Determining the right type of contraception is not always a straightforward matter. It’s a combination of personal choice, your medical history, relationship status, preference to get pregnant in the near future and, of course, the type of contraception that suits your day to day lifestyle. The contraception that might be appropriate for you today is also not necessarily the same type of contraception that you may need six months or one year from now. Therefore, it is always a good idea to review your contraceptive choice every once in a while or when there is any major change in the factors mentioned above.
What Are Your Options
When considering which contraceptive option to use, there are a wide range of choices available such as pills, patches, injections and intrauterine devices (IUDs). However, some methods of contraception are more effective than others. For example, when taken correctly, implants, pills and IUDs are over 99% effective at preventing unwanted pregnancy. The following is a list of various types of contraceptive options, how they work and their effectiveness.
Birth control pills
Pills are a highly effective birth control option. With typical use, they are greater than 91% effective. 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. With typical use, the patch is around 91% effective.
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, that is usually given at a doctor’s office. This contraception method is about 94% effective.
Implant
An implant is 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. The Nexplanon implant is almost 100% effective.
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). IUDs are 99% effective. 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 and can be 91% effective.
Tubal ligation
Tubal ligation is a form of permanent sterilization. It is usually recommended for women who have completed their families and no longer wish to have more children. It may also be recommended in rare cases where a potential pregnancy might significantly harm the life of a mother or impair her well-being. The procedure itself involves the fallopian tubes (connection between the ovaries and uterus) being cut, tied or blocked to permanently prevent pregnancy.
What to consider when choosing birth control
The following factors should be considered when choosing a contraceptive method that will best suit your needs:
- A preference for short-acting, long acting or permanent birth control methods.
Short-acting methods such as birth control pills, patches or injections are used on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. Long-acting methods such as the copper IUD, hormonal IUD or implant last for 3-10 years after insertion. Long acting methods are more appropriate when the desire to have children will not be a factor for the foreseeable future.
- Your ability to take pills on a routine and regular basis.
If you believe it will be difficult to remember to take pills on a routine and constant basis, pills may not be the best option. In this case, other short-term actions methods, such as injections or patches may be more appropriate.
Make an appointment to speak to your doctor
Make an appointment to see your doctor to further discuss which birth control options are best for you. In addition to your personal contraceptive preference, your doctor will also consider other factors, such as your medical history and current health status, to help guide you to the most suitable choice.
References
- https://www.nhs.uk/contraception/choosing-contraception/how-well-it-works-at-preventing-pregnancy/
- https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/contraception/index.htm
