Deciding to have a baby can be an exciting time for a woman. However, for women of any age trying to prevent pregnancy, birth control (also called contraception) can help.
Path to improved health
There are many options for preventing pregnancy. Whether it’s a method, a medicine, or a device, each has its pros and cons. Some choices are permanent. Others are reversible.
- Abstinence: This means not having sexual intercourse. This is the only foolproof method for preventing pregnancy.
- Birth control pill: This is a popular form of birth control. Taken every day by mouth, the pill is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy when used as prescribed. There are two types of birth control pills: the combination pill and the mini-pill. The combination pill works by combining the hormones estrogen and progestin to prevent ovulation (which is necessary for a pregnancy to happen). This means your ovaries don’t release eggs. The hormones also make your cervical mucus thicker, which makes it harder for sperm to move. They also thin the lining of your uterus, which makes it harder for an egg to attach there. Women who are sensitive to estrogen can take the mini pill. The mini pill only contains the progestin hormone. While it thickens cervical mucus and thins the lining of the uterus like the combination pill, it also slows the path of eggs traveling through fallopian tubes during ovulation. This helps prevent pregnancy.
- Other hormone-based methods: These include a patch, shot, implant (under the skin in the arm), and a vaginal ring that releases the hormones. These methods are 93% to 99.95% effective.
- Intrauterine devices (IUDs): This method requires a doctor to insert a small, T-shaped device into the uterus. There are two kinds: copper and hormonal (progestins). You may have pain and cramping when inserting and removing IUDs. Copper IUDs might increase menstrual cramping, as well. IUDs change the mucus inside a woman’s cervix (the lower end of a woman’s uterus). This prevents the sperm from meeting with the egg. They are more than 99% effective when used properly.
- Vaginal barriers: Several birth control products can create a barrier between sperm and the uterus. This includes condoms (male and female), diaphragms, cervical caps, and contraceptive sponges. Male condoms are worn by the man. A woman can insert a female condom, diaphragm, cervical cap, or contraceptive sponge directly into her vagina. These methods are between 79% to 86% effective.
- Sterilization: Both women and men have surgical options to prevent pregnancy. One option women have is a tubal ligation (some people refer to this as having their tubes tied). This procedure surgically blocks a woman’s fallopian tubes. This prevents sperm from entering the fallopian tube. Another option for women is a hysterectomy. During this surgery, the uterus is removed. The woman won’t be able to get pregnant. Note, however, this particular surgery is never performed for birth control. For men, a vasectomy is a form of birth control. This surgical procedure prevents sperm from mixing with a man’s semen when he ejaculates. This doesn’t interfere with sexual intercourse and is considered a permanent method of birth control. In some instances, the procedure can be reversed. However, it depends on age, circumstances of the first surgery, and potential health complications. Sterilization is more than 99% effective.
- Spermicides: These foam or gel-like substances kill sperm. A woman can apply them directly into the vagina. These are around 79% effective.
- Natural family planning: There is no medicine or device with this form of birth control. It relies on avoiding sexual intercourse in the days leading up to when you are more likely to be ovulating. Ovulation is the time when a woman is most likely to become pregnant. Sperm can live for a short period of time in the vaginal area. So you need to avoid sexual intercourse prior to and during ovulation. Ovulation kits and fertility monitors can help you determine if you’re ovulating. Even the visual presence of vaginal discharge (clear or cloudy, stretchy mucus) can mean you’re ovulating. However, natural family planning isn’t an exact science. This method is effective about 76% of the time.
- Emergency contraception: This isn’t considered a typical method of birth control. It’s used in cases where no birth control was used during sexual intercourse. It also is used in cases when a woman knows immediately that birth control has failed (such as when a condom breaks). Emergency contraception is available in the form of a pill (taken up to 5 days after unprotected sex). These are between 97.9% and 98.8% effective in preventing pregnancy. A copper T IUD is another form of emergency contraception. This must be inserted by a doctor within 5 days of unprotected sex. This is 99% effective.
Things to consider
Your choice of birth control should consider several things. This includes your age and overall health. You also should consider the risks and possible non-contraceptive benefits of the method, medicine, or device. Estrogen-containing contraceptives, for example, can increase your risk of blood clots. Some hormonal methods can help with painful periods or heavy menstrual bleeding. Your choice should consider how well it works for your needs. That includes thinking about whether or when you might want to start a family in the future.
Finally, your choice should consider how frequently you have to manage your birth control. For example, birth control pills must be taken daily. If you aren’t able to take a pill at the same time each day, you may want to consider another form. Some options (such as hormonal injections and vaginal rings) will last for up to a few months. Spermicides must be applied at least 1 hour prior to having sex. If you aren’t able to plan ahead or wait, that method would likely not be good for you. Some vaginal rings can be left in for a few months. Barrier methods, such as diaphragms and cervical caps, have to be removed after 6 to 8 hours. Condoms are immediately removed. However, intrauterine devices can stay in place for 3 to 10 years before having to be changed.
Questions to ask your doctor
- How do I know which method is best for me?
- Do certain birth control options cause cancer or other chronic diseases?
- Are certain forms better based on a woman’s age?
- Other than a male condom, can any other form of birth control prevent sexually transmitted disease?
- Are certain forms of birth control uncomfortable?
- Can I get free or low-cost birth control?
