesn’t go as planned. You’ll have more control if you regularly use other methods first.

Is birth control bad for you?

Most people can use contraception without any problems, though side effects are possible. And even though there are slight risks associated with hormonal birth control, these mostly depend on an individual’s health conditions and risk factors. For example, heightened estrogen levels can increase the risk of blood clots in women with other blood clot risk factors like obesity, heart disease or age. Your doctor will take these kinds of factors into account during discussions about birth control.

So what’s the best birth control?

It all depends on you. For starters, you’ll want to consider what your goals are, what your lifestyle is like, how often you have sex, your insurance coverage, what you and your partner are comfortable with and whether you may want to stop birth control and get pregnant in the future.

Because everyone is different, the form of birth control that’s best for a friend or family member may not be the most convenient or effective for you. But regardless of the birth control method you end up choosing, use it as directed for the lowest chance of pregnancy.

Of course, you’ll want to schedule an in-person or video appointment with an OB-GYN provider, certified nurse-midwife (CNM) or nurse practitioner (NP) to get personalized advice. Your care provider can give you details about different types and methods of birth control, and help you make a choice (or choices) you’ll feel great about.

Taking time to make sure you’ve selected the best birth control option for you can give you more power over your choices. And that’s well worth it for your health, your well-being, your peace of mind and your future.

Choose the Right Birth Control – MyHealthfinder

IUDs (intrauterine devices)

An IUD is a small, T-shaped piece of plastic with copper or hormones that a doctor places inside a woman’s uterus.

There are 2 kinds:

• Copper IUDs release a small amount of copper to prevent sperm from fertilizing an egg. It can last for up to 10 years.
• Hormonal IUDs release a small amount of hormone to prevent pregnancy. There are 4 different types of hormonal IUDs. Hormonal IUDs last from 3 to 6 years.

IUDs are very effective at preventing pregnancy. You don’t feel the IUD when it’s in place — and there’s nothing to do or remember once it’s there.

IUDs don’t protect you or your sex partner from STDs. But you can use a condom with your IUD to help protect against STDs.

If you have an IUD and you want to get pregnant, a doctor or nurse can easily remove it. Read more about IUDs.

Hormonal methods

Most hormonal methods of birth control work by preventing a woman’s ovaries from releasing an egg each month. They also cause other changes that make it less likely that you’ll get pregnant.

Some hormonal methods work better than others, and some take more effort to use. For example, you have to take birth control pills every day — but once an implant is in place, it lasts for up to 3 years.

Hormonal methods include:

• Hormonal IUD — can last for 3 to 6 years, depending on the type
• Implant (a small rod put under the skin) — can last for 3 years
• Shot — given by a doctor or nurse every 3 months
• Patch — worn on the skin and replaced once a week, with 1 week off every month
• Ring — put in the vagina and replaced once a month
• Birth control pills — taken every day

These methods don’t protect you or your sex partner from STDs. But you can use condoms to help protect against STDs while using hormonal birth control. 

If you’re interested in a hormonal method of birth control, talk with your doctor or nurse about which kind is best for you. Read more about hormonal birth control options.

Barrier methods

Barrier methods work by preventing the sperm from getting to the egg. Common barrier methods include:

• Male condoms (worn on the penis) 
• Female condoms (placed inside the vagina) 
• Birth control diaphragm and cervical cap (placed inside the vagina)
• Birth control sponge (placed inside the vagina)
• Spermicide (a gel that stops sperm from reaching the egg), which can be used alone or with a male condom, diaphragm, or cervical cap

Male condoms are also very effective at preventing HIV and reducing the risk of other STDs when you use them correctly every time you have sex. Get tips on how to use a condom correctly.

Female condoms may help prevent HIV and other STDs. Diaphragms, cervical caps, and sponges don’t protect against STDs.

Read more about barrier methods.

Fertility Awareness Methods

Using Fertility Awareness Methods (FAMs) is sometimes called natural family planning. With FAMs, you learn which days you’re more likely to get pregnant. If you want to prevent pregnancy, you don’t have sex on those days — or you use another method of birth control.

FAMs work best for women who have regular periods. It’s important to know that FAMs are not usually as effective at preventing pregnancy as other forms of birth control, like IUDs or hormonal methods.

You can also use FAMs when you’re trying to get pregnant. Read more about fertility awareness methods.

Emergency contraception

Sometimes you may forget to use birth control — for example, you could miss a pill or shot. And sometimes birth control methods can fail, like if a condom breaks.

There are 2 options for emergency contraception:

• Copper IUD — A doctor will need to place this inside your uterus within 5 days of unprotected sex.
• Emergency contraception pills (ECPs — sometimes called the morning-after pill) — You’ll need to take ECPs as soon as possible within 5 days of unprotected sex. The sooner you take them, the more effective they are. You can buy some ECPs at a drugstore without a prescription. To get other ECPs, you need a prescription from a doctor.

Taking ECPs won’t harm a pregnancy if you’re already pregnant. ECPs won’t protect you from STDs, so consider getting tested for STDs if you didn’t use a condom — or if the condom broke.

Read more about emergency contraception pills.

Sterilization

Sterilization is a permanent method of birth control. This is an option for people who are 100% sure they don’t want children — or don’t want any more children than they already have. Here’s how it works:

• In men, it means cutting or blocking the tubes that carry sperm to the outside of the penis. This is called a vasectomy.
• In women, it means cutting or blocking the tubes (with rings or clips) that carry eggs into the uterus. Cutting the tubes is called tubal ligation. 

Read more about sterilization.

The best methods of contraception – which method is the most reliable: rating

The cause of unwanted pregnancy is often the carelessness of sexual partners in matters of protection or the use of contraceptives with low efficiency. In most cases, the choice of a reliable contraceptive helps to solve the problem.

What is the most reliable method of contraception?

For convenience, we have compiled a ranking of the best contraceptive methods on the modern pharmaceutical market. From the material you will learn how effective this or that method of protection against pregnancy is, as well as what advantages and disadvantages it has.

Sterilization

This method ranks first in the ranking of contraceptive methods. Its effectiveness reaches a record 99.9%, yielding in reliability only to the complete rejection of intimate life. Sterilization is carried out in a hospital under general anesthesia. To isolate the egg from the penetration of sperm, women have their fallopian tubes tied. In men, the procedure involves the removal of a fragment of the spermatic cord or their ligation. In most cases, sterilization is irreversible, so the operation is performed only on patients over 35 years of age with two or more children, or for medical reasons.

Advantages:

• reliable protection against unwanted pregnancy;
• does not affect the hormonal background and the menstrual cycle.

Disadvantages:

• irreversibility of the method;
• requires surgery;
• the procedure has a number of contraindications.

Contraceptive Pills

In the ranking of the best contraceptive method, oral contraceptives take an honorable second place. They provide protection against unwanted conception at 99.7% of cases. A high effect is achieved due to the content of artificial hormones in such preparations, which slow down the maturation of female germ cells, change the structure of the endometrium, and also increase the viscosity of cervical mucus, preventing the penetration of spermatozoa.

All contraceptive pills are divided into two categories: combined and progestin (“mini-pill”). The former includes two types of hormones (gestagens and estrogens), while the latter contains only gestagens. “Mini-pills” are safer for health, so they can be chosen during lactation.

Benefits:

• high contraceptive effect when taken correctly;
• normalization of the menstrual cycle;
• relieve skin problems and oily hair;
• rapid restoration of fertility after discontinuation of the drug.

Disadvantages:

• affect the hormonal background;
• it is necessary to monitor the intake of the drug at the same time every day;
• high risk of blood clots;
• the likelihood of side effects in the first months of taking oral contraception;
• large list of contraindications.

Intrauterine Devices

This method of contraception can be compared to the birth control pill in terms of reliability, with over 99% effectiveness. After installation, the intrauterine device contributes to the thickening of the cervical mucus and prevents spermatozoa from getting inside, and in case of fertilization, it does not allow the fetal egg to gain a foothold in the uterine cavity. Hormonal IUDs act on the principle of oral contraceptives: they inhibit ovulation, thin the endometrial tissue and inhibit the motor activity of male germ cells.

Advantages:

• high level of protection against unwanted pregnancy;
• contraceptive effect lasts 3 to 7 years after insertion;
• can be used during breastfeeding.

Disadvantages:

• chance of side effects;
• increased duration and profuse menstruation;
• has a number of contraindications.

Subcutaneous implants and injections

The implant is a microcapsule with a hormone that is implanted under the skin of the forearm and provides protection against unwanted pregnancy for up to 5 years. With injectable contraception, a hormonal drug is administered intramuscularly. In this case, the contraceptive effect persists for three months, then a second injection is required.

The principle of hormonal injections and implants is similar to birth control pills. The artificial hormone contained in their composition prevents the onset of ovulation, increases the viscosity of the cervical mucus and thins the mucosa of the uterine cavity. In terms of reliability, these contraceptives can be attributed to the best means of protection – they are effective in 99% of cases.

Advantages:

• high contraceptive effect;
• long-term protection against pregnancy.

Disadvantages:

• invasive procedure;
• high risk of adverse events;
• long fertility recovery.

Contraceptive patches and rings

The vaginal ring is a small silicone product that contains a micro dose of female hormones. It is inserted into the vagina for a period of 21 days, and then changed to a new one. The patch also contains hormones that enter the blood after gluing to the skin. The mechanism of action of these contraceptives is similar to birth control pills. The efficiency of the method is 92%.

Advantages:

• high contraceptive effect;
• is suitable for women of all ages.

Disadvantages:

• possible side effects;
• risk of thrombosis;
• does not protect against STDs.

Barrier contraceptives

This group includes condoms, diaphragms, contraceptive caps. The most accessible method of protection remains the condom, which provides reliable protection not only against pregnancy, but also against infection with STIs. Caps and diaphragms are less in demand. These are small, reusable devices that are inserted into the vaginal canal before sexual intercourse. For a good contraceptive effect, it is better to combine them with spermicides.

Barrier-type contraceptives mechanically prevent the fertilization of the egg by blocking the entry of spermatozoa through the cervical mucus. The protection efficiency does not exceed 85%.

Advantages:

• accessibility of the method;
• protection against genital infections when using a condom;
• no side effects and systemic effects on the body;
• are suitable for people with irregular sex life.

Disadvantages:

• reduce sensitivity during intimacy;
• risk of allergic reactions to product material.

Coitus interruptus

Not the best method of contraception, about 73% effective. The method involves the removal of the penis from the vagina before the onset of ejaculation, which requires increased self-control from the sexual partner and negatively affects his feelings during intercourse. The low efficiency of the method is also due to the fact that the natural male lubricant already contains a certain amount of sperm, which increases the risk of egg fertilization.

Benefits:

• no contraindications;
• does not require additional contraception.

Disadvantages:

• high probability of unwanted pregnancy;
• does not protect against STDs;
• is harmful to men’s health.

Spermicides

When studying the question of which method of contraception is the best, it is worth mentioning spermicidal protection. Such drugs are available in the form of foams, jelly, vaginal suppositories or contraceptive gels and contain chemical components that have a destructive effect on male germ cells. As a result, the spermatozoa die before they reach the egg. Due to their antiseptic properties, spermicides also partially protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

In terms of reliability, these drugs are significantly inferior to other types of contraception, so they are good to use in combination with other methods of protection.

Advantages:

• antiseptic effect;
• ease of use;
• no systemic effect on the body;
• protection against genital infections;
• are suitable for women with contraindications to hormonal or intrauterine contraception.

Disadvantages:

• low contraceptive effect;
• may interfere with the vaginal flora.

Calendar method

This method of contraception is based on the calculation of the estimated date of ovulation and abstaining from intimacy on fertile days. Normally, the maturation of the egg occurs in the middle of the cycle, about 14 days before the onset of menstruation. At this time, a woman’s fertility increases dramatically and the risk of becoming pregnant increases.

The calendar method is only suitable for women with regular menstrual cycles. When choosing this method of protection, you need to know that male germ cells can remain active for several days after entering the vagina, which increases the likelihood of an unwanted pregnancy. On average, the effectiveness of the method is not very reliable and is only 80%.

Advantages:

• availability;
• has no side effects or contraindications.

Disadvantages:

• low contraceptive effect;
• the need for calculations to find safe days for conception;
• is not suitable for women with irregular menstrual cycles.

Conclusion

Despite the wide range of modern methods of contraception, choosing the right contraceptive remains a difficult task. Each of the contraceptives has its drawbacks, so the final decision should be made after consultation with a gynecologist. Only a doctor will be able to determine which method of contraception to choose, taking into account the state of health of the woman, the presence of contraindications and other factors.

Author of the article:

Klimovich Elina Valerievna

obstetrician-gynecologist

More than 20 years of work experience

The most effective methods of contraception – a brief overview – Dobrobut Clinic

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Medical Library Dobrobut

Publication date: 2020-08-20

Contraceptives – an overview of the most popular and effective

Prevention of unwanted conception is the main task of sexual partners, which must be solved by both. Unfortunately, it is often the ladies who purchase contraceptives – they are provided in pharmacies, each has its own characteristics. The best option is to consult a doctor about choosing a specific method of protection, but everyone needs to know the main features of contraceptives.

Barrier contraception

This is the most reliable way to protect against unwanted pregnancy, and if we are talking about a male condom, then from almost all sexual infections. Types of barrier contraception:

• male and female condoms;
• uterine cap;
• vaginal diaphragm.

The male condom is familiar to everyone, but few have even heard of the female condom. It is a polyurethane bag that is inserted into the vagina and held there with the help of special rings. The effectiveness of this method is high – it prevents unwanted pregnancy at 98% of cases. In addition, both types of condoms are reliable contraception for men and women, which protects against the penetration of a sexual infection into the body. The only thing to be afraid of is a poor-quality product that breaks.

Cap and diaphragm do not protect against infection, but prevent unwanted pregnancy. Their use is an option for safe contraception after childbirth and during breastfeeding. The problem with using caps and a diaphragm is that they are put directly on the cervix, and not every woman can do this. There are confirmed data on the identification of a powerful allergic reaction to latex, from which female barrier contraceptives are made.

Oral contraception

These are hormonal pills that should be taken regularly and at the same time. Skipping one or two doses is fraught with instant conception. Oral contraceptives have some disadvantages:

• the selection of funds is carried out exclusively by a doctor, taking into account all the nuances;
• a large list of diseases-contraindications;
• inconvenient appointment schedule.

In addition, oral contraceptives can lead to disruption of the endocrine and cardiovascular systems. The selection of hormonal contraception for women should be performed by a gynecologist.

Coils

Quite a popular contraceptive that is installed in the cervix and performs its functions for 3-5 years. Its second name is the vaginal coil. It is installed only for women who have given birth and if there are no pathological changes in the cervix and directly in the hollow organ.

There are also problems with this contraception:

• an already installed coil can be rejected by the body, then an inflammatory process begins, accompanied by the formation of pus in the places where the coil contacts the tissues;
• menses may become longer and more profuse;
• spiral in some cases just falls out.

In addition, the inserted intrauterine device is not a guarantee of protection against unwanted pregnancy. Medicine knows cases when conception occurred in the presence of such a contraceptive.

Post-coital contraception

Emergency contraception after intercourse can only be used if it was not possible to take care of purchasing condoms. Postinor is the most famous drug from this category. A woman needs to take one tablet immediately after sexual intercourse.

Postcoital contraception should be considered as first aid, used no more than twice a month. Otherwise, the woman may develop life-threatening bleeding.

Calendar method

This is a questionable method of contraception, but still popular. Its essence is to determine the “dangerous” days when ovulation occurs. The probability of conception these days is incredibly high.

The problem lies not only in the unstable menstrual cycle, but also in the fact that ovulation can vary and come a day later or earlier. In addition, the calendar method of contraception does not protect against genital infections.

What else is known about contraception

The best way to choose a contraceptive method is to visit a gynecologist (for a woman) or an andrologist (for a man). It’s not worth believing in a word about a miraculous “interrupted act” or douching with Coca-Cola – this is unreliable and absurd.

If there is no way to seek advice from specialists, then you can safely use a condom – this is the best method of contraception during pregnancy, which is suitable for absolutely everyone and has a high level of reliability.

Full information about contraceptive methods can be obtained from experienced doctors, and you can make an appointment with them on the pages of the Dobrobut.com website. Specialists will not only conduct an examination, but also give recommendations on modern methods of male contraception.

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