Choosing a new method of birth control can be a little daunting.
It’s possible you’ve heard some pretty wild stories about contraception — everybody responds differently to different types of hormones, so a method that works well for you might not agree with a friend (and vice versa). Luckily, there are some really great birth control methods out there, each with their own benefits — but where can you go to get the facts about your birth control options? Never fear: carafem is here!When choosing a new method of contraception, you’ll want to think about what’s most important to you. Do you want a super effective method to make sure you won’t have a pregnancy scare? One you won’t have to think about or remember to use every day? One that lasts a long time, but that can be stopped at any time? One that is totally hormone-free? One that won’t impact your ability to get pregnant in the future?
Spoiler Alert: Each birth control method mentioned in this post is safe, non-permanent, and will not impact your natural ability to get pregnant in the future, if and when you want to.
The good news is that when it comes to birth control, there’s something for everyone! Let’s break down the different types of birth control and how to determine which is best for you. Click the photos to hear personal experiences of people who have tried these methods themselves.
PREFERENCE: Something very effective, totally FREE of hormones, and that requires no maintenance.
1) The copper IUD, or ParaGard, is your friend!
This super small device is placed in your uterus by a clinician. The insertion takes just a few minutes and doesn’t require surgery or heavy painkillers. Best of all, the copper IUD is:
- Totally hormone-free
- Among the most effective methods of birth control – so it’s an excellent choice in keeping you protected from pregnancy
- Effective for up to 12 years (!) once inserted, and you can take it out by a doctor any time prior. Set it and forget it!
- The most effective method of emergency contraception (a.k.a birth control) AFTER sex: ParaGard can be inserted to prevent pregnancy up to 5 days after unprotected sex!
- Safe to use while breastfeeding
- Safe to use if you’re a smoker
- Safe to use if you’ve never given birth before (an outdated myth says the contrary!)
PREFERENCE: Something super effective, discreet, long-lasting, and maintenance-free – and you don’t mind hormones.
2) A hormonal IUD, like Mirena, Skyla or Liletta, is a great option.
Like the copper IUD, this tiny device is easily placed in your uterus and omits a small dose of hormones that prevent pregnancy. It is:
- Among the most effective methods of birth control – so it’s an excellent choice in keeping you protected from pregnancy
- Effective for up to 5 years once inserted, and can be taken out any time prior
- Discreet and doesn’t require maintenance – since it’s in your uterus, you don’t have to see it or do anything to make it work
- Known to lighten your menstrual flow, cramps and symptoms of PMS. Some people even stop getting their period altogether when they have a hormonal IUD!
- Safe to use while breastfeeding
- Safe to use if you’ve never given birth before (an outdated myth says the contrary!)
PREFERENCE: Something super effective, discreet, long-lasting, and maintenance-free – but you don’t want anything inserted in your uterus.
This neat little device is about the size of a matchstick. It is inserted under the skin of your bicep in your upper arm. Like the IUD, the implant is very discreet, and insertion takes just a few minutes with no heavy painkillers necessary. It is:
- Hormonal – so it prevents pregnancy by releasing a small dose of hormones in your body
- Effective for up to 3 years once inserted, and you can take it out any time prior
- Discreet and doesn’t require maintenance – since it’s in your arm, you don’t have to see it or do anything to make it work
- Progestin-only – so it’s a good choice if you haven’t liked using estrogen birth control in the past, but still want to use hormonal contraception
PREFERENCE: Something effective, don’t mind hormones, but aren’t quite ready to have a device inserted in your uterus or arm.
One of the more well-known forms of contraception, “the pill” is a great option for preventing pregnancy, but you must remember to take it every day, at the same time each day, in order for it to really be effective. The pill is great because there are a ton of different varieties, so you can choose one that works best with your body’s chemistry. The pill also has an added bonus feature that makes it unique: you can use it to skip your period!
Quick facts about the pill:
- It must be taken every day, at the same time every day, to be most effective (when taken every single day – set a reminder!)
- It can help regulate your period so you know exactly when it’s coming
- Birth control pills are small, discreet, and can be stopped at any time without needing an extra visit to the doctor
- The pill can help decrease cramps, acne and other symptoms associated with PMS
PREFERENCE: Something effective, discreet, and don’t mind hormones, but don’t want to take a pill every day and/or don’t want a device inserted in your uterus or arm.
The birth control shot is exactly that – a shot of hormones given in your arm or upper butt that prevents pregnancy for three months each time you receive it.
The shot is:
- Extremely effective for three months following each injection
- Effective as soon as you get it! No waiting necessary
- Safe to use while breastfeeding
PREFERENCE: You don’t want a device in your body, don’t like shots, don’t want to take a pill every day, and don’t mind hormones.
When we say there’s an option for everyone, we mean it. Birth control also comes in the form of a patch that sticks onto your body and releases hormones that prevents pregnancy, as well as a flexible ring that sits inside your vagina and releases a local dose of hormones.
- Is a small, beige, stick-on square that you can place on your butt, abdomen, upper torso, or upper arm
- Releases a small dose of hormones to prevent pregnancy
- Must be replaced weekly, so you do have to remember to be out with the old and in with the new
- Can be left in your vagina for three weeks and taken out for your period
- Can be left in OR taken out during sex – but shouldn’t stay out for more than two hours
7) And last but not least: Condoms.
Finally, no discussion about birth control would be complete without mentioning the ever-trustworthy condom. Condoms are the only birth control method, besides abstinence (a.k.a. not having sex at all), that can prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), like HIV/AIDS, Herpes and Chlamydia.
Even if you use one of the methods above, it’s important to use condoms during every sexual encounter to be protected against STIs. If you’re in a long-term, committed relationship, use another form of birth control, and have agreed with your partner not to use condoms, it’s a good idea for both you and your partner to get tested regularly for STIs to keep you both safe. You can even get tested together – we know of a great way to celebrate when your results come back negative! ?