Birth Control: Forms, Options, Risks and Effectiveness

Birth control (also called contraception) is how you prevent pregnancy. It is important to remember that birth control is any medicine, device or method people use to prevent pregnancy. Take the time to understand how each type of birth control works and how you use it because birth control only works when you use it correctly. If you're sexually active and don't want a baby, use birth control, as a pregnancy can happen any time you have unprotected sex.

How Does Birth Control Work?

There are many types of birth control and each form works a little different. Some of the ways it works include:

• Preventing sperm from reaching an egg.
• Preventing your ovary from releasing an egg.
• Damaging sperm so it can’t swim to an egg.
• Thickening your cervical mucus so sperm can’t swim through it.
• Changing the thickness of your uterine lining so an egg can’t implant.

What Birth Control is Best?

By learning more about birth control options, you can decide which method is best for you and your partner. Before you choose a method, you should discuss birth control with your partner and your healthcare provider. Consider the following factors when making your decision:

• Ease of use or comfort level using the method.
• Effectiveness at preventing pregnancy (with correct use).
• Protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• Your age and overall health.
• Plans for pregnancy.
• Side effects or risks.
• How frequently you have sex or how many partners you have.
• Privacy (how important it is to keep your birth control method a secret).
• Other benefits like lighter periods or more predictable menstrual cycles.

Types of Birth Control

Make sure that you understand how to use the method you choose. Standard birth control methods include:

• Barrier methods: These block sperm from getting into your uterus. You use a barrier method each time you have sex.
• Hormonal medication and devices: These methods use hormones to prevent ovulation or change the conditions in your uterus and cervix.
• Sterilization: Surgery to permanently prevent pregnancy. There are male and female sterilization methods.
• Fertility awareness: This uses natural methods to prevent pregnancy, also called natural family planning.
• Emergency contraception: This provides protection against pregnancy if your birth control fails.
• Abstinence: Refraining from sexual intercourse to prevent pregnancy.

Comparison of Effectiveness

Some forms of birth control work better than others. It is helpful to compare them as follows:

• Most Effective: Abstinence (to not have sexual intercourse), the birth control implant, intrauterine devices (IUDs) and sterilization. These forms are more convenient and don’t require much maintenance.
• Moderately Effective: Condoms (about 85% effective if they’re worn before intercourse begins and don’t rip).
• Least Effective: Methods like fertility awareness or pulling out.

Focus on Barrier Methods: Condoms

A condom is a thin covering made of latex, plastic or lambskin that is rolled over an erect penis. The covering prevents semen, the fluid that contains sperm, from entering your vagina. Regarding how it is used: a condom is rolled over an erect penis before sexual intercourse. Use a new condom every time you have sex. Even though they don’t provide 100% protection, condoms are one of the best options for protection against STIs. Doubling-up on birth control is typically best — like using a condom and a birth control pill — because you’re protecting against STIs and taking hormonal medication at the same time.

Important Medical Information

Our center offers consultations and accurate information about all pregnancy options; however, we do not offer or refer for abortion services. The information on this website is intended for general education purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional counseling and/or medical advice.