Birth Control Options
There are many contraceptive methods tailored to different needs and lifestyles, broadly categorized into traditional and modern options. Each method has its own benefits and considerations, making it important to find what works best for your health and personal preferences. In this section, you'll gain a deeper understanding of these options and how they work. You'll also hear real-life experiences from women who have used different methods, offering valuable insights into their effectiveness and impact.
Traditonal and Modern Methods
Birth control methods are generally categorized into traditional and modern approaches, each with its own advantages and limitations. Traditional methods rely on natural body processes and awareness, while modern methods use medical advancements to provide more reliable protection.
Both types have varying levels of effectiveness, and what works well for one person may not be the best choice for another. Factors like lifestyle, health considerations, and personal preferences play a role in determining the most suitable option. Understanding these differences can help individuals make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
Traditional Methods
Traditional birth control methods rely on natural awareness of the body’s reproductive cycle or external barriers rather than medical interventions. While some individuals prefer these due to their natural approach and lack of side effects, they generally require strict adherence and have varying effectiveness rates.
Calendar Method (Rhythm Method)
Effectiveness: Around 76–88% with perfect use
How It Works: Tracking the menstrual cycle to predict fertile and non-fertile days.
Benefits: Hormone-free, no medical intervention required, inexpensive.
Disadvantages: Requires regular, predictable cycles; less reliable than modern methods; high risk of human error.
Withdrawal Method (Pull-Out Method)
Effectiveness: Around 78% with typical use, 96% with perfect use
How It Works: The penis is withdrawn before ejaculation to prevent sperm from entering the vagina.
Benefits: No hormones, no cost, easily accessible.
Disadvantages: Requires strong self-control, not reliable on its own, sperm can still be present in pre-ejaculatory fluid.
Cervical Mucus Method
Effectiveness: 77–88% with proper use
How It Works: Observing changes in cervical mucus to determine fertile and non-fertile days.
Benefits: No medical or hormonal interference, can be used to track fertility for conception as well.
Disadvantages: Requires daily tracking, can be affected by infections or medications, high chance of error.
Basal Body Temperature Method (BBT)
Effectiveness: Around 76–88%
How It Works: Measuring body temperature daily to detect ovulation and determine safe and unsafe days.
Benefits: Natural, non-invasive, can be combined with other methods for better accuracy.
Disadvantages: Small temperature changes can be hard to detect, requires consistency and commitment, less effective when used alone.
Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM)
Effectiveness: 98% when done correctly, but only works for up to 6 months postpartum
How It Works: Exclusive breastfeeding suppresses ovulation, delaying the return of fertility.
Benefits: Natural, no cost, provides nutrition to the baby while also preventing pregnancy.
Disadvantages: Only works for a short time, requires exclusive breastfeeding, ovulation may still occur unpredictably.
Modern Methods
Modern birth control methods offer a range of options that are scientifically developed to provide effective pregnancy prevention. These methods are categorized into hormonal, barrier, intrauterine, and permanent solutions. While they are generally more reliable than traditional methods, each comes with its own advantages and potential side effects.
Birth Control Pills
Effectiveness: 91% with typical use, up to 99% with perfect use
How It Works: Contains hormones (either progestin-only or a combination of estrogen and progestin) that prevent ovulation and thicken cervical mucus to block sperm.
Benefits: Regulates menstrual cycles, reduces menstrual cramps, can improve acne.
Disadvantages: Must be taken daily, may cause side effects like nausea or headaches, not suitable for some medical conditions.
Contraceptive Patch
Effectiveness: 91% with typical use
How It Works: A small adhesive patch that releases hormones through the skin to prevent ovulation.
Benefits: Easy to use, only needs to be changed weekly, can regulate periods.
Disadvantages: May cause skin irritation, not suitable for people sensitive to estrogen, slightly visible on the skin.
Contraceptive Injection (Depo-Provera)
Effectiveness: 94% with typical use, 99% with perfect use
How It Works: A shot of progestin that prevents ovulation for 3 months.
Benefits: Long-lasting, no daily maintenance, highly effective.
Disadvantages: Irregular periods or spotting, may take time for fertility to return after stopping, potential bone density loss with long-term use.
Intrauterine Device (IUD)
Effectiveness: Over 99%
How It Works: A small T-shaped device inserted into the uterus, either releasing hormones (hormonal IUD) or using copper to prevent sperm movement (copper IUD).
Benefits: Long-term protection (3–12 years), no daily maintenance, highly effective.
Disadvantages: Requires a healthcare provider for insertion and removal, may cause cramping or spotting initially.
Implants (e.g., Nexplanon)
Effectiveness: Over 99%
How It Works: A small rod placed under the skin of the arm, releasing hormones that prevent ovulation for 3–5 years.
Benefits: Long-term protection, no daily upkeep, very effective.
Disadvantages: Irregular bleeding, requires a medical procedure for insertion and removal.
Barrier Methods (Condoms, Diaphragms, Cervical Caps)
Effectiveness: 79–98% depending on the method and correct use
How It Works: Physically blocks sperm from reaching the egg.
Benefits: No hormones, can protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (especially condoms).
Disadvantages: Must be used every time, potential for breakage or incorrect use, diaphragms require fitting by a healthcare provider.
Emergency Contraception
Effectiveness: Up to 95% if taken within 24 hours, lower effectiveness the later it is used
How It Works: Prevents ovulation or fertilization after unprotected sex.
Benefits: Can prevent pregnancy after contraceptive failure or unprotected sex.
Disadvantages: Not a regular birth control method, may cause temporary side effects like nausea or irregular bleeding.
Permanent Methods (Tubal Ligation)
Effectiveness: Over 99%
How It Works: Surgical procedure that blocks or seals the fallopian tubes to prevent eggs from reaching the uterus.
Benefits: Permanent, highly effective, no ongoing maintenance.
Disadvantages: Requires surgery, irreversible in most cases, does not protect against STIs.
Don’t Just Take
Our Word For It.
Find out what other people have to say about birth control methods.
Jane, 48
Choosing bilateral tubal ligation (BTL) was a deeply personal decision driven by love for my family and careful thought. Prioritizing my health allows me to give my best to my loved ones while creating a stable, nurturing home. BTL has given me peace of mind, freeing me from the worries of unintended pregnancies and allowing me to fully cherish my family. More than a procedure, it’s a choice that empowers me, strengthens my confidence, and brings lasting positive change to my life.
Jacquiline, 40
Choosing condoms as my contraceptive method is a decision made with care—for my health, my partner, and our family’s well-being. It offers effective protection while maintaining intimacy and spontaneity. This choice empowers me to plan our future with confidence and peace of mind. Practical and accessible, it ensures both safety and emotional connection, reflecting my commitment to a stable, loving home.
Michelle, 37
Using contraceptive pills has been a transformative step in managing PCOS and prioritizing my health. They provide a reliable way to regulate my hormones, ease symptoms, and take control of my well-being. More than just a medical solution, this choice represents my commitment to a healthier, more balanced life. This choice brings stability and comfort, empowering me to focus on a healthier, more fulfilling life for myself and my family.
Arianne, 25
I’ve been using birth control for nearly two years, starting with the Depo shot, which was effective but caused cravings, spotting, and required calcium supplements. It was also costly and inconvenient with quarterly injections. I switched to Nexplanon for its long-term effectiveness and got it free at a local clinic. While I experienced weight gain and six months of spotting, my mood stabilized, and the benefits outweighed the side effects. Birth control affects everyone differently, so it’s important to explore options and consult an OB to find the best fit.