Just 50 to 60 years ago, there were only a handful of birth control options available. Today, the United States (U.S.) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several contraceptives that work in a variety of ways. Pills, implantable devices, hormonal shots, condoms, and surgeries are all options. This article will explore birth control methods and which may work best for your needs.
What to Consider When Choosing a Birth Control Method
The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (OASH) notes that birth control isn’t “one size fits all.” Some questions you may want to ask yourself when choosing a method include:
- What side effects are you okay with experiencing? What side effects are a dealbreaker?
- How often are you sexually active?
- Do you want children soon, or are you waiting? Do you want to have any children?
- What other health conditions do you have?
- Do you need to protect yourself against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or infections (STIs)?
- How much does the method cost? Will insurance cover it?
Birth Control Pills
One of the most popular birth control methods is hormonal birth control pills — also known as oral contraceptives. These are small pills you take every day by mouth to help prevent pregnancy, regulate your menstrual cycle, and even control acne. Birth control pills contain hormones like estrogen and forms of progesterone. They typically come in one of two forms:
- Progestin-only: Contain the hormone progestin, a form of progesterone (the “pregnancy” hormone); these pills are preferred for those who have a history of blood clots or who are breastfeeding.
- Combination pills: Contain a mixture of progestin and estrogen; these are the most common pills.
When taken correctly every day, birth control pills are 99% effective.
Intrauterine Device (IUD)
Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are small, T-shaped devices that are inserted into your uterus. You can choose between a plastic hormonal IUD or a copper nonhormonal IUD. According to the Cleveland Clinic, IUDs prevent sperm from reaching the egg. People with IUDs also have lighter periods, which can be a positive side effect. Once the IUD is in place, it stays for several years.
Hormonal Shots
Doctors can also prescribe hormonal birth control shots. Known as Depo-Provera® or Depo, these shots are given once every 12 weeks. You’ll need to go to your doctor’s office for your treatment, although some doctors choose to give a low-dose version of Depo that you can inject at home. People taking hormonal birth control shots may stop getting their period; some may prefer this. However, it may be harder to become pregnant after stopping Depo.
Hormonal Implants
Another low-maintenance birth control option is a hormonal implant known as Nexplanon®. This small flexible plastic rod is inserted underneath the skin in your arm. The birth control implant is 99% effective and can last up to 5 years. Many people prefer the implant because it stays in place for several years. If you want to become pregnant, your doctor can easily remove it.
Barrier Methods
Hormonal birth control methods prevent pregnancy by regulating hormone levels. Barrier methods physically block sperm from reaching an egg, preventing fertilization and pregnancy.
The most common barrier method is the condom. They’re thin, stretchy coverings placed over the penis during sex. You can find latex and latex-free condoms in stores and for free at many health clinics. In addition to preventing pregnancy, condoms also limit the spread of STDs and STIs. Unlike other hormonal birth control, barrier methods tend to be less effective. Human error plays a large part — overall, condoms are 87% effective.
Other barrier methods aren’t used as often as condoms. Here are a few more options you can research:
- Spermicide: A cream or gel made with chemicals that damage sperm; it’s usually combined with other barrier methods to prevent pregnancy.
- Diaphragm: A dome-shaped cup that’s placed into the vagina to block sperm from reaching an egg; you’ll need to use a spermicide for this to be effective.
- Female condom: A condom that’s placed inside the vagina to cover the cervix. This method protects against some STIs.
- Cervical cap: A small, rubber cap that fits over the cervix; you’ll need to use spermicide as well.
Surgical Procedures
Sterilization is a permanent birth control method for people who don’t want a pregnancy. There are two types of procedures that require surgery.
A tubal ligation involves cutting and sealing the fallopian tubes. This stops eggs from moving from the ovaries to the fallopian tubes and into the uterus. It also prevents sperm from reaching an egg. Some people have a hysterectomy to remove the uterus — while this isn’t a birth control method, it will prevent future pregnancies.
A vasectomy involves cutting and closing the vas deferens. This is the tube that connects the testes (where sperm are made) and the urethra. Vasectomies take around 3 months to be fully effective, so it’s important to use other birth control methods in the meantime.
