Birth Control: Forms, Options, Risks and Effectiveness
Birth control (also called contraception) is how you prevent pregnancy. There are many types of birth control and each form works a little different. 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.
What Is Birth Control?
Birth control is any medicine, device or method people use to prevent pregnancy. Birth control only works when you use it correctly. Therefore, it is important to take the time to understand how each type of birth control works and how you use it. Some forms of birth control work better than others.
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.
Types of Birth Control
Before you choose a method, you should discuss birth control with your partner and your healthcare provider. Birth control methods include:
- Barrier methods: These methods, like condoms, 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 is sterilization. There are male and female sterilization methods.
- Fertility awareness: This uses natural methods to prevent pregnancy, also called natural family planning.
- Abstinence: Refraining from sexual intercourse to prevent pregnancy.
- Emergency contraception: This provides protection against pregnancy if your birth control fails.
Effectiveness and Options
The most effective form of birth control is to not have sexual intercourse (abstinence). However, forms of birth control that are more convenient and don’t require much maintenance are usually most effective for active couples. These forms include the birth control implant, intrauterine devices (IUDs) and sterilization. Conversely, methods of birth control like fertility awareness or pulling out are least effective at preventing pregnancy. Doubling-up on birth control is typically best — like using a condom and a birth control pill.
Comparison of Birth Control Effectiveness
| Category | Effectiveness | Examples |
| High Maintenance | Most Effective | Abstinence |
| Long-acting / Permanent | Highly Effective | Birth control implant, IUDs, Sterilization |
| Short-acting / Barrier | Moderately Effective | Pills, Condoms |
| Natural Methods | Least Effective | Fertility awareness, Pulling out |
Factors to Consider When Choosing
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.