By definition, birth control is any method used to prevent pregnancy. If you’re sexually active and don’t want to become pregnant, you must choose a form of birth control and use it correctly all the time.

But with so many options available, many people need guidance to choose the right birth control method for their lifestyle, health needs, and family plans. What are the most effective types of birth control? What’s the safest birth control method if you have a health condition? What if you want to get pregnant in the future? Questions like these can quickly become overwhelming.

This blog provides a comprehensive overview of hormonal and non-hormonal birth control methods, including pills, patches, IUDs, condoms, fertility tracking, emergency contraception, and permanent solutions. Learning more about birth control options – including their effectiveness, potential side effects, and reversibility – can help determine which method is best for you.

With OB/GYNs and family planning specialists in our network, TopLine MD Alliance can connect you with expert guidance, empowering you to make informed decisions about your reproductive health now and in the future. If you have birth control questions, we’re here to provide all the answers you need.

What are the different birth control methods available?

There are many different types of birth control to choose from, including:

Barrier methods

Barrier methods are designed to stop sperm from reaching and fertilizing a woman’s egg. Examples include male and female condoms, diaphragms, and contraceptive sponges. All barrier methods require the presence of spermicide – chemicals that kill sperm or inhibit their ability to move – for maximum effectiveness.

Male and female condoms both help prevent sperm from entering a woman’s body altogether. (Latex male condoms, the most common type, also help prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.) A male condom is worn over the penis during sexual intercourse, while a female condom can be placed inside the vagina up to eight hours before sexual intercourse.

Diaphragms and contraceptive sponges cover a woman’s cervix to stop sperm from reaching and fertilizing an egg. A diaphragm is a shallow, bendable cup made of soft silicone, while a contraceptive sponge is made of polyurethane foam. Both must be inserted before sexual intercourse and remain in place for at least six hours afterward.

Short-acting hormonal methods

Short-acting hormonal methods are designed to stop a woman’s ovaries from releasing an egg each month. Examples include birth control pills, skin patches, vaginal rings, and contraceptive shots. Depending on the type, they are used daily, weekly, or monthly.

The hormones in birth control pills (a combination of progestin and estrogen or progestin only) safely stop the ovulation process. Without ovulation, there’s no egg for sperm to fertilize, so pregnancy can’t happen. Birth control pills must be taken daily.

Birth control skin patches, which release progestin and estrogen into a woman’s bloodstream, are worn on the lower abdomen, buttocks, or upper body. The patch is replaced once a week for three weeks, then removed on the fourth week to prompt a menstrual period.

Vaginal rings, which also release progestin and estrogen, are worn in the vagina for three weeks, removed for one week, and then replaced.

Contraceptive shots that contain progestin are self-injected or given by a medical professional in the buttocks or arm every three months.

Long-acting reversible methods

Long-acting reversible methods are placed inside a woman’s body and typically last for 3-10 years or until the device is removed. Examples include hormonal IUDs, copper IUDs, and contraceptive implants.

An IUD (a small, T-shaped device) is placed inside a woman’s uterus, while a contraceptive implant (a small, thin rod) is placed under the skin of a woman’s upper arm. Both require insertion by a medical professional.

Hormonal IUDs release progestin, which thickens cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching the uterus. Progestin also thins the uterine lining, making it harder for a fertilized egg to implant.

Copper IUDs release copper ions to create an unfavorable environment for sperm, making it difficult to reach and fertilize an egg.

Like hormonal IUDs, contraceptive implants release progestin. However, contraceptive implants usually last just three years, while IUDs can last for 5-10 years.

Fertility awareness methods

Known as the rhythm or calendar method, this form of birth control relies on basal body temperature (body temperature at rest) and cervical mucus to indicate when a woman is fertile.

Basal body temperature is typically measured first thing in the morning. A slight increase in temperature indicates that ovulation has or is about to occur. Cervical mucus that is clear and stretchy – similar to the consistency of an egg white – is also a sign of pending ovulation.

A woman with a regular menstrual cycle has around 9+ fertile days each month. To avoid pregnancy, do not have sexual intercourse on the days you are fertile or use a barrier method of birth control.

Emergency contraception methods

Emergency contraceptive pills can be taken up to five days after unprotected sexual intercourse – but the sooner the pills are taken, the better they will work. Some emergency contraceptive pills are sold over the counter, while others are only available by prescription.

Permanent methods

The most common permanent birth control methods are tubal ligation (“tying tubes”) and vasectomy.

During tubal ligation, a woman’s fallopian tubes are tied or cut so sperm and eggs can never meet for fertilization. The procedure is typically done in a hospital or outpatient surgical center and is effective immediately.

During a vasectomy, the tubes that carry a man’s sperm are surgically blocked, preventing sperm from being released into semen. The procedure is typically done at an outpatient surgical center, with a follow-up appointment 12 weeks later to confirm the sperm count has dropped to zero. Until then, you must use another form of birth control to prevent pregnancy.

How do I choose the right birth control method?

There are many factors to consider when choosing a birth control method, including:

• Your lifestyle – Are you willing to take medicine or use birth control on a schedule, or would you rather not have to think about it often? Some people want birth control that’s easy to use in the moment, while others want options that don’t require stopping sexual activities to protect themselves.
• Your budget – Birth control is available over the counter or by prescription, depending on the method you choose. Over-the-counter options may cost less but may not be covered by your health insurance. Access to a pharmacy is critical for prescription options.
• Your family plans – If you want to get pregnant soon, it’s probably best to use a birth control method you can stop quickly (such as barrier methods or short-acting hormonal methods). If your family plans are years away, long-acting reversible methods may be a better choice.
• Your sexual partner(s) – Are you in a monogamous relationship, or do you have multiple sexual partners? Condoms are the only birth control method that protects against HIV and sexually transmitted infections while also preventing pregnancy.
• Your religious or cultural beliefs – Some religions and cultures don’t accept certain forms of birth control, making it a deeply personal decision.
• Your age and overall health – Talk with your TopLine MD Alliance affiliated provider about your health history and how it might affect your birth control choice. Some methods have potential side effects, but can also give you lighter menstrual cycles and/or reduce the risk of certain cancers.

No type of birth control is right for everyone, and your chosen method of birth control may change over the years. TopLine MD women’s health providers are here to guide you every step of the way as you make this important decision.

What are the most effective birth control methods?

The only birth control method with a 100% guarantee is not to have sexual intercourse. However, certain methods have higher effectiveness rates. Again, for any birth control method to work, you must use it correctly all the time.

Birth control methods that are more convenient and require less maintenance are often the most effective, such as IUDs and contraceptive implants. Permanent birth control methods also have a failure rate of less than 1%. Fertility awareness methods tend to be the least effective, with a failure rate ranging as high as 25%.

Consider doubling up on birth control methods – such as using condoms while taking birth control pills – to increase their effectiveness even further. This scenario uses a barrier method, helps protect you from HIV and sexually transmitted infections, and adds hormonal benefits as well.

What’s the safest birth control for women with specific health conditions?

All birth control methods are generally safe. But after reviewing your health history, your TopLine MD Alliance affiliated provider may recommend that you avoid certain methods. For example:

• Birth control pills, skin patches, and contraceptive implants that release progestin and estrogen (or progestin alone) can increase your risk for blood clots, especially if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or are a smoker.

• Women with IUDs can develop pelvic inflammatory disease after exposure to a sexually transmitted infection, making them riskier for women with multiple sexual partners.

• Contraceptive shots can affect your mood, making them a less appealing option for women with a history of depression.

• Diaphragms and sponges are not usually recommended for women who get frequent urinary tract, pelvic, or vaginal infections or have a history of toxic shock syndrome.

The good news is that with so many birth control methods available, you should be able to find at least one that’s safe for you. Ask your TopLine MD Alliance affiliated provider to learn more.

Personalized guidance from expert providers

Proactive family planning is a vital part of women’s health. Connect with TopLine MD Alliance’s network of OB/GYNs and fertility specialists now to get the personalized guidance, high-quality care, and compassionate support you deserve.

TopLine MD Alliance was created by physicians who came together to make healthcare experiences better for patients. We help patients navigate the healthcare system, connecting them with providers, practices, diagnostic centers, and imaging centers we trust.

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The TopLine MD Alliance is an association of independent physicians and medical practice groups who are committed to providing a higher standard of healthcare services. The members of the TopLine MD Alliance have no legal or financial relationship with one another. The TopLine MD Alliance brand has no formal corporate, financial or legal ties to any of the affiliated physicians or practice groups.