People have different reasons for using birth control, but with all the available options it can be difficult to find the “right” one that works for your lifestyle and your biology. Dr. MacKenzie Rinaldi, Pediatrician at Palouse Pediatrics, breaks down the different types of birth control and how they work.
Birth control can be used for family planning purposes, but also for menstrual irregularities, heavy menstrual bleeding, menstrual suppression, protection while on certain medications, and hormone-related mood disorders.
Birth control can be divided into short-term and long-term options. Short-term options include the barrier method, shot, patch, pill, or ring.
- Barrier method: female or male condoms; these are the only tool that prevent sexually transmitted infections, or STIs. Condoms are always recommended alongside other birth control methods for added protection against pregnancy, but you must remember to use one every time.
- "The shot" - also known as Depo-Provera, is an intramuscular injection every 3 months
- "The patch" - this is an estrogen patch that is worn on the skin for 7 days at a time and exchanged once per week
- " The pill" - there are several different kinds of birth control pills including progestin only, combination pills (progesterone and estrogen), and various doses of either version. If one doesn't work for you, there is likely a different variation to try! These medications are taken every day.
- "The ring" - this is a soft silicone or plastic ring containing estrogen inserted into the vagina and exchanged once per month.
Long-term options consist of reversible and irreversible choices:
- Nexplanon - reversible implantable device containing progesterone inserted in the upper arm to prevent pregnancy, effective for 5 years.
- IUD - an Intrauterine Device is a reversible device inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. There are different brands with various doses of progesterone; brands like Kyleena, Skyla, and Mirena are good for 3 to 8 years and a non-hormonal copper version (Paragard) is effective for 10 years.
- Tubal ligation - procedure for "tying tubes" to prevent pregnancy by blocking the egg and sperm from meeting in the uterus, typically irreversible.
- Hysterectomy - irreversible procedure where the uterus is removed
- Vasectomy - procedure where the vas deferens (the tube carrying sperm) is tied off to prevent sperm from leaving the body, typically irreversible.
The Pros & Cons of Different Types of Birth Control
Of course, with each method of birth control comes pros and cons. For example: for condoms, you don’t have to take a daily pill or undergo an office procedure to insert a device, and it can prevent the transmission of STIs. The downside is that users have to be able to apply the condom before sexual intercourse for it to be effective.
The benefit of short-acting hormonal methods is that if your plans change and you want to try to conceive or if you have unwanted side effects, you can cease these methods and fertility returns relatively quickly. The disadvantage may be accountability and/or adherence. Depending on how often you want to take a pill, or use a patch or the ring, the frequency and timing might be cumbersome for some.
Longer-acting methods are nice for a "set it and forget it" approach that is still ultimately reversible; however, it does require a short office procedure to insert the device that can cause some pain. Being that it is long-acting, if your plans for fertility or trying to conceive change or are having unwanted side effects, you would have to have the device removed.
An advantage with permanent methods, such as vasectomy or tubal ligation, is just that: it’s permanent. You don’t have to think about it. A drawback is that it does require a medical procedure, which is often irreversible in vasectomy and tubal ligation—and completely irreversible with hysterectomy.
There are also non-contraceptive benefits. Depending on the method, you could potentially have a lighter period or no period at all, you could have reduced menstrual cramping, you can have decreased acne, improved mood, and even a reduction in the risk of some reproductive cancers. Your healthcare provider can help find the right fit for you based on these additional goals.
Ask Your Healthcare Provider to Help Determine which Contraceptive is Right for You
The best approach is to make an appointment to determine which method is appropriate for each unique circumstance. Some things to consider ahead of that visit:
- How often will you be wanting to take the birth control or the contraception?
- How effective does the method need to be at preventing pregnancy?
- Does it have additional benefits such as reducing menstrual bleeding or cramping?
- Are there non-contraceptive benefits you are looking for?
- Do you need a private method? Are you trying to conceal being on birth control or contraception?
- What effect does this method have on future fertility?
It’s important for people to know that the method they are on today or tomorrow does not have to be the same method they are on the rest of their lives. Methods can change along with your lifestyle in order to align with your goals and plans.
Dr. Rinaldi at Palouse Pediatrics provides Nexplanon and all other prescription birth control options for patients 18 years and younger. Adult patients or those interested in IUD should contact an adult healthcare provider at Palouse Medical, The Family Medicine Residency Clinic, or Pullman Family Medicine.
For more information about your birth control options schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider today.
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