This article discusses the different types of birth control, how they work, and how effective they are at preventing pregnancy.
The Pill
The pill is the first contraceptive that most women think of when considering birth control. Today the pill is available as combined oral contraceptives (COC), which contain both estrogen and progestin. It is also available in progestin-only pills (POP) that reportedly with use, 9 in 100 patients who take it get pregnant during the first year.
Combined Oral Contraceptives
COCs work by preventing ovulation and may make periods more regular. According to an FDA Consumer report, they may also protect against pelvic inflammatory disease and ovarian and endometrial cancers.
These pills are considered safe for most women. However, women over 35 who smoke or who have a family history of heart disease should not use oral contraceptives. This is because of an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Women with a medical history of blood clots or breast or endometrial cancers also should not use combined oral contraceptives. Possible side effects include nausea, headache, breast tenderness, weight gain, irregular bleeding, and depression. These side effects may lessen after a few months.
Progestin-Only Pills
POPs prevent pregnancy by preventing the sperm from reaching the egg by thickening the cervical mucus and thinning out the uterine lining to keep fertilized eggs from implanting. Because these pills contain no estrogen, there isn’t a risk of blood clots like the combined oral contraceptives.
This type of birth control pill is a good option for women who cannot take estrogen. The progestin-only pill may cause menstrual changes, weight gain, and breast tenderness.
Injectable Progestins
Pregnancy can be prevented up to three months by injection of Depo-Provera. Depo-Provera prevents pregnancy by:
Preventing ovulationChanging the cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching an eggChanging the uterine lining so a fertilized egg can’t implant
This method is extremely effective since all that’s required of a woman is to return to her healthcare provider for a shot every three months. The benefits and side effects of Depo-Provera are similar to those of progestin-only pills.
The failure rate for these injections is typically about 4%.
Intrauterine Devices (IUD)
An IUD is a T-shaped device inserted into the uterus by a healthcare professional. The form of birth control is most suitable for women with only one sexual partner since it does not protect them from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
The IUD had serious safety problems in the past. In the 1970s, the Dalkon Shield caused pelvic infections, infertility, and some deaths. It was later found that a multifilament string, with a number of strands, increased the risk of infections in the uterus.
Back then, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) didn’t do extensive testing because the device was not considered a drug. When Congress passed the 1976 Medical Devices Amendment, it led to increased regulations of IUDs in the 1970s and 1980s.
Today, IUD complications are rare, with 1% causing pelvic inflammatory disease in the first 20 days of insertion.
IUDs have one of the lowest failure rates of any contraceptive method. Less than one in 100 women will get pregnant when using an IUD.
The Sponge
The sponge works by releasing spermicidal gel over the vaginal mucus. It also forms a barrier to kill or immobilize sperm before they can reach the cervix and enter the uterus. Out of 100 women who have given birth, 24 may get pregnant using the sponge for birth control. For those who haven’t given birth, the number is closer to 12 in 100.
The sponge can be inserted several hours before intercourse and can be left in place up to 6 hours after sex. It does not need to be replaced if sexual intercourse is repeated. Women who are allergic to nonoxynol-9 or who have had toxic shock syndrome should not use the sponge.
The sponge may not work as well for those who have been pregnant. That’s because giving birth stretches out the vagina and cervix, so the sponge may not fit the same way.
Diaphragm
The diaphragm is available by prescription and is sized by a healthcare professional to ensure a proper fit.
It works by covering the cervix with a dome-shaped rubber disk with a flexible rim to prevent sperm from entering the uterus. A spermicide is applied to the diaphragm before insertion to kill sperm.The diaphragm may be left in place for six hours. For repeated sexual intercourse or intercourse after six hours, spermicide should be inserted into the vagina while the diaphragm is still in place.
Diaphragms should never be left in for more than 24 hours due to the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS). About 12 out of 100 women may get pregnant when using a diaphragm for birth control.
Cervical Cap
The cervical cap is similar to the diaphragm. It is a soft rubber cup with a rounded rim and is sized by a healthcare professional to fit tightly around the cervix. Like the diaphragm, spermicide is required with the cervical cap. It protects against pregnancy for 48 hours and for multiple acts of sexual intercourse during this time. Prolonged use (over 48 hours) may increase the risk of TSS and can produce a foul odor or discharge.
About 17% to 23% of women may get pregnant when using the cervical cap for birth control.
Vaginal Spermicides
Vaginal spermicides are available over the counter in the form of cream, jelly, foam, film, vaginal suppository, or tablets. These products contain a sperm-killing chemical. There is a debate about the effectiveness of using vaginal spermicides alone. It is thought that they have a failure rate of approximately 24% per year.
Women who choose this method of contraceptive should be sure to follow the package directions exactly, as each product is different. Allow the spermicide to remain in the vagina for six to eight hours following intercourse. Do not douche or rinse the vagina during this time.
Natural Family Planning
Being aware of your fertility is another way of reducing your chances of getting pregnant. Natural family planning is the only method accepted by some religions. It requires extreme attention and a highly motivated couple for it to be successful.
It works by avoiding sexual intercourse on the days when you are most likely to ovulate. These methods estimate a woman’s fertility based upon changes in the cervical mucus or changes in body temperature.
Rates of pregnancy from natural family planning can range from 2% to 23%.
Withdrawal
The effectiveness of withdrawal depends upon the man’s ability to withdraw his penis from the vagina before he ejaculates. This method does not guarantee that pre-ejaculatory sperm has not been released into the vagina. It also does not provide protection against HIV or STIs.
The perfect-use failure rate for withdrawal is 4%.
Lactational Amenorrhoea Method (LAM)
Women who are breastfeeding exclusively may be protected against pregnancy. This protection can last for up to six months after birth if her period has not returned. This method is highly effective when used correctly. The pregnancy rate is 0.5% to 1.5% for women using only LAM for birth control.
LAM works by preventing an egg from being released from your ovary. Once your baby starts food other than breast milk or when your period returns, choose an additional birth control method.
Surgical Sterilization
When you are sure that your pregnancy days are over for good, sterilization may be an option. Either partner may choose surgical sterilization—tubal ligation for the woman or vasectomy for the male.
During a tubal ligation, the fallopian tubes are cut or blocked, which prevents the sperm and egg from meeting. In a vasectomy, the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the urethra are cut and sealed. This keeps the sperm from getting into the semen. With either a vasectomy or tubal ligation, the chance of getting pregnant is less than one in 100.
It’s important that you do not consider this a temporary contraception that can be reversed if you change your mind. Sterilization reversal is a major surgery that is often unsuccessful.
Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraception works by preventing pregnancy within a few hours or days of unprotected sex. Methods used for emergency contraception include combined oral contraceptives, progestin-only pills, and insertion of an IUD.
When Unplanned Pregnancy Occurs
When birth control methods are practiced faithfully, most methods of contraception are highly effective against unplanned pregnancy. However, sometimes other factors come into play and contraception does fail.
If you find yourself faced with an unplanned pregnancy you’ll need to make a decision about how to proceed. Will you choose abortion, adoption, or parenting? It’s a decision that no one can make for you and one that you will have to live with for the rest of your life. Choose what feels right for you, and don’t let yourself be influenced by others’ feelings.
An Important Message About Condoms
Latex condoms should always be used, in addition to other birth control, by anyone not in a long-term monogamous relationship. When used correctly, they reduce the risk of STDs and HIV.
Lambskin condoms can help prevent pregnancy but they don’t protect against all STDs.
Don’t use oil-based lubricants (petroleum jelly, lotions, or baby oil) with latex or lambskin condoms. They can weaken the material and cause the condom to break.Women today have the choice of using the traditional male condom or using the female condom. The Reality condom is approved by the FDA and is shaped similarly to the male condom. Condoms, whether male or female, are intended for one-time use and should never be reused.
If the cost of condoms is an issue for you, visit your local family planning clinic. Many family planning clinics will happily give you as many condoms as you need.
With male condoms, about 18 in 100 women may get pregnant. With female condoms, that number is about 21 in 100.
Myths About Contraception
Maybe you have heard that you cannot get pregnant on your period. Or someone said you can’t get pregnant if you don’t have an orgasm or your partner pulls out before ejaculation. This is not true.
Perhaps someone told you that douching will wash away the sperm before pregnancy can occur. This isn’t true either. Douching does not work to prevent pregnancy. In fact, it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and increase your risk of other STDs and infections.
Don’t be fooled—the only 100% effective method of preventing pregnancy is abstinence.
Summary
There are many different forms of birth control. Different kinds may work best for you depending on factors like your age, health, and your relationship with your partner.
Some methods of birth control can be more effective than others. However, avoiding sex is the only way to completely prevent pregnancy.
A Word From Verywell
It can be overwhelming to try to choose which method of birth control you should use. If you have trouble deciding, or have any concerns, check with your doctor. They can help answer your questions so you can make an informed decision that feels right to you.
