Birth Control Methods : How to Choose the Best One

Birth control or contraception is for preventing pregnancy by different methods. However, not every technique is suitable for everyone, and this is because of underlying health issues, specific health metrics and personal choices. 

Thus, it is extremely important for everyone to know about the pros and cons of different types of birth control before deciding on one. So, scroll through the article to learn how to choose the right birth control.

Birth control methods can be majorly divided into 3 types: barrier, hormonal, and surgical. There are a number of options in all these three methods, and they are also available for both males and females. These are discussed below:

In the barrier method, some pregnancy-controlling devices are used that can restrict the sperm from reaching the egg. Different types of devices are available for both men and women, which are discussed below with pros and cons

1.1 Male or External Condoms

Male condoms are one of the most popular birth control methods, also called external condoms. These are thin covers with latex that can block the sperm from reaching the ovary.

Pros: 

• Condoms also help protect from harmful STDs
• These have no impact on the menstrual cycle

Cons: 

• Sometimes accessing condoms can be really inconvenient
• The failure rate is really high, almost 20%
• You cannot reuse it.

1.2 Female Condoms

Unlike male condoms, female condoms should be inserted into the vagina and are not external. This is also a thin pouch-like substance with a latex coating, and it holds the semen and blocks sperm from reaching the egg.

Pros: 

• These condoms are highly available in the market.
• Gives protection from STDs

Cons: 

• High rate of failure
• Noisy 
• Not reusable

1.3 Diaphragm

The diaphragm or cervical cap is a dome-shaped silicon device that women place inside their vagina on the cervix. It consists of spermicides that kill the sperm in order to prevent fertilisation. However, you need to refill the spermicide jelly frequently.

Pros: 

• Cost-effective as a diaphragm can last for approx. 2 years.

Cons: 

• Women need help from a doctor to fit a diaphragm and refill spermicides.
• Can be harmful if used during menstruation and increases the chance of toxic shock syndrome.

1.4 Birth Control Sponge

Birth control sponges are soft foamy substances with spermicides. To activate its effectiveness, women should place it inside their vaginas at least 24 hours before intercourse. Unlike the diaphragm, it does not need to be fitted by a doctor.

Pros: 

• Convenient, easy to use
• Does not need any prescription to use
• Effective 

Cons: 

• Difficulties while putting in
• It cannot be used during pregnancy
• Cannot protect from STDs

1.5 Contraceptive Gel

The contraceptive or vaginal gel is a barrier contraceptive method that is super convenient and comfortable to use. This gel contains spermicides, and females must apply this in the inner part of their vagina before sex. Thus, it will kill the sperm and prevent pregnancy.

Pros: 

• No need to apply it every time and can be only used before having sex
• It does not have any impact on the menstrual cycle
• It can be used with other contraceptive methods
• Highly effective, almost 86%

Cons: 

• Can cause vaginal irritation
• In rare cases, this gel can cause infection

These methods can be the best answer to your query of how to find the right birth control. Hormonal methods refer to the pills and implants that can regulate the reproductive hormone level in a female body. Generally, hormonal methods are for women and are highly effective in preventing pregnancy. 

Some hormonal methods of pregnancy prevention are as follows:

2.1 Birth Control Pills

Birth control pills are oral contraceptives that contain synthetic oestrogen and progestin. Birth control pills are of 2 types, combination pills and progestin-only pills or mini pills. Hence one should consume both of these pills following proper guidelines and, in some cases, with a physician's suggestion.

Pros:

• Gives painless and regular periods
• Reduce acne
• Reduce the risk of ovarian and breast cancer
• Highly effective in preventing pregnancy

Cons: 

• A slight chance of a blood clot
• Combination pills are risky for heart patients and smokers
• Have to take every day

2.2 Contraceptive Patches and Rings

Contraceptive patches and rings also contain the same hormones as the pills. Women have to apply the patches on their upper arm, abdomen or buttock and ring inside their vagina. Patches and rings can be used without a doctor's prescription or help, and they release oestrogen and progestin and control ovulation.

Pros: 

• One can remove and get periods easily
• Almost 95% effective for preventing pregnancy 
• Easy to apply

Cons: 

• Bloating
• Tender breasts
• Continuous changing of the ring
• Risky for smokers

2.3 Hormonal Implant

The hormonal implant is the insertion of a rod-like substance in the upper arm of a woman. This rod continuously supplies oestrogen and progestin and prevents ovulation, and it is a long-lasting method for birth control.

Pros: 

• Highly effective
• Does not need any pelvic examination
• A semi-surgical process so it can be done within a minimum time

Cons: 

• Women may get unpredictable bleeding
• Sometimes cause excessive bleeding during periods or reduce the normal amount of bleeding.

2.4 Hormonal IUD

IUD or intrauterine device is another hormonal method of preventing pregnancy. It is generally a T-shaped device made with copper or plastic that contains hormones. An IUD works by regulating the sex hormone level in a female body.

Pros: 

• Effective up to 99%
• Cost-effective and long-lasting
• Reduces the risk of ovarian cancer
• Makes the period lighter and smooth

Cons: 

• A thorough pelvic exam is required
• Sudden spotting
• Need a proper healthcare system for the insertion and removal of the device
• In rare cases, the risk of perforation

2.5 Shots or Injectable Birth Control

In this method, a healthcare provider injects shots of hormones into women every 3 months. The technique is highly effective for preventing pregnancy if taken at the right time.

Pros: 

• Helpful in controlling periods
• Highly effective like hormonal birth control pills

Cons: 

• Needs a doctor's consultant every time using
• It may cause bone thinning

Sterilisation refers to the surgical processes that can be performed on both men and women. There are two types of sterilisation processes, tubal ligation and vasectomy. A brief discussion on these two is as follows:

3.1 Tubal Ligation

Tubal ligation is a surgical process for women where a surgeon binds or cuts their fallopian tube. Thus, eggs cannot travel from the ovary to the uterus and pregnancy is prevented. It is an excellent permanent birth control method and can give you a long relief.

Pros: 

• It is permanent however can be reversed with the proper method
• High success rate
• No side effects

Cons: 

• Does not give any protection against STDs
• Chances of ectopic pregnancy
• Surgical risks
• Post-tubal ligation syndrome

3.2 Vasectomy

This is a surgical process for males that blocks the mixing of sperm with semen. In this process, the surgeon cuts or blocks the tube that carries sperm from the testicles. However, it does not affect sex drive or ejaculation.

Pros: 

• Permanent
• Cheap and cost-effective
• 100% effective

Cons:

• It cannot be reversible
• Does not prevent STDs
• Needs a full surgery

Some safety and lifestyle practices that you should know before choosing birth control methods are as follows

1. Barrier Methods

People need to follow the below-mentioned safety and lifestyle shift tips while using barrier methods:

• Use only before having sex 
• Using emergency contraception if you feel that the barrier method has failed
• For female condoms, squeeze the inner ring to insert it without any hazard and keep one inch out of the vagina.
• You do not need to maintain any lifestyle change to use barrier methods.

2. Hormonal Methods

Hormonal methods have side effects, so people have to maintain certain precautions and lifestyle changes. These are as follows:

• Women should take birth control pills every day at the same time without fail
• Hormonal IUDs should be inserted within the first 7 days of periods
• The barrier method should be used along with hormonal IUDs to avoid infection
• Women should take birth control pills before bed or with food to prevent nausea and fatigue
• Women with previous health issues such as cardiovascular diseases or migraines should be more careful in using birth control pills.
• As mood swings are very common with hormonal methods of birth control thus, women should make some lifestyle changes for better results.

3. Surgical Methods

Surgical methods have relatively fewer side effects and are permanent. Thus, one can worry less about the consequences. However, maintaining some safety tips will be really beneficial for people who have taken surgical methods such as birth control.

• Vasectomy does not become effective immediately, so you should confirm from your doctor that there is no sperm in your semen.
• After vasectomy, one should examine semen several times before indulging in unprotected sex.
• In the case of tubectomy or tubal ligation, women should avoid heavy exercises for a week.
• Women should also abstain from having sex for a week after tubectomy
• Painkillers can be taken to handle post-surgical pain
• Women should consult a doctor immediately if they find any issue, bleeding or extreme pain in the wound

The suitability of birth control methods varies from one individual to another. For example, combination contraceptive pills may be suitable for some women but not ideal for females with heart diseases. 

Some effective tips for choosing the right birth control are discussed below to help one make an informed decision.

• Consider Your Age and Medical History

Age and health conditions significantly influence birth control and hormone regulation. Thus, women who take different hormonal doses for birth control should be aware of their health condition and consult a doctor beforehand to avoid any further risk.

• Partner’s Consent

Before choosing a birth control method, one should have a talk with the sexual partner regarding comfort. Thus, it will be better to choose a method based on mutual consent.

• Consider Other Benefits

Some birth control methods do not only prevent pregnancy but also give other benefits like lighter and cramp-free periods, protection from STDs etc. Thus, one should choose these methods as per their needs.

• Check the Side Effects

Side effects are very common in women with hormonal birth control; they can cause nausea, vomiting, depression and other health problems. Thus, when choosing this method, women should be careful about these side effects and take preventive measures.

• Choose As Per Sexual Habit

Choosing birth control also depends on the sexual habit and relationship status of a person. If one has more than one sexual partner, it is better to choose a barrier method during every sexual intercourse to avoid infection.

• Consider Reproductive Goals

Reproductive goals are another important matter to consider for choosing birth control methods. For example, if you have permanent birth control, you can choose surgical procedures. However, if you want to get pregnant within a few years, you can choose the barrier method or hormonal pills.

• Affordability and Convenience

You can choose a contraceptive method as per availability and affordability. That means it depends on what you can afford under a specific range and how convenient that method is for you. 

Apart from these, marital status, religious belief etc., are also some regulating factors that you should consider before choosing a birth control method.

So you have got a clear idea of how to choose the right birth control for you. The article has also discussed the pros and cons of different types of birth control so that you can choose the most suitable one. Besides, follow the tips mentioned in the article to know which process best suits you and your sexual partner.