Different Types of Birth Control
Birth Control Pills:
Birth control pills are one of the most well known methods that work by preventing ovulation. Since there is no egg being produced, there is nothing for the sperm to fertilize. There are different types of contraceptive pills.
However, they all contain synthetic forms of the hormones estrogen, progesterone, or both. When used correctly, the pill is highly effective (91%), however, because people make mistakes in their pill taking habits, a handful of pregnancies (~9) in every 100 are estimated to occur. Used daily and on a schedule, it works even better if you always take your pill each day.
Certainly the pill works for many women, but there are also other forms of birth control that women can choose such as birth control implants, patches, shots, IUD, vaginal ring, condom, internal condom, diaphragm, birth control sponge, cervical cap, fertility awareness, withdrawal (or pull out method), breast feeding as birth control, spermicide, vasectomy, sterilization (tubal litigation), and abstinence. As you see there are many options and methods for birth control.
Birth Control Implant:
- 99% effective
- Can cost $0 to $1000+
- Good for 5 years
- Low maintenance: inserted into your arm and that’s it.
- Less than 1 out of 100 people will get pregnant each year
IUD (Intrauterine device):
- 99% effective
- Can cost $0 to $1000+
- Good for 3-12 years
- Another low maintenance method; small piece of flexible plastic shaped like a T that is inserted into the uterus and makes it hard for the sperm to get to the egg.
- Less than 1 out of 100 people will get pregnant each year
Birth Control Shot:
- 94% effective
- Can cost $0 to $100
- Good for 3 months
- Used on a schedule; contains hormones that stops you from getting pregnant by preventing ovulation.
- Only 6 out of 100 people will get pregnant each year
- Works better if you always get it on time
Birth Control Vaginal Ring:
- 91% effective
- Can cost $0 to $200
- Good for a month
- Used on a schedule; flexible small ring that is inserted into the vagina and prevents pregnancy by releasing hormones (estrogen and progestin) into your body that stops the sperm from joining with the egg.
- Only 9 out of 100 people will get pregnant each year
- Works better if you always change your ring on time
Birth Control Patch:
- 91% effective
- Can cost $0 to $150
- Good for a week
- Also used on a schedule; patch is attached to body on the belly, upper arm, butt, or back each week for 3 weeks before repeating the cycle after your period. Prevents pregnancy by stopping sperm from meeting an egg.
- As a result, only 9 out of 100 people will get pregnant each year
- Also works even better if you always change your patch on time
Sterilization:
- 99% effective
- Costs $0 to $6000
- Good for life
- Most noteworthy, this is a permanent solution; surgical procedure that permanently closes or blocks off your fallopian tubes for there to be no access for the sperm to reach an egg. You still get your period, you just can’t get pregnant.
- Therefore, less than 1 out of 100 people will get pregnant each year.
Vasectomy:
- 99% effective
- Costs $0 to $1000
- Good for life
- Most noteworthy this is a permanent solution; male sterilization, also a surgical procedure where the small tubes in the scrotum that carry the sperm are cut off or blocked off so sperm can leave the body and cause pregnancy. Procedure is quick and can go home the same day.
- Therefore, less than 1 out of 100 people will get pregnant each year.
Abstinence:
- 100% effective
- Costs $0
- Furthermore, it is a lifestyle method and will work every time if you stick to it. This method you do not engaged in any sexual activity including vaginal, oral, and anal sex.
- If you never get semen on the vulva or in the vagina, pregnancy can’t happen.
There are many different side effects and they vary for each type of birth control. However, it’s important to know which method might be best for you and your current lifestyle. To ensure you know you are using the best method, make an appointment to see your gynecologist to talk about any changes in your life that might make one method better than the other. Because you have been using a method for 10 years, it might not be the most ideal anymore so it’s important to talk about it with your provider. There is no right or wrong method, from birth control implants to regular condom usage, it is just important that you are living a healthy lifestyle.
Call and make an appointment today if you have any questions.
Above all, our doors are always open at Garden State Gynecology and we are happy to help!