There are many different birth control methods available today. It can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. Some are more effective than others. Some have more side effects. Here are four popular birth control methods, each of which features its own benefits and downsides. Let’s examine each regarding their ease of access and use to help you make informed decisions about which birth control method may be best for you!
Birth Control Pill
Birth control pills are one of the most popular birth control methods available. They are relatively affordable and accessible for people who have health insurance. There are two different types of birth control pills. These include combination pills, which have both estrogen and progestin, and progestin-only pills, which have only progestin. These hormones prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation and by thickening the mucus on the cervix. This makes it difficult for sperm to fertilize an egg.
Birth control pills are 91% effective at preventing pregnancy. The pill should be taken at the same time every day to maximize its effectiveness.
Benefits: The pill is affordable and easy to access, can help regulate your period, reduce PMS symptoms, and decrease your risk of ovarian cancer.
Downsides: You must remember to take the pill every day. You may experience side effects like headaches, nausea, and breast tenderness.
Birth Control Shot
The birth control shot is another type of birth control that contains the pregnancy-preventing hormone progestin. Unlike the birth control pill, which must be taken every day around the same time, the birth control shot only needs to be administered once every 3 months. A healthcare professional will administer the shot, meaning you likely need to make an appointment and visit the doctor’s office when it is time for a new shot.
The birth control shot is 94% effective at preventing pregnancy. You must make sure you are keeping track of when you get your shot and when your next one should be scheduled so that there are no gaps in birth control coverage.
Benefits: You only need to get the shot 4 times a year, and often will have lighter or less frequent periods.
Downsides: You will have to schedule a doctor’s visit once every 3 months. You may experience side effects like spotting between periods and possible light bruising at the location the shot is administered. It can take up to 10 months to get pregnant after stopping this birth control method.
Birth Control Implant
The birth control implant is a small, rod-shaped device that is inserted under the skin of your upper arm. It also contains progestin, so it prevents ovulation from occurring and thickens the mucus on your cervix to keep sperm from reaching an egg.
The birth control implant is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy, making it one of the most effective forms of birth control. It lasts up to 5 years.
Benefits: Convenience – after insertion, you are set with your birth control for up to 5 years – no quarterly visits to the doctor’s office or monthly trips to the pharmacy like with the birth control shot and the birth control pill. The birth control implant can also help regulate your period, decrease PMS symptoms, and decrease your risk of ovarian cancer.
Downsides: The implant can cause temporary pain and bruising at the injection site, as well as side effects like irregular bleeding, nausea, breast tenderness, and headaches.
IUD
Like the birth control implant, the IUD is another very effective, low-maintenance birth control option. An IUD is a small T-shaped device that is inserted into your uterus. There are hormonal and non-hormonal IUD options. The hormonal option contains progestin and the non-hormonal option is wrapped in copper, which is used to prevent sperm from reaching the egg.
IUDs are 99% effective. Hormonal IUDs can last up to 7 years and non-hormonal IUDs can last up to 12 years!
Benefits: Once your IUD is inserted, you are set with your birth control for a few years, depending on which IUD you choose. They can reduce or stop your periods if you choose to go with a hormonal option.
Downsides: IUDs are one of the pricier birth control options. If your health insurance doesn’t cover it, it can cost up to $1300 out-of-pocket. People report different levels of pain during insertion, as well as side effects like irregular bleeding. Those who choose the non-hormonal IUD often report heavier periods and cramping, mainly during the first few months after insertion.
Maxim recommends consulting a medical expert to discuss which birth control method is right for you.