More than half of American women between the ages of 15-49 are using some type of birth control to manage their pregnancy risks and take control of their futures. Fortunately, when it comes to contraceptives, there’s a lot to choose from, which means there’s almost sure to be an option that suits your own personal needs and goals.
Of course, having choice is good — but having a lot of options can be a little confusing, too. In this post, our team at Eve Medical of Miami offers a quick review of some of the most popular types of contraceptives, so you can feel confident about your own selection.
Approved by the FDA nearly 70 years ago, birth control pills are among the most popular contraceptives — and taken consistently and as directed, they’re also extremely effective. Pills contain hormones — either estrogen and progestin or just progestin — to prevent ovulation. When your body doesn’t release an egg, you can’t get pregnant.
IUDs are exceptionally good at preventing pregnancy — they’re 99% effective — and once they’re in place, you don’t have to lift a finger for many years (up to a decade) until the device needs to be replaced with a new one.
Shaped like a capital T, an IUD is inserted into your uterus through your vagina during a regular pelvic exam. Some IUDs use hormones to prevent pregnancy, while others use copper, making them a great option for women who want to avoid using hormones.
A hormone patch is a square of plastic you wear on your skin, usually on your belly, upper arm, or buttocks. The patch releases a steady “dose” of hormones to prevent ovulation and prevent pregnancy. Patches are about 93% effective, and you replace them every week.
The birth control shot uses the hormone progestin to prevent unexpected pregnancy. Shots are administered every three months, and they’re about 96% effective at preventing pregnancy.
The vaginal ring is a soft plastic ring that you insert into your vagina. Like the patch, the ring releases a steady stream of hormones over time for about a 93% efficacy rate. Every month, you remove the current ring and replace it with a new one.
Birth control implants are another set-it-and-forget-it method that lasts for up to five years once in place. About the size of a matchstick, the implant is inserted under your skin, usually in your upper arm, during a regular office visit. Contraceptive implants are 99% effective.
Sometimes called rubbers, condoms are worn over the penis to prevent semen from entering the vagina. They’re about 87% effective as long as they’re used consistently and correctly.
As a barrier method, condoms can help prevent sexually-transmitted infections (STIs), too. Again — correct, consistent use is key.
Permanent birth control, or sterilization, can be a great choice for women who are certain they don’t want to become pregnant in the future. This technique involves cauterizing or severing the fallopian tubes to keep eggs from reaching the uterus during ovulation.
Sterilization ranks as the most popular form of birth control among American women, slightly edging out the pill.
Choosing a birth control method is a personal decision shaped by your health, lifestyle, personal preferences , and future plans. Having lots of options means you can find something that truly fits your individual needs.
Your next step? Scheduling a visit with our team so you can get all the information you need to make your decision with confidence. To learn more, request an appointment at Eve Medical of Miami in Miami, Florida, today.
