10 Birth Control Options For Modern Women
Birth control offers women control over their reproductive health, allowing them to choose when or if they have children. There are many options on the market to prevent pregnancy; so many that it may feel overwhelming to choose one.
There are a number of different factors to consider when considering what method you’ll use, including health, age, side effects, whether you smoke and cost. If you’re making this decision with a long-term partner, that may also be a factor. To take control of your reproductive health, search online and speak with your doctor. To help you with your decision, here’s a look at the top 10 birth control options and what you should know about each one.
Pill
This hormone-based contraceptive is available in two forms: combination pills (COCs) and progestin-only pills (POPs or mini-pill). The pill releases hormones that prevent ovulation or thicken cervical mucus, blocking sperm from entering the uterus.
To be effective, the pill is taken every day at the same time. It has a potential 99 percent effectiveness rate at preventing pregnancy if taken properly. Some women experience side effects such as breast tenderness or swelling, irritability, moodiness, headaches, nausea, and abnormal menstruation.
Diaphragm
A diaphragm prevents pregnancy by creating a physical barrier between the uterus and sperm. It’s dome-shaped cup that’s inserted into the vagina covering the cervix. There are four types of diaphragms made of latex or silicone, including the arcing spring diaphragm, coil spring diaphragm, flat spring diaphragm, and wide seal rim diaphragm. This form of birth control works best with spermicide.
A gynaecologist typically performs an examination to determine the right size and fit. If your weight regularly fluctuates more than 10 pounds, a diaphragm may not be a suitable option.
Condom
This non-hormonal form of birth control is available in latex or polyurethane. The female condom is inserted into a woman’s vagina creating a barrier that stops sperm from entering the uterus. The female condom prevents pregnancy 79 percent of the time when used correctly and consistently – an efficacy that’s lower than the male condom. Some women use a condom along with another form of contraceptive in case the condom fails.
IUD
The IUD (intrauterine device) can be both hormonal (plastic) or non-hormonal (copper) and is effective at preventing pregnancy roughly 99 percent of the time. It’s a tiny t-shaped device that is placed just inside of the cervix by a doctor or other healthcare provider.
An IUD prevents pregnancy by stopping sperm from reaching the egg, changing how sperm cells move, preventing ovulation, or thickening mucus at the lining of the cervix to block and trap sperm. Depending on the type of IUD, it can last between three to ten years. While the IUD is considered very safe, some women experience mild side effects, such as spotting, irregular mensuration or no period at all, and cramping upon insertion.
Ring
The vaginal ring is a flexible ring that’s placed inside the vagina, releasing hormones that stop ovulation and thicken cervical mucus to create a barrier that blocks sperm from entering the uterus. It can be used on a cyclical basis, leaving it in for three weeks, then removing it for a week when you menstruate. It can also be used continuously where the ring is left in for four weeks, then replaced with a new ring. NuvaRing is the most popular rings on the market and has a 99 percent prevention rate when used correctly.
Patch
The patch is a hormonal contraceptive that contains estrogen and progestin with a 99 percent effectiveness rate. A small, patch, like a sticker, is placed on your skin weekly for three weeks in a row. It releases hormones that stop ovulation and thicken cervical mucus. The patch is removed on the fourth week to allow mensuration.
Implant
This hormonal contraceptive is a slender matchstick-like rod that’s placed under the skin in the upper arm. It releases progestin that prevents ovulation and thickens cervical mucus to prevent sperm from entering the uterus. The implant can last up to five years, but you can choose to remove it earlier. It has a high success rate, with fewer than 1 out of 100 women who use it becoming pregnant.
Sterilization
This form of permanent birth control is ideal for women who are still of childbearing age, but who do not want more or any children. There are two sterilization methods. One is tubal ligation, which is a surgical procedure in which the fallopian tubes are tied, clamped, cut, banded, or sealed shut. The other method is tubal implant, a non-surgical method that involves the placement of a coil within the fallopian tubes. Both methods prevent pregnancy by blocking eggs from moving from the ovaries to the fallopian tube where fertilization occurs. Fewer than one in 100 women become pregnant within a year of performing sterilization.
Rhythm Method
The rhythm method is a natural approach to family planning and pregnancy prevention. It typically involves a female tracking her menstrual cycle to predict ovulation and avoiding sexual intercourse for about a week every month. This method is only about 76-88% effective with 12-24 out of 100 women becoming pregnant.
Common methods for tracking include: daily temperature checks, cervical mucus checks, menstrual calendar tracking, and standard menstrual days monitoring.
Morning-After Pill
The morning-after pill is a form of emergency contraception that prevents pregnancy following unprotected sex or birth control failure. It’s intended for use as a backup method of contraception only.
The pill contains either levonorgestrel (available over-the-counter) or prescription-only ulipristal acetate. It delays or prevents ovulation – it doesn’t terminate an implanted pregnancy – and should be taken as early as possible after unprotected sex up to three days after.
For more information regarding birth control options for the modern woman, research online to learn more and review your options. More importantly, talk with your doctor about the various methods of birth control and the advantages and disadvantages of each. The best method for you may be impacted by your current lifestyle, sexual history and habits, medical history, and preference.