What should I consider when weighing birth control options?
When considering the type of birth control that’s right for you, consider a number of things, including:
- Each method’s convenience
- Each method’s effectiveness
- How sexually active you are
- If and when you want children
- If you have a medical condition
- Each method’s side effects
You should also consider if the type of birth control you’re considering is reversible and acceptable to your partner. Plus, if you have more than one partner, or your partner does, you should also look for a type of birth control that offers protection against sexually transmitted diseases.
What types of birth control are available?
Dozens of birth control options are available. They generally fall into the following categories:
Barrier Devices
Barrier devices, such as condoms and the diaphragm, prevent sperm from meeting an egg.
Hormonal Methods
Hormonal birth control pills and implants (Nexplanon®) interfere with ovulation.
Intrauterine Devices
The copper IUD or hormonal IUD affect the quality of your cervical mucus and alter the lining of the uterus.
Sterilization
Sterilization procedures, such as tubal ligation, make you infertile.
Natural Family Planning
The rhythm method, which requires you to watch for signs of fertility, is a natural birth control approach.
The doctors at Georgia Center for Women can help you understand these options more in detail.
What birth control protects against sexually transmitted diseases?
The only type of birth control that protects against sexually transmitted diseases are male and female condoms. Condoms aren’t the most reliable in preventing pregnancy, however, so using a condom along with the pill or an IUD offers protection against STIs and pregnancy.
What is the most effective form of birth control?
IUDs and implantable hormonal devices are more than 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. These devices also offer the benefit of being easily reversible. You can become pregnant soon after they’re removed.
The pill and patch are 91% effective and require that you use them properly (such as taking the pill daily at the same time or changing the patch every three weeks), so they may be less convenient for some women. Condoms (male) are only 85% effective in preventing pregnancy.
To learn about your birth control options, call one of the offices of Georgia Center for Women or book an appointment using the online tool.
