When it comes to birth control, you have a lot of options. The effectiveness ranges from 100% with abstinence to 5% with other methods. Which one is right for you? Let’s sort through all the pills, patches, and implants to see which one might work best for you!

1. Pills. Birth control pills have been around a long time. There are basically two types of pills, both contain the hormones estrogen and progesterone. The most common pill combines estrogen and progesterone and the second type is progesterone only. They are roughly 99% effective, if taken properly. If you are one who struggles with consistency, then maybe this isn’t the one for you. Pills can come with a myriad of side effects and for some women, they just aren’t worth it. It isn’t something you can predict, so if you choose to go this route, make sure you are letting your provider know if things just aren’t working out. If you miss a pill due to side effects or forgetfulness, be sure you have a back up plan ready to go.
2. Patches. These small patches adhere to your body and are placed on the first day of your period. They contain estrogen and progesterone and work by thickening the cervical mucus so you don’t ovulate. Again, these patches rely on the user to apply them correctly and at the right time. When used properly, they are 92% effective. Aside from the side effects of the added hormone, the adhesive can create rashes and reactions which leads to discomfort. A patch does not protect against any sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV or AIDS.
3. Implants. There are a variety of implants on the market today. Most women are aware of the IUD which is a small ‘T’ shaped device, implanted in the uterus. It can contain hormones or copper. A copper IUD prevents the sperm from fertilizing the egg. This device is effective as soon as it is place and can remain in place for up to 10 years. It has a 99% effectiveness rate for preventing an unplanned pregnancy. The hormone IUD is progestin which thickens the cervical mucus and thins the uterine lining. This prevents ovulation. Once implanted, these are good for 3-5 years. Side effects for an IUD can be increased period pain and an increase in bleeding. It must be placed and removed by a healthcare provider.

The second type of implant is a small, thin plastic tube that is inserted in your arm. It contains progestin which prevents ovulation, as mentioned above. This also has to be inserted and removed by a healthcare provider. There are a few side effects with this form of birth control, such as, nausea, weight gain, mood swings, headaches, and even vaginal infections. Keep in mind, these side effects don’t happen to everyone who uses this form of birth control. These implanted options are also the most expensive methods to control an unplanned pregnancy.

4. Finally, you are left with options such as abstinence, condom or the ‘pull-out’ methods. None of these are very effective in preventing pregnancy. Condoms are the only form that protect you against sexually transmitted diseases. There are several Apps you can download that help you track your cycle and alert you when you are ovulating, but these are not completely accurate and should not be depended upon.

As you can see, there really are a lot of options when it comes to birth control. Sometimes, it takes a little trial and error to find a method that works best for you and your busy lifestyle. We invite you to visit your provider at Madison Women’s Clinic to further discuss these options.