Types of Birth Control

There are as many types of birth control as there are reasons for using it. Whether you’re trying to regulate your menstrual cycle, fight acne, correct hormonal imbalances, or prevent pregnancy, there is a birth control option that will work for you. You should always talk to your gynecologist about what you want from your birth control and discuss any past experiences you’ve had before trying a new form of birth control. But to give you an idea of your options, we’ve pulled together a list of the different types of birth control and their pros and cons.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Choosing a Birth Control Method

There are many types of birth control, and choosing the right one for your body will take some reflection—and possibly some experimentation. There is no one perfect birth control. What’s most important is that you choose one that is comfortable and that helps you achieve your health goals. Before you read through this list, it may be helpful to ask yourself these questions. The answers will help you choose a birth control method that works for your body and circumstances.

Do you prefer hormonal or non-hormonal methods?
- Have you had bad experiences with hormonal birth control in the past?
- Do you have an increased risk of breast cancer?
- Do you take other hormonal medications?
Is it important that your birth control reduces the risk of STIs or just pregnancy?
What is your budget?
Do you want children in the future?
- If so, how soon?
Are you trying to relieve other symptoms like acne or irregular periods?
How likely are you to be able to stick to a daily regimen?

Now that you’ve thought over your criteria and goals for your birth control method, let’s take a look at your options!

Hormonal Birth Control Options

The first st of birth control options work by releasing small amounts of estrogen and progesterone into your bloodstream. This mimics the hormones that tell your body you’re already pregnant and stops the release of an egg. With no egg to fertilize, you cannot become pregnant. Hormonal birth control options, when used correctly, have a very high rate of success. However, they cannot protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). These are usually the best options for women who are in long-term committed relationships or women who are treating hormonal symptoms like acne and irregular periods. If you are concerned about STIs, you can use non-hormonal methods of birth control in conjunction with hormonal methods.

The Pill

The pill is perhaps the most well-known form of hormonal birth control. When used correctly, it has a 99% effectiveness rate of preventing pregnancy. However, studies on typical usage find it to be 91% effective.

Pros of the pill:

Doesn’t have to be inserted or implanted
You can stop taking it anytime you like
Reduces the severity of PMS symptoms
Can help treat hormonal acne
Can regulate your irregular periods
You can choose whether or not to skip your period each month

Cons of the pill:

For full effectiveness, you must take it at the same time every day
It may increase your risk of blood clots or stroke depending on your health and age
May cause mood swings or increase symptoms of depression

There are many different types and brands of birth control pills. Every woman’s body chemistry and hormone levels are unique, so if one pill doesn’t work for you, don’t despair! Try different formulas and combinations until you find one that’s right for you. Your gynecologist will be able to recommend one based on your health circumstances and past experiences.

The Shot

The shot is similar to the pill in that it is a combination of hormones meant to prevent ovulation. But instead of taking a pill every day, you will get an injection every 90 days. With perfect use, the shot is 99% effective. Typical use is about 94% effective.

Pros of the shot:

Very effective when used on a regular schedule
Reduces PMS symptoms—many women report light or no periods while using the shot
Don’t have to remember to take a pill every day

Cons of the shot:

You have to go to the doctor’s office every 12 weeks to get another shot
It may be uncomfortable if you have a fear of needles (but it doesn’t hurt!)
Many women experience side effects like nausea, headaches, and weight gain
If you decide to become pregnant, you have to wait for the last dose to wear off – up to 12 weeks

The Ring

The ring is a soft, flexible plastic ring inserted into your vagina and up near your cervix. The ring emits estrogen and progesterone to prevent ovulation. A ring lasts for three weeks, then you take it out and have your period before inserting a new one. With perfect use, the ring is 99% effective, but typically you’ll see a 91% effectiveness rate.

Pros of the ring:

After insertion, you can forget about it for three weeks
Many women report lighter periods and reduced acne
It’s a prescription so you can insert it yourself and you don’t have to go to the doctor’s office
If you want to get pregnant you can just take the ring out to stop the release of hormones

Cons of the ring:

The most common side effects are breast tenderness and headaches
You must put in your new ring every three weeks—if you forget you can get pregnant
Although the risk is slightly lowered, you can also get pregnant during your week off the ring, whether or not you have your period
Higher risk of a UTI

The Patch

If you’ve ever seen a nicotine patch, a birth control patch works in much the same way. You stick it on your skin and it releases a controlled dose of hormones into your bloodstream. You have to apply the patch every week for it to be effective. When used correctly, it has an effectiveness rate of 99%. Typical use lowers that to about 91%

Pros of the patch:

You only have to replace it once a week
Very low reporting of side effects
You can remove it if you decide to become pregnant

Cons of the patch:

When side effects are reported they include nausea, headaches, skin irritation, and breast tenderness
You have to remember to replace it every week at the same time which increases the chance of human error

The Hormonal IUD

Hormonal IUDs are inserted into the uterus by your gynecologist and release a small amount of progesterone into your system. Hormonal IUDs are great for long-term pregnancy prevention and can last three to seven years depending on the brand. Their effectiveness rate is more than 99% because there is little room for human error.

Pros of IUDs:

The highest effectiveness rate of the hormonal birth control options
If you don’t want children for a while, this will protect you for up to seven years
Gives you much lighter or no periods at all
Lower doses of hormones and they are only released in the genital area which reduces symptoms like mood swings and depression

Cons of IUDs:

Can stop periods altogether, which disturbs some people (but it’s perfectly safe!)
You must have a gynecologist or doctor insert and remove it
Without insurance, it can be an expensive procedure

Types of Birth Control hormonal and non-hormonal Options

Non-Hormonal Birth Control Methods

Non-hormonal birth control methods are often used by women who don’t want to interfere with their body’s natural hormones, or who have experienced negative side effects with hormonal birth control. They are also the best option for preventing STIs as well as pregnancy.

Barrier Methods

The “barrier method” is also more commonly known as condoms—both internal (female condoms) and external (male condoms). Both types of condoms work by creating an impenetrable barrier between the cervix and the sperm. They have an effectiveness rate of 95-97% when used correctly, but they can break, go bad, or come off with incorrect use, so it’s best to back them up with hormonal birth control options if you can.

Pros of barrier method:

Protects against STIs as well as pregnancy
You can buy them in latex or non-latex options
You don’t have to remember to take birth control every day, just have these on hand for when you do want to have sex
The internal (female) condoms can be inserted up to 8 hours before sex so you don’t have to pause coitus for insertion
Makes post-coital clean-up much easier

Cons of the barrier method:

You have to remember to use one to prevent pregnancy and STIs
They are not full proof and can tear, expire, or come off/out
Some people say they reduce sensation or make it difficult to climax

The Sponge

The sponge is a squishy, plastic disc coated in spermicide that you insert into your vagina before sex. It blocks access to the cervix and kills any sperm that attempt to enter. It’s 91% effective with perfect use and generally speaking about 80% effective when you take human error into account.

Pros of the sponge:

You can insert up to 24 hours before intercourse
You can have sex multiple times in that 24-hour window before removing it

Cons of the sponge:

Those with sensitive skin may experience a burning sensation from the spermicide
- If you have experienced pain or rashy breakouts with Summer’s Eve, Vagisil products, or wet wipes, you likely have sensitive skin and should avoid the sponge
You have to leave the sponge in for 6 hours after intercourse
It’s inserted manually, so if you hate tampons, this is not the birth control method for you

The Diaphram

The diaphragm is a flexible, silicone disc that you saturate with spermicide and insert into your vagina. It nestles against the cervix and acts as a barrier against sperm entering. When used perfectly it has a 96% effectiveness rate, although generally speaking it’s about 88% effective with human error.

Pros of the diaphragm:

Hormone and latex-free so it’s hypo-allergenic
Can be left in up to 24 hours–no need to remove it for each act of intercourse.
Reusable, which saves money

Cons of the diaphragm:

Can be easily knocked out of place with more vigorous intercourse
Have to replace the spermicide every 6 hours
Not a good choice for those prone to UTIs

The Copper IUD

The copper IUD is an intrauterine device much like the hormonal IUD. But instead of releasing hormones to prevent pregnancy, the copper in the device deters sperm, killing them or causing them to swim away from the egg. They are over 99.9% effective.

Pros of copper IUD:

They last up to 12 years, so if you know you don’t want children for a long time, these are the perfect choice
You’ll still get your period every month which some people like

Cons of the copper IUD:

Irregular spotting for the first few months
Possible heavier periods and worse cramps

If you already have very heavy menstrual flows or terrible cramps, this may not be the best choice for you.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Choosing a Birth Control Method