The 411 on Birth Control Options
Not interested in getting pregnant? Overwhelmed by information overload on different types of birth control? Let me simplify it for you by breaking down some of the most popular options for preventing pregnancy. Experts categorize birth control into different types, and I’ll explain each one to help you make an informed choice!
1. Hormonal AKA, the pill
This is an oral contraception that uses hormones to prevent pregnancy. We will not get into the details here on how it works but for this option to be the most effective it must be taken every day around the same time of day. Most birth control pills come in a 28-day pack, you take the hormonal pill for 21 days and then the inactive pill for 7 days (when you have your period). It takes one week for birth control pills to become effective so if this is your choice you will need to use another form of contraception during the 1 week timespan. However, keep in mind, the pill does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
2. Barrier Methods
Yep, most commonly referred to as the condom. This method does exactly what you think, it creates a barrier for sperm that are trying to get into the uterus. While condoms are the most common option, there are options for women too. Types of barrier contraceptives for women are the diaphragm, cervical cap, female condom and vaginal sponge. All of these options are inserted into the vagina to block access to the cervix/uterus. While the male condom is the best contraception type to prevent sexually transmitted infections the female options are not as effective in this area.
3. Long-acting reversible contraceptives
This is a fancy way of saying it is a type of birth control that remains inside of you and can be removed at any time. This is not your mama’s birth control option. The most common type of intrauterine device is the IUD which has become an increasingly popular option. The quick details on the IUD is that it is the form of birth control that lives inside your uterus and has to be placed there by a healthcare provider. Once placed in the uterus it can serve as your birth control option for 3 to 10 years based upon the type of IUD you choose. If at any point during that time frame you decide you want to get pregnant the healthcare provider can remove the implant. Another type of long acting reversible option is the Nexplanon, the small flexible rod that is implanted under your skin in your inner, upper arm. Like the IUD, a healthcare provider must insert and remove it. Nexplanon lasts for up to 3 years. Both the IUD and Nexplanon do not protect against STIs.
4. Other / Permanent Options (tubal ligation & vasectomy)
This is a semi-permanent, invasive option for birth control. A tubal ligation is an invasive procedure on a female that blocks the fallopian tubes. A vasectomy is an invasive procedure on a male that seals the vas deferens, the tubes that carry sperm. Both of these options are considered permanent, but if the person desires, there are procedural options to reverse them. Neither of these options prevents sexually transmitted infections.
5. Natural family planning
This option is getting a lot more fanfare as women are starting to make choices against using hormonal birth control options. Natural family planning or fertility awareness methods require a lot of buy-in from the woman and depend on body awareness and literacy. The most common method is the rhythm method where you track your period and ovulation to know when to avoid having sex. A woman gets pregnant during her ovulation window so if sex during that time frame is avoided then pregnancy can be prevented (see our blog about ovulation for more info!). This method takes several months of tracking and monitoring before it can become effective. Other natural methods include tracking your cervical mucus and basal body temperature. Both of these options require a great deal of body literacy as you are tracking your fertility by the type of vaginal discharge you have and/or your body temperature changes by one-half of a degree. None of these options prevent sexually transmitted infections.
There are so many options and sometimes it can feel overwhelming. We are here to help you and would be happy to sit down and have a conversation with you concerning your options and plans for the future. Give us a call at 770-334-3856 or text us at 770-464-6069. We are in your corner girl!
Schedule an appointment and meet with a health care professional to discuss all your options.