Which birth control option is right for you?
From pills to patches, get the lowdown on your options for contraception.
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When it comes to birth control, there are more options than ever before. But with so many to choose from, it’s hard to know which route is right for you.
Some methods contain hormones that work by interfering with ovulation, or the release of the egg from the ovaries. Some disrupt the fertilization process, which is the meeting of the sperm and egg. Others hamper the implantation process, which is the attachment of an embryo (the dividing cells made from the egg and sperm) to the uterine wall. Other devices simply block the sperm from reaching the egg.
When you're choosing birth control, it’s important to remember that you’ll want to protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections (STIs), too, and not all methods do.
If you’re on the hunt for a contraceptive, the best thing to do is to talk to your healthcare provider (HCP) about the possibilities and pros and cons of each, and how each type fits with your overall health profile. In the meantime, here’s a guide to help you keep your options straight.
Sources: The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Combined Hormonal Birth Control: Pill + 14
- The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Combined Hormonal Birth Control: Pill, Patch, and Ring. Last reviewed March 2018.
- The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Progestin-Only Hormonal Birth Control: Pill and Injection. Last reviewed October 2020.
- The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Long-Active Reversible Contraception (LARC): Intrauterine Device (IUD) and Implant. Last reviewed May 2020.
- The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Barrier Methods of Birth Control: Spermicide, Condom, Sponge, Diaphragm, and Cervical Cap. Last reviewed February 2018.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Coitus Interruptus (Withdrawal). Last reviewed February 1, 2017.
- The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Postpartum Birth Control. Last reviewed May 2020.
- Planned Parenthood. Breastfeeding. Page accessed November 18, 2021.
- Office of Population Affairs. Contraception and Preventing Pregnancy. Page accessed November 18, 2021.
- The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Effectiveness of Birth Control Methods. Copyright October 2021.
- The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Fertility Awareness-Based Methods of Family Planning. Last reviewed January 2019.
- The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Sterilization for Women and Men. Last reviewed March 2019.
- The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Emergency Contraception. Last reviewed June 2020.
- Planned Parenthood. How effective are IUDs? Page accessed November 18, 2021.
- Planned Parenthood. How does the copper IUD work as emergency contraception? Page accessed November 18, 2021.
- Planned Parenthood. Which kind of emergency contraception should I use? Page accessed November 18, 2021.
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