Birth Control Overview
Birth control (also known as contraception) is any method used to prevent pregnancy. There are many different forms of birth control. They include hormonal methods, intrauterine devices (IUDs), natural methods, and surgical methods. Before deciding, talk with your doctor about what method may be best for you and your partner. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each method so you can make an informed decision.
Types of birth control
- Hormonal methods include the birth control pill (“the pill”), skin patches, and vaginal rings.
- IUDs include copper and hormonal options your doctor will need to place in your uterus.
- Barrier methods include condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, and sponges.
- Natural family planning is tracking and monitoring ovulation. Avoid sexual intercourse during the fertility cycle or use a barrier method for protection during this time.
- Permanent birth control is also known as sterilization. For men, the procedure is called a vasectomy. For women, the procedure is called a tubal ligation or “getting your tubes tied.”
- Emergency contraception (EC) is known as the morning after pill. Plan B One-Step is one® type. EC is used when other birth control methods fail. For example, if the condom breaks or you forget to use your birth control.
Things to consider:
- How well it works
- How much effort it takes
- How much it costs
- Whether it protects you from infection
- Whether you have had a problem with one kind of birth control
- Whether you want children
- Your health issues
Common forms of birth control
These are common forms of birth control, but they are not the only methods.
| Type: | Pros: | Cons: |
| The birth control pill (“the pill”) | · More effective than barrier methods
· May reduce acne, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, and cramping and heavy bleeding associated with menstrual periods |
· Must be taken at the same time EVERY day
· Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) · May cause mood changes, less interest in sex, and weight gain · Contains estrogen which may affect certain health issues |
| Skin patches | · More effective than barrier methods
· May reduce acne, PMS symptoms, and cramping and heavy bleeding associated with menstrual periods · Convenient (use three times per month) · Easy to check to see if you forgot to put it on |
· Do not protect against STIs or STDs
· May cause changes to periods or missed periods · May cause mood changes, less interest in sex, and weight gain · Contain estrogen which may affect certain health issues · May increase the risk for blood clots · May be less effective in overweight women · Must be changed on schedule |
| Vaginal rings | · More effective than barrier methods
· May reduce acne, PMS symptoms, and heavy bleeding and cramping associated with menstrual periods · Prevent pregnancy for up to one month · Convenient (insert one time per month) |
· Do not protect against STIs or STDs
· May cause changes to periods or missed periods · May cause mood changes, less interest in sex, or weight gain · Contain estrogen which may affect certain health issues · Must be changed on schedule |
| IUDs | · Highly effective
· Cost effective over time · Easy to use · Some may reduce heavy menstrual bleeding · Do not cause weight gain · May prevent endometrial hyperplasia or endometrial cancer · May effectively relieve endometriosis |
· High upfront cost of insertion
· Need to be removed by a doctor · Do not protect against STIs or STDs · May cause ovarian cysts · May cause menstrual problems · Risk of perforation and expulsion |
| Condoms | · Cost less
· Easily accessible at local drug stores or family planning centers · Do not use hormones · May help protect against STIs and STDs |
· Do not prevent pregnancy as well as other methods
· May break or leak · Must be removed right after sexual intercourse · May lessen sexual sensation |
How can you get birth control?
You can purchase condoms, sponges, spermicides, and emergency contraception without a prescription at most drugstores. To use other methods, you need to see a doctor or other health care professional to get a prescription for birth control pills and other methods that use hormones, have an IUD inserted, or be fitted for a diaphragm or cervical cap. Remember, talk to your doctor about what may be the best option for you.
Sources
1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (March 2018). Barrier methods of birth control: spermicide, condom, sponge, diaphragm, and cervical cap. Retrieved April 2018 from https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Barrier-Methods-of-Birth-Control-Spermicide-Condom-Sponge-Diaphragm-and-Cervical-Cap.
2. Dean G. & Schwarz E.B. (2011). Intrauterine contraceptives (IUCs). In RA Hatcher et al., eds., Contraceptive technology, revised 20th ed. New York: Ardent Media.
3. Trussell J. & Guthrie K.A . (2011). Choosing a contraceptive: efficacy, safety, and personal considerations. In RA Hatcher et al., eds., Contraceptive technology, 20th ed. Atlanta: Ardent Media.
