What Is Birth Control?

Birth control is also known as contraception, which refers to different methods of stopping pregnancy. Many methods significantly differ from each other. These include using pills, using intrauterine devices (IUDs), injections, and barrier methods (external and internal condoms, diaphragms), etc. Each method has different things to consider, like side effects, the menstrual cycle, the outcomes, and how the technique works.

If you are thinking of going for birth control, then you need to know all these methods. You should know about the pros and cons of each technique, and most importantly, you must know which method suits your body's needs. Determining the right choice on your own could be risky and cause many problems in your daily life. So, it is always recommended that you consult with a healthcare professional to make the right choice under an expert’s guidance. They can also help you address the complexities that may arise during the birth control duration.

Different Types of Birth Control

Choosing the right birth control can seem confusing, but it doesn’t have to be! There are many options to prevent pregnancy; this guide will help you understand the most common ones. You can always talk to a doctor to find the best method.

1. Hormonal Methods

Hormonal birth control stops the body from releasing an egg each month (this is called ovulation) and also makes it harder for sperm to reach the egg.

Birth Control Pills

Birth control pills are small tablets you take every day. They contain hormones that prevent pregnancy.

• Pros: They help make periods lighter and more regular. They can also help reduce cramps and even clear up acne.
• Cons: You have to remember to take them every day, and they don’t protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Some people might feel side effects like headaches or nausea.

Birth Control Patch

The patch is like a sticker you wear on your skin. It releases hormones to stop pregnancy and needs to be replaced every week for three weeks, with a break on the fourth week.

• Pros: You don’t need to take a pill daily, which can help make periods lighter.
• Cons: It can irritate your skin and doesn’t protect against STIs.

Birth Control Ring

The ring is a small, flexible circle that you put inside your vagina. It releases hormones and stays in place for three weeks; then, you take it out for a one-week break.

• Pros: You only have to think about it once a month. It can make periods lighter and more regular.
• Cons: It may cause some vaginal irritation. It doesn’t protect against STIs.

Birth Control Shot (Depo-Provera)

This is an injection given by a doctor every three months that releases hormones to prevent pregnancy.

• Pros: You only need it four times a year, and it’s very effective.
• Cons: It can cause irregular periods or even stop periods. You have to see a doctor regularly, and it doesn’t protect against STIs.

Birth Control Implant

The implant is a tiny rod that a doctor puts under the skin of your arm. It releases hormones and works for up to three years.

• Pros: You don’t have to think about birth control for three years, and it’s almost 100% effective.
• Cons: It can cause irregular bleeding; you need a doctor to insert and remove it. It doesn’t protect against STIs.

2. Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)

IUDs are small, T-shaped devices that a doctor places inside your uterus to prevent pregnancy. There are two types: hormonal and copper.

Hormonal IUD

The hormonal IUD releases hormones and can last for 3 to 7 years.

Pros: It is very effective and can reduce or stop periods.

Cons: It may cause spotting or cramping at first. It doesn’t protect against STIs.

Copper IUD

The copper IUD is hormone-free and can last up to 10 years. It prevents pregnancy by stopping sperm from reaching the egg.

• Pros: Long-lasting and hormone-free. It can also be used as emergency birth control.
• Cons: Can cause heavier periods and cramps. It doesn’t protect against STIs.

3. Barrier Methods

Barrier methods block sperm from reaching the egg. You use them during sex to prevent pregnancy.

Male Condom

Male condoms are worn on the penis and stop sperm from entering the vagina.

• Pros: Easy to find, inexpensive, and protects against STIs.
• Cons: Must be used correctly every time. It can break or slip off.

Female Condom

The female condom is worn inside the vagina and blocks sperm.

• Pros: Offers protection against STIs and can be inserted hours before sex.
• Cons: Less effective than male condoms and can be tricky to use.

Diaphragm

A diaphragm is a small, reusable cup that you put inside the vagina to cover the cervix and block sperm. You must use it with spermicide (a cream that kills sperm).

• Pros: Reusable and hormone-free.
• Cons: You need a doctor to fit it; it doesn’t protect against STIs.

Cervical Cap

Like the diaphragm, the cervical cap is a small, reusable cup covering the cervix and blocking sperm.

• Pros: Can be worn for up to 48 hours.
• Cons: Less effective if you’ve had children and doesn’t protect against STIs.

Sponge

The sponge is a soft foam device that you put in your vagina before sex. It contains spermicide.

• Pros: No prescription is needed, and you can insert it up to 24 hours before sex.
• Cons: It can be tricky to put in and doesn’t protect against STIs.

4. Natural Methods (Fertility Awareness)

Fertility awareness means tracking your menstrual cycle to determine which days you will most likely get pregnant. You avoid sex or use another form of birth control on those days.

• Pros: No hormones or devices needed.
• Cons: It requires careful tracking and is less reliable than other methods. It doesn’t protect against STIs.

5. Permanent Methods

Permanent birth control is for people who are sure they don’t want children in the future.

Tubal Ligation

This is surgery to "tie" the fallopian tubes, preventing eggs from reaching the uterus.

• Pros: Permanent and very effective.
• Cons: Requires surgery and is difficult to reverse. It doesn’t protect against STIs.

Vasectomy

A vasectomy is a surgery for men where the tubes that carry sperm are cut.

• Pros: Permanent, simpler than tubal ligation, and very effective.
• Cons: It doesn’t protect against STIs and should be considered permanent.
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Choosing A Birth Control Method

Picking the right birth control method can seem tricky because there are so many choices. Finding one that works best for your body, lifestyle, and needs. Here are some simple things to think about when choosing a birth control method.