Types of Birth Control That Help You Plan Your Future

Not ready to start a family just yet? You’ve got options.

Today, there are many types of birth control that are effective at preventing pregnancy. These options empower you to delay your family for a few months, a few years or even forever.

“Different types of birth control have different benefits and side effects,” says Peyton Erb McManus, PA-C, a certified physician assistant at Beaufort Memorial Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialists. “We can help you weigh the pros and cons so you can make an informed decision. The good news is that with so many different types available, there’s one that will meet your needs and fit your lifestyle.”

Keep reading to learn about the various forms of birth control to determine which fits your lifestyle and meets your needs.

Different Types of Birth Control

The most common birth control methods fall into one of four categories: barrier methods, hormonal contraception, intrauterine devices (IUDs) and permanent contraception.

Barrier Methods

This creates a literal barrier against pregnancy. It’s also the only type of birth control that helps prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, it must be used correctly every time you have sex. Otherwise, you may become pregnant or infected with an STI.

Examples of barrier-type birth control include male and female condoms. Male condoms are worn over the penis and keep sperm out of a woman’s body. Female condoms, placed in the vagina, work similarly.

Other options include contraceptive sponges, diaphragms and cervical caps. These fit into the vagina and block the cervix, keeping sperm from reaching the egg.

Spermicide is an additional barrier method that can be used alone or with a diaphragm or cervical cap. It’s a chemical that prevents pregnancy by causing sperm to become inactive.

Read More: Does Birth Control Affect Fertility Long-Term?

Hormonal Contraception

Estrogen and progestin or progestin-only oral contraception reduce the likelihood of pregnancy by preventing the ovaries from releasing an egg. Oral contraceptives or birth control pills are the most common and must be taken daily.

Other forms include:

• Hormone injections
• Implants (inserted in the upper arm)
• Skin patches
• Vaginal rings

These methods release hormones into the body. The ring and skin patch must be replaced monthly. Implants last for up to four years, depending on the type, and injections must be repeated every three months.

Hormonal birth control has a very low failure rate but may come with side effects.

IUDs

These contraceptives are sometimes called long-acting, reversible contraceptives. With these, your OBGYN or gynecologist places an IUD device inside your uterus and removes it when you want to get pregnant.

Options include:

• Copper IUDs, which prevent sperm from reaching the egg
• Hormonal IUDs, which thicken cervical mucus to make it harder for sperm to reach the egg

Both forms are highly effective at preventing pregnancy. Depending on the brand, hormonal IUDs can last between five and eight years and copper IUDs up to a decade.

Permanent Contraception

If you’ve finished growing your family or don’t plan to have children, you may want a permanent type of birth control. The two options are:

• Tubal ligation — Commonly referred to as having your tubes tied, this surgery is effective immediately. During surgery, the surgeon cuts, ties or seals off the fallopian tubes. This keeps sperm from reaching the egg, ultimately preventing pregnancy.
• Vasectomy — This surgery severs the vas deferens, the tubes that transport sperm from the testicles to the urethra. With no sperm leaving the testicles, pregnancy is impossible. It can take up to three months to be fully effective.

Read More: Is a Vasectomy Reversible? Here’s What You Should Know

A Natural Type of Family Planning

Some types of birth control don’t rely on devices or medications to prevent pregnancy. Known as natural family planning, these methods rely on self-control and cycle monitoring.

Options include:

• Rhythm method — Women track their menstrual cycle and avoid intercourse during ovulation, when conception is most likely.
• Withdrawal method — With this method, the male removes his penis from the vagina prior to ejaculation.

While these methods can be effective, they have a much higher failure rate than other forms of birth control. The failure rate of natural family planning ranges from 22% to 24%.

Read More: 6 Women’s Health Issues You Can Address Today

Which Type of Birth Control Works Best?

The most effective form of birth control is abstinence, but for those who choose to be sexually active, finding a suitable method is crucial for ensuring safety and peace of mind.

“The best form of birth control is going to vary from person to person; you just have to use them as directed,” Erb McManus says. “It is different for every woman and every situation. Ultimately, what works best is the type of birth control someone will use consistently and exactly as directed.”

Choosing a Type of Birth Control

When considering the types of birth control, it’s important to remember that all options come with pros and cons. To pick the right choice for you, think through your needs and seek answers to questions that matter.

What Is the Easiest Birth Control on the Body?

Birth control pills and IUDs are generally safe to use, but they can cause side effects in some people. Additionally, condoms offer a simple way to prevent pregnancy and disease without negative effects on your body. Latex and non-latex options are available.

What Birth Control Is Easiest to Stop?

If you think you’ll want to grow your family in the future, this is an important question to consider. Condoms and birth control pills can be stopped with the greatest ease. Other options, such as IUDs, require medical intervention to remove or reverse.

Which Birth Control Option Stops Periods?

If you have particularly difficult menstrual periods or just want to cut back on the number of periods you experience, talk with your women’s health provider. Birth control pills, rings or even patches may provide the relief you seek.

More Questions About Types of Birth Control? We’re Here to Help

There are many types of birth control today that are effective and readily available. Choosing the right one for you is a personal matter based on your goals, lifestyle and needs.

1. The four most common types of birth control are barrier methods, hormonal contraception, intrauterine devices (IUDs) and permanent contraception.
2. Permanent contraception, IUDs and hormonal implants all provide pregnancy prevention that is 99% effective. Only barrier methods reduce the risk of STIs.
3. To choose an appropriate birth control method, it’s important to think through your needs, desires and future plans.

Request an appointment with a Beaufort Memorial women’s health provider.