Choosing a Birth Control Method
Today, there are several different birth control options to choose from which offer the benefit of being able to select a method that fits best into your lifestyle. Whether you are using it to prevent pregnancy, regulate your menstrual cycles, treat acne, fix hormonal imbalances, or otherwise, there is an option that can work for your needs. You should speak to your gynecologist about what form of birth control is right for you. Your doctor may recommend trying the birth control pill, vaginal ring, birth control patch, birth control shot, birth control implant, an IUD or intrauterine device (non-hormonal/hormonal), or an alternative birth control method.
Whichever method you end up choosing, always make sure to tell your doctor of past experiences you may have had or if you have any concerns regarding potential side effects. New Age Women’s Health is made up of the best gynecologists in South Florida and Miami, and we have put together a list of birth control options to help guide you in your selection.
Types of Birth Control
Birth control options are categorized as either hormonal, non-hormonal, or barrier methods. Hormonal birth control methods include pills, patches, vaginal rings, shots, or IUDs (most types). These methods work by releasing hormones to prevent ovulation or thicken cervical mucus which sperm cannot pass through. If they are used properly, hormonal birth control is highly effective in preventing pregnancy.
All forms of hormonal contraception can make menstrual cycles shorter and lighter, which means less hassle with your monthly periods. They can also decrease cramping and PMS symptoms. Another birth control option is non-hormonal methods including the copper IUD and sterilization procedures. Both of these methods are very effective in preventing pregnancy but one is reversible (copper IUD) and one is considered permanent (sterilization).
The final category of birth control is barrier methods such as condoms, spermicides, cervical caps, sponges, and diaphragms. This category of birth control is considered significantly less effective in preventing pregnancy compared to the alternatives and are therefore often used as “back-up” methods. Remember, many forms of birth control do not protect you from sexually transmitted infections and diseases.
Questions to Ask Yourself
There are important questions you should ask yourself when thinking about starting a new method of birth control. You should be considering whether or not you have certain health conditions that may affect your options and you should discuss these with your doctor. There is a birth control method for every person and their lifestyle, so do not worry if one option does not seem right for you. Once you have considered the following, you can speak to your doctor about which option best suits your needs:
- Do you want to use hormonal or non-hormonal birth control?
- Have you had previous reactions to hormonal birth control?
- Are you at increased risk of women’s cancers, such as breast cancer?
- Are you currently taking hormone-containing medicines?
- Are you using birth control to prevent STI and STDs, or only pregnancy?
- What is your financial ability to cover costs?
- How soon in the future, if applicable, would you like to have children?
- Do you experience heavy or irregular periods?
- Are you trying to reduce or stop acne?
- Can you stick to a timed, daily medicine routine?
Now we will discuss several options in further detail. Hopefully, this information can help guide you in choosing a method that is right for you.
Birth Control Pill
The birth control pill is a daily oral medicine taken at the same time each day, and it is a highly effective form of birth control when used correctly. The most common type of birth control pill contains both estrogen and progesterone which prevent ovulation. There are other birth control pills that contain only progesterone and these are often prescribed to patients who have medical conditions in which it is unsafe to take estrogen (blood clot disorders, history of cancer, etc).
The birth control pill can be started and stopped at any time and can help treat hormonal acne, regulate periods, reduce cramps, and improve PMS symptoms. Birth control is not recommended if you smoke, as it can increase your risk of stroke or blood clots. In some women, the birth control pill can increase symptoms of depression but this is uncommon. Your gynecologist can help you find the best pill for you with limited side effects.
IUD (Non-hormonal/Hormonal)
An IUD, or intrauterine device, is placed inside the uterus by your healthcare provider and is available in non-hormonal and hormonal options, which both prevent sperm from fertilizing an egg. It is one of the most effective forms of birth control, and depending on which one you choose, it can last between 3 to 10 years. Hormonal IUDs include the Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, and Skyla. The non-hormonal IUD is called the Paragard or copper IUD. It is worth noting that hormonal IUDs can stop your period entirely while the copper IUD often makes periods heavier and longer. An IUD is placed in a doctor’s office and typically takes approximately 10 minutes. It also must be removed by a healthcare provider.
Birth Control Implant
The birth control implant is a small rod that is placed just under the skin of the arm by your doctor, and it is a highly effective form of birth control. The implant releases progestin hormones into the body to stop women from ovulating and thickening cervical mucus, so sperm has a tough time entering the uterus. It can last for up to three years but can be removed any time before that if desired. In fact, it is considered the most effective form of reversible contraception with a pregnancy rate of 0.05 in 100.
Birth Control Shot
The birth control shot, also known as Depo or Depo Provera, is an injectable form of progestin-only hormones that prevents ovulation. Since it does not contain estrogen, it is safe to use if you have a history of smoking, bleeding or clotting disorders, prior stroke, etc. Instead of a daily regimen like the pill, the birth control shot is injected every 90 days, and it is a very effective form of contraception. The birth control shot can also help to reduce PMS symptoms in many women as well. Some women experience side effects, including headaches, weight gain, and nausea. Often, these symptoms are temporary and mild. Patients who use this method often experience a significant decrease in menstrual flow and typically have lighter periods or no bleeding at all.
Birth Control Patch
The birth control patch is an adhesive that is placed on the skin of the shoulder, lower back, hip, etc. that works similarly to birth control pills but the hormones are absorbed through the skin instead of being ingested. When used correctly, the birth control patch is highly effective in preventing pregnancy, just like the methods mentioned above. The birth control patch only needs to be replaced once a week and has very few side effects. It can simply be removed if you want to become pregnant. Side effects are often temporary and may include breast tenderness, skin irritations, nausea, and headache.
Vaginal Ring
The contraceptive vaginal ring is another form of birth control that is hormonally similar to birth control pills. It is a flexible ring that is inserted into the vagina every month for three weeks at a time. When used correctly, less than 1 in 100 women can get pregnant during use. The ring releases estrogen and progesterone to prevent ovulation, and the ring can reduce acne and period heaviness. The vaginal ring is a prescription medicine that you can insert yourself. It is painless to insert and should be removed prior to intercourse and placed back in the vagina within one hour.
Permanent Birth Control
Permanent birth control methods such as bilateral tubal ligation and male vasectomy are surgical procedures that a doctor must perform in the hospital or outpatient setting. These methods are also known as sterilization procedures and are not considered reversible. Bilateral tubal ligation is also being replaced now by bilateral salpingectomy, which is the removal of both fallopian tubes instead of simply “tying” them. Studies have shown that this method can decrease the lifetime risk of ovarian cancer which is why it is the preferred method.
Condoms
Condoms are the most accessible birth control method, and they protect against sexually transmitted infections and diseases. Overall, the pregnancy rates with condom use are 13 in 100. Condoms are also an option for people who cannot stick to a daily medicine regime, and they are only used during intercourse. Be careful to apply them correctly to avoid tearing, and always be sure to check the expiration date and avoid excessive heat. Often, condoms are used in combination with other birth control methods to protect against STDs.
Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraception is NOT birth control, but it is helpful when your original method of birth control fails or is not taken correctly to prevent pregnancy. Emergency contraception prevents ovulation and thickens cervical mucus, thereby preventing pregnancy. It can additionally be taken after unprotected sex but will not protect against STIs and STDs. Examples of emergency contraception include Plan B, Ella, and IUDs. These methods are more effective when taken as soon as possible, but can be used up to 72 hours or even 5 days after unprotected intercourse.
At New Age Women’s Health, we are a mother-daughter practice made up of the best gynecologists in South Florida and Miami. When you visit the best gynecologists, you are guaranteed to receive the best care. Visit our website or give our office a call to schedule your annual exam today! Here at New Age Women’s Health, we will help guide you through all of your gynecological needs and concerns, including finding which birth control method may be right for you.
