Not sure which birth control method is right for you? With all of the options available, it can be difficult to figure out which one best fits your needs. The truth is, all bodies are made differently, so there isn’t one correct answer. No matter what your lifestyle looks like, doing your research is the best place to start.
Walnut Lake OBGYN & Wellness has put together a complete guide on all the different birth control methods on the market, along with their pros and cons. Are you in the West Bloomfield, MI, area and looking to learn more about your birth control options? Contact Walnut Lake OBGYN & Wellness today!
Different Types of Contraceptives:
The Pill
One of the most widely popular birth control methods, the pill is an oral contraceptive that is taken every day at the same time. Depending on the prescription and your specific needs, each type contains different levels of the hormones estrogen and progestin. Your doctor will be able to determine which prescription best fits your lifestyle.
Pros:
- It has a wide variety of additional uses, like reducing acne, mood changes, and treating painful periods
- You can start or stop at any time
- Very effective at preventing pregnancy if taken correctly
Cons:
- Must remember to take it at the same time each day
- Has many different side effects
- Does not protect against STDs or STIs
- Lessens in effectiveness if taken incorrectly
IUD
The IUD is a popular choice for many reasons. It is a very hands-off birth control method, which is a great option for people on the go who don’t want to remember to take a pill every day. It is inserted surgically, and once it is in place, lasts for years.
There are two types: the Copper IUD and Hormonal IUD. Copper IUDs are non-hormonal and use a small amount of copper to prevent sperm from fertilizing the egg. Hormonal IUDs release hormones to prevent fertilization. Copper IUDs can last up to 10 years, while hormonal IUDs typically last 3-6 years.
Pros:
- Most effective in preventing pregnancy
- You don’t have to think about it, it does the job on its own
- You don’t feel it once it is in place
- It lasts anywhere from 3 to 10 years
Cons:
- You need to have a procedure to insert and remove it
- The procedure can be painful
- Side effects differ for everyone
- Does not prevent STDs
Other Hormonal Methods
In addition to the pill and hormonal IUDs, there are other hormonal contraceptives like the patch, vaginal rings, and arm implants. While these methods are applied/inserted manually, they release hormones in the body to stop the ovaries from releasing eggs.
Pros:
- The user is in control and can stop at any time
- Very effective at preventing pregnancy if used correctly
Cons:
- The patch has a higher estrogen content than the pill
- As with other hormonal methods, side effects are possible
- Does not protect against STDs or STIs
Interested in learning more? Visit our website to take a deeper dive into our contraceptive options!
Barrier Methods
Barrier birth control methods pertain to physical items that prevent pregnancy by blocking sperm from reaching the egg. The most common barrier method is condoms. Other forms include female condoms, diaphragms, birth control sponges, and spermicide.
Pros:
- Condoms also help prevent HIV and other STDs
- Widely accessible, no prescription needed
- Use as needed
- Non-hormonal
Cons:
- You need to remember to use them
- You need to use them correctly–if used incorrectly, can be ineffective
- Recommended to use in addition to other methods
- Can cause irritation or allergic reactions
Cycle Tracking
This method is for you if you are looking for a completely natural birth control method. Cycle tracking, or fertility awareness, has risen in popularity because it doesn’t depend on external hormones or materials to prevent pregnancy. There are even FDA-approved apps that can help you track your cycle and are considered a form of birth control!
The idea is to keep close track of your menstrual cycle to understand when you are most fertile. Additionally, you take your basal body temperature each morning to know exactly when you are ovulating, which is when you can get pregnant. This will tell you when to avoid having sex or to use additional birth control methods, like condoms, if you are trying to avoid pregnancy.
You should be aware that in order to be successful, you have to be extremely consistent. If you know you are someone who won’t remember to track every day and need a method you don’t have to think about, the fertility awareness method is not for you.
Pros:
- It is a completely natural method
- There are no side effects
- You can start or stop at any time
Cons:
- You need to remember to record every day and build the habit into your routine
- If you track incorrectly, may be ineffective
Walnut Lake OBGYN & Wellness Can Help
When you decide to begin a new method of birth control, it is always essential to consult with your doctor first. With so many options available, it can be hard to decipher the benefits and risks of each. That’s where we come in. Our team at Walnut Lake OBGYN & Wellness is deeply knowledgeable and can help you find the right method for you.
Do you live in the West Bloomfield, MI, area and are looking to begin birth control? Contact us at Walnut Lake OBGYN & Wellness to get started!