In today’s society, women have many birth control options to choose from. The abundance of choice can sometimes be overwhelming and women are not always aware of all the different options available to them.
Choosing the right birth control depends on a myriad of factors; from your medical history, to side effects, to your personal preferences. It may seem like a daunting task to find one that’s right for you. To make things easier, here are the top 10 birth control options for the modern woman.
Pill
The pill is the most wide-spread form of hormonal birth control for women. The typical pill is taken orally for 21 days in a 28-day cycle and is 99 percent effective when taken properly. One option is the combination pill, containing both oestrogen and progestin. This type is not recommended for women over 25 who smoke.
The other option is the mini-pill, containing only progestin. The mini-pill is a safer option for women who smoke and are over 35. You should always take this pill within a three-hour window, otherwise its efficacy falls to 91 percent.
The extended cycle pill is a type of combination pill that is taken daily for an extended cycle time. This pill allows women to shorten their periods, lower the frequency, or completely eliminate it. Research shows that this pill is safe to use for most women.
Diaphragm
The diaphragm is a rubber dome that’s inserted inside the vagina before sex. When used correctly with spermicide, the diaphragm has 92-96 percent efficacy. You must see a doctor for a diaphragm fitting. It’s not recommended to use during your period or for women whose weight fluctuates over 10 pounds. Common brands include SILCS, Milex Wide Seal, and Semina.
Condoms
Condoms are the only form of birth control that also protect against STIs. They act as a physical barrier, preventing sperm from reaching the cervix. If used correctly, the male condom has 98 percent efficacy and female condoms are 95 percent effective. Common brands include Durex, Trojan, and Lifestyles.
IUD
An Intrauterine Device or IUD is a small device inserted inside a woman’s uterus. This form of birth control lasts for up to 10 years and is over 99 percent effective. IUDs are put by a doctor and they can cost up to $1300 to insert and up to $250 to remove. However, both the hormonal and copper versions are becoming increasingly popular, in large part due to them being a no-fuss option. Common brands include ParaGard and Mirena.
Ring
The vaginal ring releases oestrogen and progestin into your system and is 94-99 percent effective. You simply insert it into your vagina for three weeks and remove it during menstruation. It is not recommended for women who smoke and are over 35. NuvaRing is the most well-known brand on the market.
Skin Patch
A patch is placed on certain parts of your body once a week for three weeks a month. It contains oestrogen and progestin hormones that are absorbed into the body. While highly effective when used correctly, the patch is not recommended for women who smoke and are over 35 or are over 90 kg (198 pounds). Ortho Evra is a commonly known brand of birth control patch.
Implant
The contraceptive implant resembles a plastic rod that gets inserted under the skin in the upper arm. The implant releases the progestin hormone in the body, is highly effective and lasts for three years. It costs up to $1300 to insert and $300 to remove.
Sterilization
Female sterilization is a permanent and non-hormonal form of contraception. There are different types of procedures to obtain one. A reversal could cost anywhere from $5,000 to $21,000 without insurance and is not guaranteed to be reversible.
There are two procedures for females. Tubal ligation is a surgical procedure that blocks the fallopian tubes to prevent eggs from entering the uterus. The second option is a nonsurgical process called tubal implants where a coil is placed in the fallopian tubes.
Rhythm Method
The rhythm method, also known as the calendar method, is a natural form of birth control. It works by keeping track of your menstrual cycle, taking a daily temperature and refraining from sex during ovulation. While some women have great success using this method, it’s risky and easy to make a mistake, which could result in an accidental pregnancy.
Morning-After Pill
The morning-after pill is an emergency contraception. If you take the pill within 72 hours after unprotected sex, it can be 87 percent effective in preventing pregnancy. You can get it in any pharmacy without prescription, but it should not be used often as a sole method of birth control.
Take the time to research and choose the right birth control for you. Since each woman’s body and hormones are different, her experience with a given contraceptive may be somewhat unique. Search online for more information and consult a doctor who is familiar with your medical history before choosing a birth control method.