Choosing the right birth control method for your goals and lifestyle can be tough. With so many options available, it's hard to know which one to choose. At Planned Parenthood, we'll provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about birth control. Whether you're looking for a long-term solution to avoid pregnancy, want to avoid pregnancy temporarily, don't want to use hormones, or are interested in using birth control for hormone regulation -- there's a method that's right for you. With so much misinformation on the internet and social media, it’s important to read evidence-based articles and take the time to talk with your health care provider in-depth about all your questions and concerns.
Hormonal Methods
Hormonal methods are the most popular birth control option. These methods include pills, patches, injections, vaginal rings, some IUDs, and the implant. These methods are used on a schedule with some, like IUD and implant, having very low maintenance schedules. Hormonal methods work by preventing ovulation and thickening cervical mucus. These methods are anywhere from 93-99% effective but may cause side effects like weight gain, mood changes, and nausea. People also use hormonal methods to skip and regulate their menstrual cycles, clear up acne, help with period cramps, and other uses besides avoiding pregnancy. It's important to talk to your doctor about which hormonal method is best for you based on your lifestyle and goals.
Barrier Methods
Barrier methods include condoms, internal condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps. These methods work by creating a barrier between the sperm and the egg. These methods must be used every time you have sex to prevent pregnancy. Both condoms and internal condoms (also referred to as female condoms though any gender can use them) have the added benefit of preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, they can be less effective than other methods and require consistent and correct use to avoid pregnancy and STIs.
Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)
IUDs are small, T-shaped devices that are inserted into the uterus by a health care provider. There are two types of IUDs: hormonal and non-hormonal. Hormonal IUDs work by preventing ovulation and thickening cervical mucus. Non-hormonal IUDs use copper to prevent pregnancy. IUDs are 99% effective and depending on the type, can last for up to 12 years. However, they can cause side effects like cramping and irregular bleeding.
Fertility Awareness
Fertility awareness involves tracking your menstrual cycle to determine when you are most fertile. This method requires discipline and consistency but can be 77-98% effective when done correctly. There are several methods of natural family planning, including the basal body temperature method, the cervical mucus method, and the calendar method.
Permanent Birth Control
Permanent forms of birth control, often called sterilization, typically is available in two methods. For people with a uterus, this involves tubal ligation, where the fallopian tubes are removed or cut. For people with testes, this involves a vasectomy, where the tubes that carry sperm are cut. Both methods are about 99% effective but should be considered a permanent decision.
Conclusion:
Choosing the right birth control method is a personal decision and should be made after consulting with a health care provider. It's important to consider your lifestyle, preferences, and future family plans when choosing a method. While no method is 100% effective, using a combination of methods, like using condoms and a hormonal method, can increase your protection of preventing unintended pregnancy. Remember, birth control is a necessary tool in preventing unintended pregnancy as well as a common method for treating other hormone conditions and should be accessible to all. Your birth control experts at Planned Parenthood are here to find the best method for your lifestyle and needs!
To learn more about different types of birth control, visit plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control.
To learn more about preventing sexually transmitted infections, visit plannedparenthood.org/learn/STI.
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