In terms of birth control, there are many options that can work for nearly every body and lifestyle! We’re lucky to have plenty of options for preventing pregnancy, but figuring out which method is best for you can be VERY overwh-
elming. Whether you’re looking to try a new birth control method or just want to explore the options, you’re in the right place! We’re going to be covering the different types of birth control and the things you should consider when deciding which is right for you:
Behavioral Methods
The first method of birth control that we’re diving into is the behavioral approach.
Behavioral or natural methods of preventing pregnancy are a team effort because all partners involved need to adjust their sexual behavior in some way. The different types of behavioral birth control are:
Abstinence- The complete avoidance of sexual intercourse and the only method that prevents pregnancy and the spread of STIs 100%.
Withdrawal- A.K.A “pulling out” (or coitus interruptus if you want to get technical), involves completely withdrawing the penis from the vagina before ejaculation. This method is only 78% effective because it relies on “the pull-out game” and pre-ejaculate can still cause pregnancy.
Natural Family Planning (Fertility Awareness)- For this method, an individual monitors and records different signs of fertility throughout their menstrual cycle to figure out when they’re most likely to get pregnant. Some practice abstinence during ovulation to reduce their chances of pregnancy. The effectiveness of NFP ranges from 76-88% and can vary a lot based on how well you track the menstrual cycle. This method could be difficult for you if your period is irregular.
The advantage of these methods is that they’re hormone-free and cost-effective, but, with the exception of abstinence, they do not protect against STIs. There’s also more room for user error, leading to higher failure rates than other methods of contraception.
Barrier Methods
The next method we’ll be exploring is barrier birth control. The barrier method works by physically blocking the sperm from entering the uterus entirely. These methods typically don’t have the side effects of hormonal birth control and they’re easily accessible with or without health insurance. The different options of barrier birth control are:
External Condoms- Goes over the penis and blocks sperm from entering the vagina (or anus). With typical use, they are 79% effective against pregnancy. A bonus is that they prevent STIs, but you have to use a new one every time you have intercourse.
Internal Condoms- Placed inside the vagina (or anus) and blocks sperm from entering. They also prevent STIs and they are 85% effective against pregnancy. Just like external condoms, you have to use a new one every time, but you can insert one up to 8 hours before sex!
Dental Dams- These aren’t used to prevent pregnancy, but they prevent the spread of STIs during oral sex so they’re definitely worth mentioning. A dental dam is a sheath that goes over the genitals or anus before oral sex.
Spermicide- This is a type of contraceptive that kills sperm or stops it from moving. You insert it into the vagina before sex and it comes in many forms: cream, gel, foam, film, and tablets. This method is only 74% effective when used alone, so it’s best to combine it with other methods of birth control!
Diaphragm- This is a reusable cup made of silicone or rubber that covers the cervix (and some of the area around it) during sex. It’s inserted into the vagina with spermicide before sex, and it has an effectiveness rate of 88%. It comes in a one-size-fits-most version, or you can be fitted by a healthcare professional. The upside is that it can be inserted hours before sex, but you should keep it in at least 8 hours after intercourse for max protection. You also have to add more spermicide before each sex act or after 2 hours have passed.
Cervical Cap- The cervical cap is a small bowl-shaped cup made of latex or silicone that covers the cervix during intercourse. You may be thinking that this sounds similar to the diaphragm and you’d be right! The key difference is that the cap fits tightly over the cervix and it can only be prescribed by a healthcare professional. When used with spermicide it’s about 60-80% effective. Just like the diaphragm, you should keep it in post-sex (6 hours) but not for more than 48 hours totals. A bonus is that you don’t need to reapply spermicide between sex acts!
The Sponge- This is not the same sponge that lives in a pineapple under the sea! The birth control sponge is a small, circular sponge made from soft plastic that covers your cervix during sex. The sponge contains spermicide, which provides extra protection against pregnancy. This method is about 60-80% effective and it protects for up to 24 hours! The downside is that the sponge can be difficult to remove and can cause vaginal irritation for some.
The downside to barrier methods is that they’re not as effective as hormonal birth control and they only work if you use them every time you have sex. However, external and internal condoms are the only contraceptives that protect against STIs, so they’re important to use every time you have sex. When using condoms or dental dams, always check for the expiration date and any signs of damage! Many barrier methods contain latex, so be mindful of any allergies and seek out latex-free alternatives.
Hormonal Methods
Hormonal birth control works by using synthetic forms of hormones (estrogen and/or progestin) that prevent pregnancy by stopping sperm from fertilizing an egg. These methods have low failure rates when used correctly, and most are easily reversible. However, these methods don’t protect against STIs, so it’s important to use them with condoms. The different types are:
Used On a Schedule:
Oral contraceptives- A.K.A ‘the pill’, contains a blend of hormones that stop ovulation and thicken the mucus on the cervix- making it difficult for fertilization to happen. When used correctly, the pill is 92-97% effective but you have to take it at the same time every day (which can be high maintenance to some). Some benefits are regulation of menstrual bleeding, less menstrual pain, and clearer skin!
Contraceptive Patch- A little patch that sticks onto your body and releases hormones that affect your body in the same way that the pill does (stops ovulation and thickens cervical mucus). These patches are small and easy to use, but you have to remember to replace them weekly! When used properly, the patch is 92% effective at preventing pregnancy.
The Ring- This is a small, flexible ring that fits inside your vagina and releases hormones that prevent pregnancy 24/7. This is a great option if you don’t want to be bothered with a daily pill or weekly patch, but you do have to replace it once a month. It’s also pretty easy to replace the ring yourself because it doesn’t have to be in a certain position to work! When used correctly, it’s 92% effective.
The Shot- Sometimes called the “Depo shot”, this is a hormonal injection that you get every 3 months. Just like the other hormonal methods, this prevents pregnancy by stopping ovulation and thickening cervical mucus. This isn’t the best option if you’re squeamish around needles, but you only have to get a shot around 4x a year (every 12-13 weeks). This method is also not easily reversible: you have to wait for the effects to wear off naturally over several months. If you’re on schedule, this has a promising effectiveness rate of 99.7%.
Low Maintenance:
IUD- The IUD is in the low maintenance section because, depending on which version you get, it can prevent pregnancy for 3-7 years. These work by making it hard for sperm to fertilize the egg by changing the way the cells move. It’s important to mention that there’s also a hormone-free option (the Paragard IUD) that can protect against pregnancy for up to 12 YEARS. An IUD has to be inserted by a healthcare professional but it’s very effective: 99.9% for a hormonal IUD and 99.2% for nonhormonal.
The Implant- The implant is another low maintenance option because it protects you for up to 3 years. It’s a tiny rod the size of a matchstick that goes into your upper arm and releases progestin into your bloodstream. The downsides are that you can’t insert this yourself and the cost can be expensive if you don’t have insurance (up to $1,300). However, the implant has a staggering 99.9% effectiveness rate!
Although hormonal birth control is an effective and reliable method of contraception, there can be downsides. Some users have some physical side effects such as headaches, tender breasts, yeast infections, and spotting periods. Others experience mood swings, changes in appetite, and a decrease in sex drive. What works best for someone might not be the best for someone else! If you decide to use hormonal birth control, it’s important to listen to your body and consult with your doctor to find the perfect fit for you.
The Bottom Line
There are no bad options when it comes to birth control: it all comes down to your lifestyle, priorities, concerns, and personality! The best birth control for you is one that keeps you safe and makes you feel good. You can even use different methods together to decrease the risk of pregnancy and the spread of STIs (i.e. using hormonal birth control and condoms together). Although navigating the world of contraception can be confusing and a little scary, you don’t have to do it alone! Always consult your doctor before exploring new options or altering your birth control in any way.
Resources
If you’re looking for contraceptives, there are plenty of options available in the Binghamton Area! If you’re on-campus, Decker Student Health Services Center can provide birth control pills and the Depo shot if you have a prescription. You can also order FREE safer sex supplies such as lubrication, dental dams, external and internal condoms through REACH! For more contraceptive services, Family Planning Services of South Central NY is located at 117 Hawley st. in downtown Binghamton. They offer low-to no-cost services and you will never be turned away. You can make an appointment at https://fpscny.org/schedule-an-appointment-online/ to have your needs addressed!
References
About the Author: Julia McGovern
I joined REACH because I wanted to help my peers become the healthiest version of themselves. I love learning more about health issues and sharing that information with others! I’m a junior majoring in Human Development and I hope to become a forensic psychologist. In my free time, I love to play the piano, roller-skate, stargaze, and hike!