Disclaimer: The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider regarding a medical condition.
The introduction of birth control was one of the most crucial steps toward empowering reproductive health. By using the proper forms of birth control, you can freely enjoy intimacy with your partner without the added burden of worrying that you might get pregnant. However, with so many different forms of birth control to choose from, it's important to understand which options are available to you so that you can make a well-informed decision.
In this article, we'll be delving into both common and lesser-known birth control methods. This guide will help shed light on what to expect from each method so you can choose the right one for your needs. Regardless of which option you ultimately go with, it's crucial to ensure that it aligns with your lifestyle, health and personal values.
Table of Contents
- Birth Control Fundamentals
- Comprehensive Overview of Hormonal Birth Control Methods
- Comparing Efficacy and Birth Control Side Effects
- Tailoring Your Birth Control Choice
- Life After Hormonal Birth Control
- What to Expect When You're Expecting Normalcy
- Making Informed Birth Control Choices
Birth Control Fundamentals
The Science of Birth Control
Birth control refers to the act of preventing pregnancy before it begins. As one of the most groundbreaking discoveries in modern healthcare, it has helped countless women and their partners enjoy greater reproductive freedom. There are two main types of birth control: hormonal and non-hormonal. Hormonal birth control decreases the risk of pregnancy by preventing or reducing ovulation. Non-hormonal birth control has no effect on your hormones but instead physically prevents sperm from reaching one of your eggs.
Understanding how each method works and how it interacts with your body is crucial to making an informed decision. We'll provide more detail on hormonal and non-hormonal methods so you know what to expect.
Comprehensive Overview of Hormonal Birth Control Methods
The Birth Control Implant
The birth control implant, also known as a contraceptive implant, is a long-term birth control method. The implant is a long, thin plastic rod that is inserted below the skin of the upper arm. Once implanted, it begins to release a low dose of progestin over time. This hormone thickens the mucus of the cervix, which makes it more difficult for sperm to reach an egg. The implant is also known to pause ovulation as a means of preventing pregnancy.
The Birth Control Patch
The birth control patch is another contraceptive method that contains the hormones progestin and estrogen. You apply the patch to your skin once a week for three weeks, which means you'll be wearing it for a total of 21 days. The fourth week is when you remove the patch to allow menstruation to take place. This process works to prevent pregnancy from occurring.
The Birth Control Pill
The birth control pill is formulated with a mixture of estrogen and progesterone, which help to keep ovulation at bay. The pill works in a similar fashion as the birth control patch; the key difference is that the pill is administered orally and must be taken on a daily basis. Consistency is crucial to maximize the benefits of the birth control pill.
The Birth Control Shot
The birth control shot is an injection that is administered on a quarterly basis. It releases progestin, a key hormone for pausing ovulation. It also plays a key role in thickening the mucus that forms the barrier around the cervix. The shot must be administered once every 3 months for it to work effectively.
Comparing Efficacy and Birth Control Side Effects
| Method | Number of pregnancies per 100 women within their first year of typical use | Side effects and risks* *These are not all of the possible side effects and risks. Talk to your doctor or nurse for more information. | How often you have to take or use |
|
Abstinence (no sexual contact) |
0 |
No medical side effects |
No action required |
|
Permanent sterilization surgery |
Less than 1 |
|
No action required after surgery |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Permanent sterilization surgery for men (vasectomy) |
Less than 1 |
|
No action required after surgery |
|
Implantable rod |
Less than 1 |
|
No action required for up to 3 years before removing or replacing |
|
Copper intrauterine device (IUD) |
Less than 1 |
|
No action required for up to 10 years before removing or replacing |
|
Hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs) |
Less than 1 |
|
No action required for 3 to 5 years, depending on the brand, before removing or replacing |
|
Shot/injection |
6 |
|
Get a new shot every 3 months |
|
Oral contraceptives, combination hormones |
9 |
|
Take at the same time every day |
|
Oral contraceptives, progestin-only pill |
9 |
|
Take at the same time every day |
|
Skin patch |
9 |
|
|
Exploring Non-Hormonal Alternatives
Now that we've explored hormonal forms of birth control, we'll delve into non-hormonal alternatives as well. Here are some of the most common non-hormonal methods available to you:
- Copper intrauterine devices (IUDs)
- Barrier methods (e.g. condoms, diaphragms)
- Natural family planning (tracking fertility signals to manage pregnancy risk)
Tailoring Your Birth Control Choice
Regardless of which birth control method you choose, it's important to tailor your choice to your personal goals and lifestyle. For your own safety and well-being, be sure to consider your personal health needs and carefully manage any existing health conditions while taking birth control.
It's also important to carefully navigate conversations with your healthcare provider. Your physician is there to guide you toward the right decisions for your needs, so be sure to ask thoughtful questions and don't be shy about asking for advice.
Life After Hormonal Birth Control
After using hormonal birth control, it's important to go at your own pace while transitioning back to normalcy. Taking the right supplements and making the appropriate lifestyle changes will allow for a smoother transition. Be sure to consult your healthcare provider to ensure that you transition in a way that is appropriate for your own needs.
What to Expect When You're Expecting Normalcy
Returning to your hormonal baseline is a journey that takes time and patience. For most birth control methods, it typically takes a few weeks for your hormone levels to return to normal. The only exception is the birth control shot, which has a longer timeline. It may take up to several months to return to your hormonal baseline after pausing the shot. The key is to be patient with yourself while you manage your symptoms and allow your hormones to return to their natural state.
Making Informed Birth Control Choices
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RELEVANT SOURCES:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2016). U.S. Selected Practice Recommendations for Contraceptive Use, 2016. Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Report; 65(RR-4): 1–66.
- Curtis, K.M., Tepper, N.K., Jatlaoui, T.C., et al. (2016). U.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use, 2016. MMWR Recomm Rep; 65(RR-3):1–104.
- Food and Drug Administration. (2016). Birth Control: Medicines to Help You.
- Food and Drug Administration. (2013). FC2 Female condom.
- National Cancer Institute. (2012). Oral Contraceptives and Cancer Risk.
- Wright, K.P., Johnson, J.V. (2008). Evaluation of extended and continuous use oral contraceptives. Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management; 4(5): 905-911.
- Fraser, I.S. (2012). Added health benefits of the levonorgestrel contraceptive intrauterine system and other hormonal contraceptive delivery systems. Contraception; 87(3): 273-279.
