Choosing the right birth control method can be difficult with so many options. You probably ask yourself, “what birth control is best for me?” Here is an overview of what you need to consider when choosing a birth control method.
Types of Birth Control
The most common method of birth control is the birth control pill, but there are several more options to choose from.
- Male condom: is 82-98% effective; This method of contraception does prevent STDs.
- Female condom: is 79-95% effective; this method of contraception does prevent STDs.
- Diaphragm: is 88-94% effective; this method does not prevent STDs.
- Cervical Cap: is 92-96% effective; this method does not prevent STDs.
- Contraceptive coil (IUD): is 99% effective; this method does not prevent STDs.
- Contraceptive implant: is 99.95% effective; this method does not prevent STDs.
Things to Consider When Choosing Birth Control
Some methods of contraception may be more complicated than others and will require more effort in insertion and duration. For example, the male condom is placed over the penis during sexual intercourse and removed after. The contraceptive coil is a device that is fitted inside the vagina by a doctor, meaning that you can’t insert it yourself. The contraceptive coil can stay inside for 3 to 5 years and needs to be removed by the doctor. If that sounds like too much of a hassle, you should consider quick and easy methods like the male condom.
It is also important to think about how far or near in the future you want to have children as some of these methods can prevent pregnancy for long periods of time.
Differences Between Birth Control Pills
There are two major types of birth control pills. You will either receive combination pills or progestin-only pills.
Combination pills: Keep your ovaries from releasing eggs, thicken your cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching the egg, and thins out your uterine lining, making it difficult for eggs to attach. You will have a period.
Progestin-only pills: Thickens your cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching the egg, and thins out your uterine lining, making it difficult for eggs to attach. You will not have a period.
Side Effects of Birth Control Pills
Side effects of birth control pills depend on the type of pill you choose to take.
If you are taking combination pills, you can experience:
- Weight gain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headaches
- Breast tenderness
- Spotting or bleeding between periods
If you are taking progestin-only pills, you can experience:
- Breast tenderness
- Pimples
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Spotting or bleeding between periods
- Ovarian cysts
- Weight gain
- Low sex drive
Preventing Pregnancy
The chances of preventing pregnancy depend on the type of birth control method you choose and how effectively you are able to use it. Using it incorrectly lowers its effectiveness. The only method that is 100% effective is abstinence. If you are not ready to have a child, consider abstinence as your birth control method.
Preventing Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Condoms are the only birth control methods that reduce the risk of contracting STDs besides abstinence. It’s very important to incorporate condom usage along with another birth control method. By doing this, you can avoid both pregnancy and STDs. Remember that some STDs are permanent and can be life-altering such as HIV and HPV among others which is why you should take protecting yourself seriously.
Get An Annual Check-Up
Now that you know how to answer, what birth control is best for me? Let us remind you to stop by for an annual check-up and discuss methods of birth control further with you. Your reproductive health is important to us. Stop by Village Emergency Centers in Katy, River Oaks, Clear Creek, or Jersey Village for the quality medical care that you deserve.