Understanding Birth Control – Methods, Risks, and How to Choose the Best One

• Barrier methods
• Hormonal methods
• Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs)
• Permanent methods.

What Are the Birth Control Methods for Women, and What Are Their Birth Control Effectiveness?

Many different types of female birth control methods are available, and each one works in another way to prevent pregnancy. Here are some of the prime types:

• Barrier methods, which include condoms and diaphragms, physically block the sperm from reaching the egg. Condoms are made of latex or polyurethane and are placed over the penis or inserted into the vagina before intercourse. Diaphragms are made of rubber or silicone and are inserted into the vagina before intercourse and used with a spermicide. Barrier methods are around 82-98% effective with typical use.
• Hormonal birth control methods, which include the birth control pill, use hormones to prevent ovulation. The birth control pill is taken orally and contains some synthetic versions of the hormones estrogen and progestin. Hormonal methods can be 91-99% effective with typical use as compared to Non Hormonal birth control.
• Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), which include intrauterine devices (IUDs) and contraceptive implants, are placed into the uterus or under the skin and provide long-term pregnancy prevention. IUDs are small, T-shaped devices inserted into the uterus by a healthcare provider. Contraceptive implants are small, matchstick-size rods inserted under the upper arm’s skin. LARCs are more than 99% effective.
• Permanent methods, such as tubal ligation (female sterilization) or vasectomy (male sterilization), are considered permanent and irreversible and as emergency birth control. Tubal ligation is a surgical procedure in which the fallopian tubes are surgically cut, tied, or blocked to prevent the egg from reaching the sperm. Vasectomy is a surgical procedure in which the vas deferens, the lines that carry sperm from the testes to the urethra, are cut or blocked. Permanent methods are more than 99% effective.

It’s important to note that the best birth control options may not be legal everywhere, and all plans have some risks and side effects. Consult with a healthcare professional to determine which way of birth control is right for you, as different methods may have other side effects and may not be suitable for everyone.

What Are Some Natural Contraceptive Methods?

• The calendar method involves tracking the menstrual cycle by marking the first day of each period on a calendar. The fertile days are calculated based on the length of the menstrual cycle and can be said as the most natural birth control. This method is about 76-88% effective with typical use.
• The basal body temperature method involves daily tracking of the person’s basal body temperature (BBT). BBT is the temperature of the body at rest, and it rises slightly after ovulation. By charting the BBT, a person can determine when ovulation occurs and thus identify their fertile days. This method is about 76-88% effective with typical use.
• The cervical mucus method: This method involves tracking the changes in cervical mucus throughout the menstrual cycle. Cervical mucus becomes thinner and more stretchy around ovulation, making it easier for sperm to travel to the egg. By observing the cervical mucus, a person can determine when they are fertile. This method is about 76-88% effective with typical use.
• Sympto-Thermal Method: A combination of the above methods, which is more effective than each one of them separately.

Choosing the best method of birth control can be a personal decision that depends on various factors, such as a person’s overall health, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Here are some of the things to consider when choosing the best method of birth control for you:

• Effectiveness: Some birth control medicine, such as birth control pill options or intrauterine devices (IUDs), are more effective at preventing pregnancy than others. Consider how important it is for you to avoid pregnancy and choose a method that aligns with your level of risk tolerance along with the birth control pill effectiveness. However, there’s a possibility that getting pregnant on the pill can occur.
• Side effects: Different birth control methods can have different side effects, such as headaches, nausea, and mood changes, as well as changes to the period cycle on birth control. Consider how you might be affected by these side effects and choose a method that aligns with your comfort level, which comes with the benefits of contraceptive pills.
• Convenience: Some birth control methods, such as the contraceptive implant or the IUD, are long-acting and require less maintenance. Others, like the birth control pill, need daily attention. Consider how convenient a method will be for you based on your lifestyle and daily routine and the health benefits of birth control.
• Health concerns: Some birth control methods may not be very suitable for people with certain health conditions, such as blood clots or high blood pressure. If you have any health concerns, be sure to discuss them with your healthcare provider and choose a method that is safe for you.
• Personal preference: Consider your preferences along with the methods of contraception, such as your desire to have one or multiple children in the future and your comfort level with different methods and with the effects of birth control.
• STI protection: Some methods of birth control, such as condoms, protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in addition to pregnancy prevention. If STI protection is important to you, consider choosing condoms.

It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional when choosing contraception help, as they can provide you with the most effective birth control for you and more information about the plans available and help you choose the best one for you based on your individual needs.

See a gynecologist doctor or book a gynecologist appointment when you’re considering using birth control or if you have some concerns about your current method. Advanced gynecology can provide information about the different available ways and help you choose the best one based on your individual needs from the different birth control methods.

You should definitely see an ob-gyn specialist if you experience any unusual side effects or complications with your pregnancy prevention methods, such as:

• Heavy or prolonged bleeding
• Persistent pain or discomfort
• Unusual vaginal discharge or itching
• Changes in vision or hearing
• Severe headaches or migraines
• Chest pain or shortness of breath
• Blood clots or leg swelling
• Missed periods or breakthrough bleeding

• Convenience: Ongo Care offers telemedicine services, which means that you can receive birth control consultations and prescriptions from the comfort of your own home, without having to visit a doctor’s office.
• Accessibility: Ongo Care provides services in multiple states, which makes it more accessible for individuals who may not have easy access to healthcare providers that offer birth control services in their area.
• Affordability: Ongo Care offers affordable pricing for their services, which can make it more accessible for individuals who may not have health insurance coverage for birth control or cannot afford traditional doctor’s office visits.
• Personalized care: The Ongo Care Team consists of licensed healthcare providers who are trained to provide personalized care and support to individuals seeking birth control. They can help you choose the best birth control method for your specific needs and provide ongoing support and guidance as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions