Navigating the world of contraception can seem overwhelming with so many options available. But don’t worry, we’re here to explain everything. This guide will help you understand how different contraception methods work and provide you with the tools to choose the one that fits your lifestyle and needs.

How Contraception Works

The primary goal of contraception is to prevent pregnancy by keeping the sperm and egg from meeting. Different methods achieve this in various ways:

  • Hormonal Methods: These methods alter the body’s natural hormones to stop ovulation, thicken cervical mucus to block sperm, or thin the uterine lining to prevent implantation.
  • Non-Hormonal Methods: These methods do not contain hormones. They include condoms, diaphragms, copper IUDs, and cycle-tracking methods. These methods prevent pregnancy without altering the hormonal system.
  • Permanent Methods: Permanent contraception methods make a person permanently sterile. For women, this includes tubal ligation, and for men, vasectomy. Although these methods are sometimes reversible, they are frequently chosen by those who do not wish to have children.
  • Natural Methods: These methods involve tracking fertility signals and avoiding sex during fertile periods.

Hormonal Methods

  • Contraceptive Pills: Daily pills containing hormones (either a combination of estrogen and progestin or just progestin) that prevent ovulation. They also thicken cervical mucus and thin the uterine lining. Contraceptive pills are about 93-99% effective in typical use.
  • Contraceptive Patch: A patch applied to the skin that releases hormones to prevent ovulation. It is changed weekly for three weeks, with a week off. The patch is about 92% effective in typical use.
  • Hormonal IUD (Intrauterine Device): A T-shaped device inserted into the uterus by a healthcare professional. It gradually releases a hormone called progestin, which thickens cervical mucus to block sperm and thins the uterine lining to make implantation difficult. The hormonal IUD can also reduce heavy and painful periods. Depending on the type, it is effective for several years, typically between 3 and 7 years, and it is more than 99% effective.
  • Vaginal Ring: A flexible ring inserted into the vagina that releases hormones to prevent ovulation. It is worn for three weeks and then removed for a week. The ring is about 93% effective in typical use.
  • Contraceptive Injections: An injection of progestin that prevents ovulation for three months. Depo-Provera is a common injection, with about 99% effectiveness.
  • Implant: A small rod inserted under the skin of the arm that releases progestin for up to three years. The implant is more than 99% effective.
  • Emergency Contraception: Used after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy by preventing or delaying ovulation, but has no effect on pregnancies already implanted and does not cause abortion. Emergency pills are taken immediately after having sex without a condom, up to 72 or 120 hours, depending on the pill. The effectiveness is 60% to 95%, depending on proper use. The sooner it’s taken, the more effective it is.

Non-Hormonal Methods

  • Condoms: Thin sheaths worn on the penis (external condoms) or inserted into the vagina (internal condoms) to block sperm. They also protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). External condoms are about 98% effective in typical use, and internal condoms are about 95% effective.

An image of a condom with inclusive rainbow colors

  • Diaphragms and Cervical Caps: Dome-shaped devices that cover the cervix, often used with spermicide to increase effectiveness. Diaphragms are about 88% effective, and cervical caps’ effectiveness varies based on whether the user has given birth.
  • Spermicides: These are chemical products that kill sperm, available as gels, foams, and suppositories. Spermicides alone are about 70% effective.
  • Non-Hormonal IUD: A T-shaped device inserted into the uterus that releases copper ions, which are toxic to sperm. It can prevent pregnancy for up to 10 years and is more than 99% effective.

Permanent Methods

  • Tubal Ligation: A surgical procedure for women that involves cutting, tying, or sealing the fallopian tubes to prevent eggs from reaching the uterus. It is more than 99% effective.
  • Vasectomy: A surgical procedure for men that involves cutting or sealing the vas deferens to prevent sperm from entering the semen. It is also more than 99% effective.

Natural Methods

  • Fertility Awareness Methods (FAMs): Tracking your menstrual cycle, basal body temperature, and cervical mucus to determine fertile days. During the fertile period, you abstain from sex or use barrier methods. FAMs can be 95-99% effective.
  • Withdrawal: The man withdraws his penis from the vagina before ejaculation to prevent sperm from entering the uterus. This method is about 80-94% effective with perfect use but is one of the least effective birth control methods. Its effectiveness relies heavily on the male partner’s self-control. In real life, about one in five people who use this method end up pregnant. This method does not protect from sexually transmitted infections and has a high failure rate.

Emergency Contraception

  • Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECPs): Pills taken after unprotected sex to prevent ovulation, fertilization, or implantation. When used correctly, Plan B is 98-99% effective.
  • Copper IUD: Can be inserted up to five days after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy and is more than 99% effective as emergency contraception.

Choosing the Ideal Contraception Method

Choosing the right contraception method is a very personal decision, and several factors should be considered. Think about the effectiveness of each method: IUDs and sterilization are the most reliable, while barrier and natural methods vary in effectiveness. Convenience is also important: daily pills or monthly injections require regular attention, while IUDs and implants require less maintenance.
Potential side effects should not be overlooked, especially with hormonal methods that can cause weight gain or mood changes, unlike non-hormonal methods that generally have fewer side effects. Only condoms protect against STIs, which is crucial to consider.
Consider your plans: if you intend to have children, reversible methods like IUDs and hormonal contraceptives are preferable, unlike sterilization, which is permanent. Finally, your health conditions and lifestyle play a key role: for example, if you smoke or have a history of blood clots, some estrogen-containing methods may be discouraged. Choose a method that aligns with your preferences and daily life.

Additional Considerations

  • Cost and Insurance Coverage: The cost of contraception varies. Some methods, like IUDs and implants, may have a higher initial cost but are cost-effective in the long run. Check if your insurance covers the method you are considering.
  • Accessibility: Some methods require a prescription or a healthcare professional for insertion (like IUDs and implants), while others, like condoms, are available over the counter.
  • Partner Involvement: Discussing contraception options with your partner can be helpful. Shared responsibility can be crucial in the decision-making process.

In Conclusion

Choosing the ideal contraception method is a personal decision that depends on various factors like effectiveness, convenience, side effects, STI protection, reversibility, health conditions, lifestyle preferences, cost, and accessibility. Understanding how different methods work and considering these factors will help you make an informed choice that suits your needs. Consulting a healthcare professional can also provide personalized advice and help you navigate the many available options. Remember, the best contraception method is the one you feel comfortable with and that meets your health and lifestyle needs. If you need help finding a contraceptive method that best fits your needs, Myka the Chatbot can support you with personalized response and information
As no contraceptive method is 100% effective, there’s always a chance that they fail and you might end up pregnant. If you’re not ready or you want to explore other options, Ally is here to help provide you with options and information you need to make a decision.