Types of Birth Control

There are many types of birth control available. Each person’s birth control experience is different, so it is just a matter of researching and finding the one that works best for you.

Low Maintenance:

Birth control implant: Commonly called Nexplanon, is a small piece put into your arm that will release the hormone progestin. It can be effective for up to 5 years. While it is an easier form of birth control, it does not protect against STDs but is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.

IUD: An intrauterine device is a small, T-shaped piece of flexible plastic implanted into your uterus. There are 5 different name brands available for use in the United States. The hormonal IUDs release progestin, whereas the nonhormonal IUDs use copper. They are effective for anywhere between 3 and 12 years depending on which one you have. Some can even be used as emergency contraceptives. Like the implant, IUDs also do not protect against STDs but is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.

Used on a Schedule:

The shot: Commonly referred to as the Depo shot, is a shot given every 3 months. It also uses progestin to prevent ovulation, as well as making cervical mucus thicker so sperm cannot pass through. The shot does not protect against STDs, but is 96% effective in preventing pregnancy, especially if you get them routinely and on time.

Vaginal ring: Commonly referred to as the Ring, is a small flexible ring that is inserted vaginally that protects against pregnancy as long as it is in by releasing the hormones progestin and estrogen. Depending on which one you have, the amount of days you keep it in varies. When it is in, do not use oil or silicone-based products, such as lubricants, only water-based ones. Vaginal rings do not protect against STDs, but, when used correctly, they are 93% effective in preventing pregnancies.

The patch: You place it on certain parts of your body and it releases the hormones progestin and estrogen through your skin. There are two brands available for use in the United States. To be effective, you must use it right and check on it often to make sure it is still in place and hasn’t been moved by things like lotion or clothing waistbands. When used correctly, it is effective in preventing pregnancy 93% of the time but does not protect against STDs.

The pill: There are two kinds of birth control pills: the combination (estrogen and progestin) and progestin-only pills. Combination pills are the most common type. The key to having the pill be most effective is taking it correctly by taking it at the same time (or very close to it) every day. The pill does not protect against STDs, but it is 93% effective at preventing pregnancy when taken correctly. There are many different brand names of the pill available in the United States.

Use Every Time:

Condoms: There are three types of condoms: latex, plastic (non-latex), and lambskin. As of right now I4RH only has latex condoms available. For latex condoms, you should only use water-based or silicone lubricants because anything oil-based will affect the latex. With latex-free condoms, you can use most types of lubricant, but check the condom box to make sure. For lambskin condoms, you can use any kind of lubricant. Latex and latex-free condoms protect against STDs, but lambskin condoms do not. It is a good idea, regardless of what form of birth control you use, to use condoms as well for the added protection against STDs. When used correctly, they are about 87% effective in preventing pregnancy.

Internal condoms: Commonly known as “female condoms”, internal condoms go inside the vagina or anus instead of going over the penis. They are usually soft nitrile pouches that you put inside the vagina or anus. If you are using it vaginally, leave the ring in the condom, but if you are using it anally, take the ring out. An advantage of internal condoms is that they can be put in ahead of time before intercourse. When used correctly, they are about 79% effective at preventing pregnancy, as well as being effective in preventing STDs.

Diaphragm: A small, bendable cup that goes into the vagina and covers your cervix. It should be used with spermicide to be most effective. It has chemicals that stop the sperm from moving to the egg, as well as keeping spermicide in place. When used correctly, it is 83% effective in preventing pregnancy, but they do not protect against STDs.

Birth control sponge: A sponge made from soft plastic that covers your cervix and also has spermicide. When used correctly, it is about 78-86% effective in preventing pregnancy but does not protect against STDs.

Spermicide and contraceptive gel: Usually a gel or cream that contains chemicals that stop sperm from traveling to the egg. It doesn’t kill sperm as the name implies, but it slows it down. It comes in many forms. When used correctly, it is about 79-86% effective in preventing pregnancy, but it does not protect against STDs.

Cervical cap: A small silicone cup that covers your cervix. In the United States, the one available for use is called the FemCap. It works best with spermicide. They are smaller than diaphragms and can be kept in for up to 2 days. When used correctly, they are about 71-86% effective in preventing pregnancy, but they do not protect against STDs.

Lifestyle:

Fertility awareness: Tracking your cycle and your fertile days to prevent pregnancy. During the most fertile days, people often use condoms. There are many methods to predict ovulation. When done correctly, this is about 77-98% effective in preventing pregnancy, but it does not prevent STDs. It is also difficult for people who have irregular cycles.

Withdrawal: Often called the “pull out” method, is when you keep semen away from the vagina by taking the penis out before ejaculation. When done correctly, it is about 78% effective in preventing pregnancy, but it does not protect against STDs. It is most effective when using another form of birth control as well.

Other forms:

Other forms of birth control include breastfeeding (must research in depth), outercourse/abstinence, tubal ligation, and vasectomies.

For more information, visit https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control or contact your physician.