Birth Control: Forms, Options, Risks & Effectiveness
Birth control (also called contraception) is how you prevent pregnancy. Birth control is any medicine, device or method people use to prevent pregnancy. There are many types of birth control and each form works a little different. Birth control only works when you use it correctly, so it is vital to take the time to understand how each type of birth control works and how you use it.
How does birth control work?
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.
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 Contraception and Their Efficacy
There are many types of contraceptives available. One common way of categorizing contraceptive methods is by looking at how often you need to remember to take or use them, for example, there are short-term contraceptives and long-acting reversible contraception methods.
Long-acting contraceptive methods ranked by efficacy:
- Contraceptive Implant
- Hormonal Coil - IUS
- Copper Coil - IUD
Short-acting contraceptive methods ranked by efficacy:
- Contraceptive Injection
- The Pill
- Contraceptive Patch
- Contraceptive Ring
- External (male) Condom
- Diaphragm
- Internal (female) Condom
- Sponge
- Cervical Cap
- Spermicides
Other contraceptive options ranked by efficacy:
- Sterilization
- Natural Family Planning
- Pull-Out (Withdrawal) Method
- Emergency Contraception
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).
Sterilization
Surgery to permanently prevent pregnancy is sterilization. There are male and female sterilization methods.
Fertility awareness
Fertility awareness uses natural methods to prevent pregnancy. This is also called natural family planning. Methods of birth control like fertility awareness or pulling out are least effective at preventing pregnancy.
Effectiveness and Safety
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. Birth control only works when you use it correctly and consistently. Forms of birth control that are more convenient and don’t require much maintenance are usually most effective. These forms include the birth control implant, intrauterine devices (IUDs) and sterilization. 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.