When considering which birth control option to use, women have a wide range of options to choose from. Birth control comes in pills, patches, injections and many other formulations. Additionally, when taken correctly, most forms of birth control are highly effective at preventing pregnancy. The choice of birth control generally comes down to personal choice and your own medical history.
What To Consider When Choosing Birth Control
The following factors are things to consider when choosing the birth control method that will suit your needs. This includes
- How long you intend to use birth control.
- Your ability to take pills on a routine and regular basis.
- A preference for a short-acting method (ie. birth control pills, skin patch, injection) versus a long-acting method (ie. copper IUD, the hormonal IUD or implant). Short-acting methods are used on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. Long-acting methods last for 3-10 years after insertion — depending on the device — or until you decide to have the device removed.
Alongside your personal preference, your doctor will also consider other factors when recommending birth control such as your current and past medical history.
Brief Overview of Different Birth Control Options
Birth control pills
Pills are a highly effective option for birth control. Birth control pills must be taken daily and consistently. The first three weeks of pills contain a combination of estrogen and progesterone, and the fourth week’s pills are inactive. The inactive pills allow your menstrual period to begin.
Patch
An adhesive patch is placed inconspicuously on the skin for one week at a time. Hormones are delivered transdermally (from the patch to the skin). The patch is replaced on the same day each week, then removed the fourth week to allow the menstrual cycle to begin.
Injection
The contraceptive injection is another hormonal birth control option. It involves one injection that lasts three months, making it another low-maintenance choice. An injection is needed every three months, usually given at a doctor’s office.
Barrier methods
A diaphragm is a round piece of flexible rubber with a rigid rim. The diaphragm is placed in the vagina and against the cervix. The diaphragm prevents semen from entering the womb. Spermicide must be used with a diaphragm.
Implant
A long-acting type of birth control. With this form of birth control, a matchstick-sized implant is inserted in the upper arm. The implant slow-releases contraceptive hormones for up to three years. It can be removed at any time. The implant is one of the more low-maintenance birth control methods available.
Intrauterine device (IUD)
The IUD is a small, t-shaped device that is placed into the uterus and lasts from 3-12 years (depending on the brand). Once the IUD has been inserted, women do not need to take any further steps to prevent pregnancy. The IUD can be removed at any time and pregnancy may happen quickly after.
Vaginal ring
A vaginal ring is placed in the vagina near the cervix and slow-releases contraceptive hormones for three weeks at a time. It is then removed for one week to allow the menstrual period to begin. Vaginal rings need to be replaced monthly.
Ultimately, the best method of birth control for you is one that works well for you. It should be safe and comfortable to use. Additionally, if a short-acting birth control method is chosen, it is important that you are able to take it regularly and consistently. Birth control is only effective if used properly.
To find out more about the right contraception option, make an appointment to speak to one of our doctors.
What forms of contraception are available to me?
There are numerous choices for birth control today. Options include:
- Hormonal methods: birth control pills, shots, rings, patches, or implants
- Intrauterine devices (IUD)
- Barrier methods (condoms and diaphragms)
- Permanent birth control: tubal ligation for women and vasectomy for men
- Natural family planning
- Emergency contraception
Are hormonal birth control options safe?
Hormonal forms of birth control, including pills, patches, a ring, and shots are considered safe and can prevent pregnancy long term. Today’s hormone methods of contraception have very low doses of estrogen, and more women can tolerate these minimal side effects.
These methods also control the number of periods you have and reduce the intensity of PMS symptoms for many women.
How does hormone birth control methods work?
The hormone methods of birth control all contain estrogen and progestin, which are chemicals naturally produced in your body. These hormones prevent the eggs from being released by the ovaries.
They also create a thick layer of mucus in the cervix that serves to prevent sperm from entering the uterus and also causes the uterus lining to be thin, which prevents an egg from implanting.
You must take birth control pills daily (ideally at the same time each day), while a patch is applied once per week, and rings are inserted once per month. Your choice of method may depend on your ability to follow the necessary routine for each option.
For women who cannot tolerate estrogen-based methods, there are progestin-only pills, implants, and shots. The shots are given once every three months.
All forms of hormonal birth control require a prescription.
What is emergency contraception?
Emergency contraception is a way to prevent pregnancy if:
- You had sex without using birth control
- Your birth control method failed
- You were recently sexually assaulted
The immediate use of emergency contraception can prevent unwanted pregnancy and keep you from worrying while you wait for your next period to start.
There are two main types of emergency contraception: birth control pills and the copper IUD. Birth control pills are less expensive and are relatively easy to obtain, so they are the more popular choice. An IUD requires insertion by a doctor, but it is a good option as well.
The practitioners at Advantia Health believe that each patient’s individual needs, concerns, lifestyle, and health must all be taken into consideration when selecting the optimal form of contraception care.
