What are my birth control options and how effective are they?
Birth control refers to any behavioral, hormonal, spermicidal, or physical device that is used to prevent pregnancy. Unfortunately for most, human error ("Oops the condom broke", or "I forgot to take my pill") is the reason most forms of birth control (also called contraception) fail; and this has resulted in most manufacturers rating their product's effectiveness on a dual scale: perfect use (PU) and typical use (TU). A product with a perfect use score of 97% means that for every 100 people who use that method, it is likely 3 will fall pregnant (and 97 won't).
The more common methods of birth control include:
- Condoms: A latex, polyurethane, or polyisoprene sheath is put over a man's erect penis, preventing bodily fluids from transferring from one person to another.
PU:97%; TU:87%. - The Pill (contains estrogen and progesterone-like hormones): A pill is taken at roughly the same time each day that suppresses ovulation and thickens cervical mucus (eg, ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel)
PU:99.7%; TU:93%. - The Minipill (contains a progesterone-like hormone): A pill is taken at the same time each day that thickens cervical mucus and thins the lining of the endometrium.
PU:99%; TU:92%. - Intrauterine devices: These contain either copper (eg, ParaGard, Miudella) or the hormone levonorgestrel (eg, Mirena, Skyla, and Liletta) and are inserted into the uterus where they can remain in place for 3, 6, 8, or 10 years depending on the type.
PU:>99%; TU>99%. - The Shot (Depo-Provera): A progestin injection is given every three months that suppresses ovulation, thickens cervical mucus, and thins the endometrial lining.
PU:99.8%; TU:94%. - Nexplanon: A flexible rod about 1.5 inches long is inserted via a small cut into the upper arm and releases progestin. Lasts up to three years.
PU:99.95%; TU:99.95%. - Today Sponge: Single-use polyurethane sponge that contains spermicide is inserted into the vagina and must stay in place for six hours after sex.
PU:80-91%; TU:76-88%. - The Withdrawal Method: The penis is withdrawn from the vagina before ejaculation.
PU:96%; TU:73%.
There are many other forms of birth control including Nuvaring, diaphragms, cervical caps, female condoms, and abstinence. Talk to your doctor, Planned Parenthood, or read our Birth Control Guide to see what option is right for you.
Related questions
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What should I expect after a Mirena IUD removal?
It is typically less painful to get your Mirena IUD removed than it is to get it inserted but for a few hours or days after the removal you may experience some light pain and bleeding, cramping, or feel dizzy. An IUD removal typically takes about 5 minutes, but you should allow 20 minutes for the whole appointment. Consider eating something before your appointment so you are less likely to feel dizzy, and take some painkillers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen one hour before to help with any pain. Most women can go straight back to work or study or usual activities after the IUD is taken out. Continue reading
What are the side effects of IUDs?
In the U.S there are two types of intrauterine device (IUD) available: copper IUDs (such as ParaGard) and hormonal IUDs (such as: Mirena, Liletta, Skyla, and Kyleena). The most common side effects reported with IUDs are pain on IUD insertion, cramps, bleeding, and unwanted pregnancy. Continue reading
Can antibiotics affect IUDs like Kyleena, Mirena, or Skyla?
No, antibiotics do not affect IUDs such as Kyleena, Mirena, or Skyla. In fact, there are not many contraceptive devices or even contraceptives that are affected by antibiotics, despite popular belief that this is the case. IUDs work directly in the uterine cavity and do not rely on absorption through the stomach, nor metabolism through the liver for their effect and have few interactions. Continue reading
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