In terms of starting birth control, there are several factors to consider. Do you want something that prevents STIs and pregnancy? Do you need something to help with your hormone levels? Maybe a combination of prevention works better for you. Do you want a more permanent solution?
Birth control is your choice and is a highly personal decision. Once you know when and if you want children, it’s time to decide which method is for you. Feel empowered to ask questions and choose what works best for you and your situation. Keep reading for four things to consider when determining which birth control method is best for you.
1. Delivery Method
When looking into different options, think about the manner in which you want to get your birth control. Do you want to go in person to pick it up at a pharmacy? Do you want to have a longer acting method that requires less maintenance? Maybe you want the convenience of birth control online and getting home delivery.
Thinking through this step can be helpful in determining what’s best for you. If you’re more of a set it and forget it person, home delivery is beneficial. One very important factor with nearly every birth control method is consistency. So choose the method that will be easiest for you to stay on a routine.
2. Hormonal Options
There are several different options when it comes to hormonal birth control options for females. When people hear the phrase birth control, “the pill” often comes to mind. These work with your body’s uterus and ovaries to prevent pregnancy. Some types of pills cause you to not ovulate. With others, you will ovulate, but a thicker layer of mucus develops at your cervix to block sperm.
If you have a history of blood clots, the pill might not be a good option for you. Likewise, if you have a history of migraines with aura, you will have to be careful which pill you use. Some women experience more side effects, like strokes, with contraception that contains estrogen for this reason.
Other hormonal prevention options include the vaginal ring, patch, and shot. These options require consistency to be effective. The pill, for example, needs to be taken daily at a similar time for effectiveness. If you don’t use them according to the directions they will either fail or be less effective.
IUDs (intrauterine devices) or contraceptive implants are also considered hormonal prevention options. They have less maintenance because they can last for years, instead of requiring daily or once a month use. They are more invasive and have some risk factors as well. After removal it can also take a little longer to become pregnant than some of the other methods.
3. Barrier Prevention
When you think of barrier prevention, think male and female condoms. These are used during intercourse to block the egg and sperm from connecting. These also add an extra layer of prevention in that they protect against STIs as well as pregnancy.
The diaphragm and cervical cap are a few other types of this birth control, but they don’t provide the added protection against STIs. These options are often paired with spermicide. Spermicide and vagial gel can be a good solution for some people as well. They work to kill sperm, so that it doesn’t make it to the egg. You can use it with other methods too.
Condoms can be used as a primary form of birth control or as a secondary type. Some partners might use both a hormonal method along with a condom for extra protection. Barrier preventions can also be helpful to use when your other options aren’t available. For example, when starting a new prescription that hasn’t become effective yet.
4. Permanent Solutions
If you know you don’t want children or if you’re done having children, you can look into more permanent solutions. For men, a vasectomy is an option. You have a surgery that stops your sperm from being ejaculated. Men can still have intercourse like before the procedure and produce semen after, it just is sterile. Just make sure to wait to engage in intercouse until your doctor clears you; pregnancy is still a possibility if you connect with your partner too soon.
Women can have a tubal ligation or have their tubes tied to achieve a similar result. This stops the egg from reaching the uterus. Another option is a full or partial hysterectomy. With a partial hysterectomy the uterus is removed, but the ovaries remain. A full hysterectomy removes both.
The partial hysterectomy is often the preferred of the two because it allows you to continue making hormones. Without ovaries, you can be thrown into menopause and need to take mediciation. Your doctor can work with you to decide which is the best option for you based on your medical history.
Those in heterosexual relationships seeking more permanent solutions for prevention may decide on the vasectomy. It’s the least invasive and more minor of all the surgeries listed above.
Choosing your birth control is a personal decision. Discuss your options with your healthcare provider and partner, if applicable. Make sure what you choose works best for you in terms of your medical history and future family planning goals.
There are several options available; if one doesn’t work well for you, advocate for yourself and try another. Feel empowered to ask questions. Choose what works best for you, your situation, and what you want your future to look like.
