Understanding Women's Birth Control Options - Partners in Women's Health

Understanding Women’s Birth Control Options

By admin September 27th
If you are considering using birth control (aka contraception), it may be overwhelming with just how many choices there are. Many women have stories about what birth control methods worked for them (and what didn’t!) which can make it more difficult to choose the right method for you. Here we have prepared a list of the most common birth control options. It is important to keep in mind that all birth control options have benefits and risks. This is why it’s even more important to discuss these options with your doctor before deciding in order to determine which method is best for you:

Women’s Birth Control Options
- Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)
  
  IUDs are tiny, T-shaped devices that are inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. They are one of the most efficient birth control methods available. There are two main types of IUD: copper or hormonal. Copper is a natural spermicide that prevents sperms from reaching and fertilizing an egg, while the hormonal IUDs use the hormone progestin to prevent pregnancy. The copper IUDs will prevent pregnancy for up to 12 years, while the hormonal IUDs work for 3-7 years depending on the maker. Even though they are considered long-term birth control, IUDs are removable, and they can also be used within 5 days of unprotected sex as emergency birth control.
- Birth Control Implants
  
  Birth control implants are tiny, matchstick-sized rods that are inserted into the arm. They are incredibly effective, on par with IUDs. Also known as a Contraceptive implant, these implants release the hormone progestin into the body to prevent pregnancy. Progestin works to prevent pregnancy in two ways: it thickens mucus on the cervix (which prevents sperm from reaching an egg) and it can also prevent ovulation (when eggs leave the ovaries). Birth control implants are considered long-term and will work for up to 5 years, but are also removable.
- Hormonal Birth Control Methods
  
  There are several hormonal birth control options available. These use the hormones estrogen or progestin to prevent pregnancy, sometimes with a combination of the two. The birth control shot (aka the Depo shot, Depo-Provera, or DMPA) is an injection given once every 3 months that contains progestin. The birth control ring (aka NuvaRing) is a small-ring shaped device that contains estrogen and progestin and is inserted into the vagina once every 3-6 weeks. Birth control pills contain estrogen and progestin, and they must be taken daily (“mini pills” that only contain progestin are also available). There are also birth control patches that contain estrogen and progestin and can be worn on the skin, usually the belly, upper arm, buttocks, or back.
- Barrier Birth Control Methods
  
  Barrier birth control works by providing a physical barrier that prevents sperm from entering the uterus fertilizing eggs. These include condoms (there are both male and female condoms), diaphragms, cervical caps, and sponges. These methods offer different levels of effectiveness but work best when used with some type of spermicide. Condoms (both male and female) are also the best protection against STDs. Barrier birth control methods are one-time-use only, and it is important to use them correctly.
- Sterilization
  
  Sterilization consists of surgical procedures that permanently prevent pregnancy. These procedures are minimally-invasive and can be performed on both females and males. Female sterilization (aka tubal ligation, tubal occlusion, or “getting your tubes tied”) permanently closed or blocks the fallopian tubes so that eggs cannot travel from the ovaries to the uterus. This is done through one of two procedures: a mini-laparotomy or a laparoscopy. Completely removing the fallopian tubes (a salpingectomy) may also be considered. Male sterilization (called a vasectomy) blocks or cuts off the small tubes (known as the vas deferens) that carry sperm from the testes to the urethra. There are two types of vasectomies: the incision method, and the no-scalpel (aka no-cut) method.
Looking for the right birth control for you?

Partners in Women’s Health is here to help. For over 40 years, we have cared for thousands of women in the Denver area and helping them take charge of their lives. Our expertise in preconception counseling, gynecology, menopause, and fertility means that our staff can provide the care you need. We believe that you can do amazing things when you feel good, and we’re here to empower you.

To see how we can help, give us a call at (303) 399-3315 or get in touch with us online today.
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