By Dr. Katheryn Moreira
Riverview Health Physicians OB/GYN
As a gynecologist, I spend a lot of time talking to women of all ages about birth control, which is defined as any method used to prevent pregnancy. When it comes to birth control, there are so many options and there’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.
In general, I find that women are not aware of the many options available today. The good thing about having so many options is that you’re likely to find one that fits your needs and lifestyle. So the first step is to become familiar with them.
Things to consider when choosing your birth control method
- How well does it protect against pregnancy?
- Are there any side effects?
- How is the birth control used?
- What are some personal factors that could influence your decision, like age, overall health and plans for having kids?
- Are there any other health benefits it could provide, such as lighter periods?
Types of birth control
In general, your chances of getting pregnant after the first year of use increases no matter which form of contraception you choose. Birth control can be divided into two main categories: hormonal and barrier (e.g., condoms).
Hormonal birth control methods are much more effective than barrier methods. 18 percent of women will get pregnant using condoms after one year of typical use. On the other hand, hormonal birth control doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted infections. So if that’s a concern, it’s recommended to use both hormonal and barrier methods.
Hormonal birth control methods can vary in how well they protect against pregnancy. The most effective forms of birth control are long-acting reversible contraceptives, including intrauterine devices (IUDs) and birth control implants. These last for several years and are easy to use. If you want to become pregnant, they can be removed at any time. These are more than 99 percent effective within the first year of use.
Depo-Provera is a three-month progestin hormone injection that doesn’t contain estrogen. It’s a good choice for women who can’t take estrogen for health reasons. This method is about 94 percent effective within the first year of use.
Combined birth control methods have two hormones: estrogen and progestin. This includes oral contraceptives, the patch and the vaginal ring. With oral contraceptives, you have to take a daily pill. The skin patch is a weekly patch you wear for three weeks in a row. The vaginal ring is a flexible plastic ring that you insert into your vagina for three weeks. Then, you remove the ring for one week before inserting a new ring. Combined birth control options are about 91 percent effective within the first year of use.
What you need to know about IUDs
The IUDs used today are not the same as the ones used by women 25 years ago. While some past IUDs were taken off the market due to safety problems, today they are perfectly safe.
IUDs are small devices shaped like a “T” that are inserted into the uterus by a doctor or nurse practitioner. There are two types available in the US:
- Hormonal IUD: These devices contain progestin hormone and last anywhere from three to five years. Brand names include Mirena and Skyla.
- Copper IUD: This hormone-free device contains copper and lasts up to 10 years. The brand name is Paragard.
Here are some myths you may have heard and the truth about IUDs:
Myth: Women who haven’t had any children shouldn’t use IUDs.
Fact: IUDs are fine to use in women who haven’t had kids. The benefits of IUD are far greater than any of the risks.
Myth: IUDs cause infertility.
Fact: IUDs do not hurt your chances of getting pregnant in the future.
Myth: IUDs work by causing an abortion.
Fact: IUDs work by keeping the egg and sperm from getting together, so no fertilization occurs.
Myth: IUDs often cause ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy located in the fallopian tube).
Fact: IUDs do not increase risk of ectopic pregnancy. In fact, women who’ve had an ectopic pregnancy in the past can use an IUD as birth control.
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