5 Types of Birth Control Options: Which is Best for You?

5 Types of Birth Control Options

There are many options available to you if you're thinking about taking birth control (contraception). Take into account the following questions when you choose the best birth control technique for you and your spouse.

At some point during their lives, many women utilise birth control. Additionally, picking the finest birth control for your unique lifestyle and objectives can be incredibly satisfying and provide you the freedom to live your life as you like now and in the future.

But if all you want to know is the best way for you to avoid getting pregnant, spending a lot of time and energy trying out various forms of birth control can be irritating. Where do you begin when there are so many options? What things need to be remembered? To make it simple for you to compare various birth control methods and start a conversation with your doctor, we've compiled the most crucial information below.

What methods of birth control are available?

Options for birth control include:

1. Barrier techniques

Examples include the diaphragm, cervical cap, contraceptive sponge, male and female condoms, and more.

2. Short-acting hormonal approaches

Birth control pills, as well as the vaginal ring (NuvaRing), skin patch (Xulane), and contraceptive injection, are examples (Depo-Provera). These are considered short-acting techniques since they must be used on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.

3. Long-acting hormonal treatments

Copper IUDs (ParaGard), hormonal IUDs (Mirena, Skyla, Kyleena, and others), and contraceptive implants are examples (Nexplanon). These are considered long-acting methods because, depending on the device, they continue for three to ten years after installation, or until you opt to have the device removed.

4. Vaginal gel or spermicide 

These are nonhormonal birth control methods. Spermicide is a kind of contraception that either kills or prevents sperm from migrating. Vaginal pH regulator gel (Phexxi) prevents sperm from migrating, preventing them from reaching an egg to fertilise it. These products are applied on the vagina just before sex.

5. Fertility awareness techniques

These approaches are based on basal body temperature and cervical mucus to determine which days of the month you are viable. You avoid having sex on or around the days you are fertile, or you utilise a barrier method of birth control.

It's also vital to be aware of emergency contraceptive options, such as the morning-after pill (Plan B One-Step, Aftera, ella, and others), which can be used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex.

What are the side effects?

Consider your tolerance for the potential adverse effects of a specific birth control method. Some procedures have additional adverse effects, some of which are potentially significant. Discuss your medical history with your doctor and how it may affect your choice of birth control.

In addition to preventing pregnancy, certain contraceptives offer advantages like as more predictable, lighter menstrual cycles, a lower risk of sexually transmitted diseases, or a lower risk of certain malignancies. If you value these advantages, they may impact your choice of birth control method.

Knowing your options is crucial, but an honest assessment of yourself and your relationships is also vital when determining which method of birth control is suitable for you.