Birth Control Options
There are various birth control methods available to women that aim to prevent pregnancy, from long-term reversible options like IUDs and implants to surgical sterilization and sterilization procedures. Each birth control method works differently — perhaps blocking sperm from reaching eggs, or discouraging your body from producing eggs — but all have one goal in common: helping women avoid unwanted pregnancies.
Birth control methods that require minimal upkeep and pregnancy rates, like hormonal IUDs, birth control implants or sterilization tend to be most effective. Others such as fertility awareness methods or removal of semen tend to be less successful.
Nonhormonal birth control options like condoms and spermicides do not interfere with a woman’s hormone levels and are easy to use. Condoms consist of thin coverings made of latex, plastic or lambskin that prevent semen from entering the vagina. Spermicides contain gel that kills or stops sperm moving around in its pathway – you can apply one right before sexual encounter.
Emergency contraception – commonly referred to as Plan B pills, Aftera and Ella — are available without a valid prescription and can help protect against pregnancy for up to three days after unprotected sexual contact. They also help prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) within five days after encounter.
IUDs
OB/GYN specialists can insert IUDs – T-shaped contraceptive devices that remain inside your uterus to prevent pregnancy – for you. There are various kinds of these IUDs; hormone-releasing IUDs are more than 99% effective at stopping conception by releasing levonorgestrel (a form of progestin found in many birth control pills), which helps stop your ovaries from releasing an egg, thicken cervical mucus so sperm cannot get through to fertilize an egg; reduce cramping heavy periods altogether and can stop periods altogether – Kyleena, Liletta and Mirena last five years each while Paragard (copper) can last even 10 years before needing replacement.
Copper IUDs release copper ions that make it harder for sperm to access your uterus and fertilize an egg, helping reduce periods and lengthen cycles in some women, but may make them heavier if your cycles tend to be long-standing. Like hormonal IUDs, however, copper tends to make periods heavier.
IUDs feature two tiny strings that dangle through your cervix into your vagina, so it’s essential that you check them between periods to see if there are any new IUDs inserted. Unlike pills, however, an IUD cannot be purchased over-the-counter at drug stores and its insertion may require slightly more effort; but most women find the experience similar to having a Pap smear done – over-the-counter painkillers may help ease cramping after insertion; your doctor can prescribe stronger medication if necessary.
Hormonal Contraceptives
Combined hormonal contraceptives have an efficacy of up to 99% when taken as directed. They do this by altering levels of estrogen and progestin to mimic your natural ovulation cycle and alter other changes that make it harder for sperm to enter your uterus, but don’t protect you or your partner against sexually transmitted infections such as HIV/STIs; condoms must still be used. Furthermore, combined hormonal contraceptives increase your risk of blood clots if you’re over age 35 smoke or suffer from conditions like endometriosis or high blood pressure.
Implants and IUDs, known as long-acting reversible contraceptives, remain in your uterus for three years – acting like long-acting reversible birth control pills but without protection against STDs or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Although these methods can be more expensive, most insurance plans cover them.
Nonhormonal options such as diaphragms and cervical caps may also be effective forms of contraception; however, they’re typically not as reliable in situations when applying them is more difficult or impossible – for instance breastfeeding mothers might find these less reliable. They require significant effort when inserting them every time before sexual activity takes place and don’t last as long. Furthermore, breastfeeding may interfere with this method’s application and so might make diaphragms or caps unreliable alternatives to hormonal contraceptives.
