All Things Contraception
February 28, 2023
Author: Megan Hoying
Editor: Lexie Meltzer
TikTok is bringing more and more attention to hormonal birth controls, leading to women getting off the pill and trying non-hormonal methods. Women feel uncomfortable with the lack of knowledge of what is going into their body and how it may be affecting their mood, energy levels, weight, skin, and more. Birth control can be a major decision for most women, so I’ve compiled a list of the most popular women’s birth control methods, along with some fast facts. Please note that there are other methods of preventing pregnancy not listed in this article such as condoms, abstinence, spermicide, and others; a more extensive list can be found on Planned Parenthood’s website.
The Pill
The pill is a formula of hormones that prevents ovulation — usually estrogen and progestin. It is a very effective form of contraception (92-95% effective) if used correctly and consistently. Thus, it does require a strong adherence to a schedule in order to avoid accidentally skipping a day.
Pros: causes lighter periods, regulates mood swings, clears skin, prevents pregnancy; can prevent certain types of cancers (endometrial, ovarian, and colorectal cancer) and iron deficiency.
Cons: high failure rate if not taken on a daily basis, increased risk of blood clots; can cause anxiety, depression, nausea, spotting, and weight gain.
The Shot
The shot is also a combination of hormones similar to the birth control pill; however, instead of taking it every day, you need to get the shot every 90 days. With perfect use it is 99% effective, but statistically it is only 96% effective because people can forget to get their shots 4 times a year.
Pros: convenient because it is only taken 4 times a year, causes a lighter or nonexistent period, can protect you from cancer of the uterus and ectopic pregnancy.
Cons: can cause nausea, weight gain, headaches, sore breasts, depression, and spotting between periods.
Birth Control Implant
The implant is a matchstick-sized rod that is placed by a physician in the upper arm. It releases hormones that protect you from pregnancy for up to 5 years! The most common birth control implant is Nexplanon which releases only progestin into the body. It is very effective — up to 99%!
Pros: convenient and estrogen-free, lasts for five years with no maintenance, reduces period pain and bleeding.
Cons: can cause irregular bleeding in the first 6-12 months, headaches, breast pain, and nausea
IUD (intrauterine device)
An IUD is a T-shaped device that is placed into the uterus (intrauterine) to prevent pregnancy. There are two different kinds of IUDs: hormonal and copper. Hormonal IUDs (Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, and Skyla) use progestin to prevent pregnancy, whereas copper IUDs (Paragard) use the copper material to prevent sperm from reaching the egg. The IUD is 99% effective, and can even be used as emergency contraception if inserted within 5 days of unprotected sex.
Pros: copper IUDs do not use hormones, so there are no hormonal side effects; they are very effective and convenient. Hormonal IUDs can help regulate period cramping (some people do not get their period after a few months) and last 3-10 years depending on the type of IUD.
Cons: can cause pain during the IUD placement, severe cramping for a couple weeks after placement, spotting between periods, and irregular periods.
*disclaimer: I am not a doctor or medical professional. All content and information on this website are for educational purposes only, and do not constitute or replace medical advice from a primary care provider.
Sources:
Parenthood, P. (n.d.). Birth Control Methods & Options: Types of birth control. Planned Parenthood. Retrieved January 23, 2023, from https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control
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