What Contraceptive Option Is Right for Me?

Posted April 05, 2021 in Birth Control, Contraceptive Options

3 Minute Read: 

Women use contraception for various reasons. No matter the reason, you deserve to live a comfortable, happy life. There are many options available when it comes to contraception. 

Cheerful longhaired girl keeping smile on her face while standing close to her partner

It can be overwhelming to decide which one is right for you. When it comes to contraception, you want to make sure you are making the best decision for yourself and your body.

You can learn more about some of the birth control options available so you can make an educated, informed choice. While this guide will provide insight, you will need to speak with a doctor before making any decisions. 

What Are My Birth Control Options? 

Before deciding which contraceptive option to choose, you must decide whether you are looking for permanent or temporary contraception. 

If You Know You Do Not Want Children: 

Permanent birth control is beneficial for women who know with 100 percent certainty that being a mother is not for them or women who have already had their children and are pleased with the size of their family. 

Sterilization by laparoscopy is a permanent contraceptive option where a woman’s fallopian tubes are cut or removed during surgery to prevent the eggs from being fertilized. 

Pros 

Cons 
  • 98 percent effective 
  • Requires one-day stay at the hospital 
  • Performed under general anesthesia 
  • Success rate for reversal is not very high 

Before undergoing this procedure, you need to be sure that you do not want to get pregnant in the future. 

If You Are Not Ready for Kids: 

Oral Contraceptives 

Oral contraceptives, also known as birth control pills, are taken daily to prevent ovulation. 

Pros 

Cons 
  • 96 to 98 percent effective 
  • Regulates your menstrual cycle 
  • Helps reduce acne 
  • Must be taken consistently 
  • Must be taken around the same time every day 

If you feel that you may forget to take your daily pills, you should consider a more convenient contraceptive to reduce the chance of an unplanned pregnancy. 

Intrauterine Device (IUD)

Intrauterine devices, also known as IUDs, are inserted into the woman’s uterus to prevent sperm from reaching the egg and fertilizing it.

Pros 

Cons 
  • 99 percent effective 
  • Can last up to 10 years
  • Can be taken out by a doctor at any time 
  • The device may need to be repositioned 
  • Can have uncomfortable side effects: 
    • Irregular periods 
    • Heavy periods 
    • Cramping 

Skin Patch 

Skin patch contraceptives are worn on the buttocks, abdomen, upper torso, or upper arm and release hormones that prevent ovulation. 

Pros

Cons
  • 99 percent effective 
  • More convenient than daily birth control 
  • Need to be replaced weekly 
  • Side effects: 
    • Skin irritation 
    • Nausea 
    • Headaches 
    • Menstrual pain 

Injection Contraception 

With injection contraception, hormones are injected into the arm or buttocks by your doctor every three months.

Pros 

Cons 
  • 99 percent effective 
  • Convenient 
  • Can be stopped at any time 
  • Can take three months to one year to get pregnant after stopping the injections 

If you are looking to get pregnant soon after going off birth control, injection contraception may not be right for you.

Barrier Methods

Barrier methods include male and female condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, and more. The goal is to create a barrier, so sperm cannot reach the egg. 

Pros 

Cons 
  • 90+ percent effective 
  • Does not rely on regulating hormones 
  • No side effects 
  • Some can protect against STDs 
  • Must be used every time you have sex 
  • Has a higher risk of improper usage 

Vaginal Hormonal Ring 

A vaginal hormonal ring is a small, flexible ring inserted into the vagina. 

Pros 

Cons 
  • 99 percent effective when used properly 
  • 90 percent effective when used incorrectly 
  • May ease menstrual cramps and acne 
  • You may experience spotting and bleeding 
  • Side effects include: 
    • Headache 
    • Nausea 
    • Mood changes 

Implant Devices 

A small plastic rod is inserted into the skin, releasing hormones to prevent pregnancy. 

Pros 

Cons
  • 99.9 percent effective 
  • Can last up to three years 
  • May cause menstrual irregularities 

Interested in Learning More? 

If you are interested in learning more about which birth control option is right for you, please contact our office at (707) 575-1626 or schedule a consultation online.