What are all the birth control options?
Let’s face it: when it comes to doing the deed, there is always a risk of fertilization. Even though some might say “it’ll never happen to me”, just like that one stick shift driving buddy who can’t stop stalling, sometimes things happen in ways we really didn’t intend.
The good news is that no matter what your situation or preference, there are quite a few options available for birth control nowadays! Here’s a comprehensive list with pros and cons of each option.
The Hormonal Options
Birth Control Pills
Ah yes, the classic. These little pills come packed full of hormones (usually progesterone and estrogen) which help prevent ovulation from occurring by sending signals to your body not to release any eggs inside those ovaries! It’s like Easy Mode for avoiding pregnancy – so long as you remember take them every day at the same time (if not- well)- most people don’t have issues using them effectively.
Pros:
– Easy to use
– Can be used continuously for convenience
– Assists in managing acne breakouts
– Reduces cramping and flow during menstruation
Cons:
– Requires daily discipline
– Cancer risks involved especially if taken over extended periods.
Pros | Cons | |
---|---|---|
Birth Control Pill | Easy To Use Can be Taken Continuously For Convenience Regulates Menstrual Periods And Helps Manage Acne Break Out |
Requires Daily Discipline With No Room For Error Possibly Leading To Ineffectiveness. Cancer Risks Especially If Taken For Long Periods |
Birth Control Patch
A lot like the pill, this option involves sticking a of patch loaded with estrogen and progesterone goodness onto your skin. The difference is that it only needs to be changed once a week, which tends to help cut down on the opportunity for human error. However, you wear this sticky thing all over your body for an entire week…so good luck changing clothes– also try partying Central America style in those things …
Pros:
– Easy to use and sometimes forgotten about meaning fewer chances of missing doses.
– More convenient compared to pills
Cons:
– Pregnancy risks still exist especially when First being used
Pros | Feeling Lazy? Just Stick A Patch Once Weekly Means Fewer Chances Of Missing Doses. Less Chance Of Error Compared To Other Hormonal Options. |
Cons | |
---|---|---|---|
Pregnancy Risks Still Exist Allergies due bandage Adhesive (well I mean more rashes) |
Vaginal Ring
If consistently taking birth control pills or wearing patches has been difficult then there’s hope yet! The vaginal ring can be inserted inside you – similar process as using tampons / condoms.From there it will release hormones preventing unwanted pregnancy, no effort needed on your part for 3 weeks! Just one of the options that makes people wish they could use it without having to explain in too much detail what it is to their partner.
Pros:
– No need to remember taking birth control pills daily
– Offers hormone balancing
Cons:
– Discomfort or pressure might be experienced during sex – which leads us straight down a whole other topic
Pros | Cons | |
---|---|---|
No Need To Trouble Your Memory About Taking A Pill Daily Hormone Balancing. |
Some Pressure Or Irritation Could Occur During Sex |
Birth Control Injection
Another option is a shot (injection) usually taken at intervals of three months apart these have been said to work just as effectively as any hormonal contraceptive pill .
Pros:
– Once every Three Months? Would Anyone Skip That?
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Cons:
– Chances of irregular bleeding could occur intermittently especially within the first twelve months
Pros | Cons | |
---|---|---|
Generally Effective And Convenient Just One Shot Every Three Months. |
Irregular Bleeding Sometimes Occurs Especially In The First Twelve Months |
Non-hormonal Options
Copper IUD
Here is an option that involves using a long-lasting (up to 10 years!) contraceptive device made out of copper (no, not pennies) which goes inside your uterus. Being non hormonal it’s a great choice for people looking to avoid pills and other hormone-packed options. Talk about low maintenance!
Pros:
– Longer Lasting Birth Control (yay less trips to the drugstore)
– No Hormones !
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No Hormone Side Effects
Risk Of Uterine Perforation And Cramping.
### Diaphragm
Now, here’s an entirely different sort of birth control option involving a flexible cup that is inserted into the vagina and placed over your cervix- sounds like it just any other internal exam! It maybe little old school in its technological advancement but its effectiveness shouldn’t be ignored as people have successfully used one since the 1800s.
Pros:
– Limited hormonal interference means fewer side-effects
– Very low cost especially when compare to new age options!