Birth Control

There are several forms of contraception available, and each comes with its own potential benefits, drawbacks, and rate of effectiveness. The five categories of birth control include:

• Hormonal Methods: Hormonal birth control prevents ovulation so that your eggs can’t be fertilized. The pill, shot, contraceptive patch, and vaginal ring are common forms of hormonal contraception.
• Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC): LARC methods include intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants. An IUD is a T-shaped device that’s placed in your uterus to prevent sperm from reaching an egg; an implant is a tiny, flexible rod that’s placed in your upper arm, where it releases hormones that prevent ovulation.
• Barrier Methods: This form of contraception blocks sperm from entering your uterus. Male condoms, female condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps are barrier methods, as are spermicidal foams, sponges, and films.
• Lasting Birth Control: Lasting birth control may be done surgically, with a tubal ligation that cuts, ties, or seals off your fallopian tubes. Women’s care provides a non-surgical option that involves the insertion of small, flexible implants to block your fallopian tubes.
• Emergency Contraception: The two most effective methods for preventing pregnancy in the hours following unprotected sex or condom breakage include a copper IUD and emergency contraceptive pills.

Your OB/GYN at Women’s care can help you choose the birth control that best meets your needs after considering the following factors:

• Your age, overall health, and medical history
• Your level of comfort with the method or possible side effects
• Your sexual frequency and number of partners
• Your future family planning desires

If you don’t want to start a family anytime soon, an IUD may be your best choice; if you have irregular periods, you may benefit most from a hormone-based contraceptive like the pill, which can help regulate your menstrual cycle.

Although each form of birth control has its own rate of effectiveness, it’s important to note that all methods must be used properly to reduce your chances of becoming pregnant.

Used correctly, IUDs and implants are 99% effective, hormonal birth control shots are 94% effective, and hormonal patches, vaginal rings, and birth control pills are 91% effective. Although male and female condoms are roughly 80% effective when used alone, they’re often used along with another type of birth control to provide added protection.