Birth Control: Forms, Options, and Effectiveness

Birth control (also called contraception) is how you prevent pregnancy. There are many different types of birth control and each form works a little different. Birth control only works when you use it correctly and consistently. Take the time to understand how each type of birth control works and how you use it. If you're sexually active and don't want a baby, use birth control, because a pregnancy can happen any time you have unprotected sex.

Choosing the Best Birth Control Method

By learning more about birth control options, you can decide which method is best for you and your partner. 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.

How Birth Control Works

Each form of birth control works slightly 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.

Types of Birth Control

Before you choose a method, you should discuss birth control with your partner and your healthcare provider. Birth control methods are only effective if you use them properly. Make sure that you understand how to use the method you choose.

Barrier Methods

Barrier methods block sperm from getting into your uterus. You use a barrier method each time you have sex. For example, 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. Condoms may tear or rip easily, making them less effective than other birth control methods.

Hormonal Medication and Devices

These methods use hormones to prevent ovulation or change the conditions in your uterus and cervix. There are some hormonal medications that require daily use (short-acting) and others that your provider inserts into your arm or your uterus (long-acting). These types of birth control can include pills, intrauterine devices (IUD), and the birth control implant.

Sterilization and Natural Methods

Surgery to permanently prevent pregnancy is sterilization. There are male and female sterilization methods, such as a vasectomy. Other options include fertility awareness, which uses natural methods to prevent pregnancy. This is also called natural family planning. Furthermore, emergency contraception provides protection against pregnancy if your birth control fails. You can think of this like your last “safety net” against pregnancy.

Effectiveness and Maintenance

The most effective form of birth control is to not have sexual intercourse (abstinence). Even for the most motivated couples, this can be difficult to maintain. So, it’s important to have a backup form of birth control in mind. Forms of birth control that are more convenient and don’t require much maintenance are usually most effective. Doubling-up on birth control is typically best — like using a condom and a birth control pill. That’s because you’re protecting against STIs, using a barrier method, and taking hormonal medication all at the same time.

Comparison of Birth Control Effectiveness

• Most Effective Methods: Abstinence, birth control implant, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and sterilization.
• Moderately Effective Methods: Hormonal pills and barrier methods (condoms).
• Least Effective Methods: Fertility awareness and pulling out.