Birth control (contraception)
When we think of birth control for women, we might often only think about something to put in or on our body, like the pill, intrauterine device (IUD) or condoms. But there are other kinds of birth control as well, like vasectomy, tubal ligation, natural family planning — even abstinence. Think of birth control as any pregnancy prevention method — temporary or permanent.
What are the different types of birth control?
Your overall health, future plans to have kids and personal preference can help determine the method of birth control that’s best for you. Be sure to do your research. Your doctor can answer any questions you have to help you decide. Here are some options to consider.1,2
These are put inside your body and last anywhere from 3 to 10 years, depending on the method you choose. IUDs and hormonal implants are examples of this kind of contraception.
These are methods you use regularly — sometimes daily. The birth control pill, patch, injection and vaginal ring are all short-acting hormonal contraceptives.
Emergency contraception is often used after unprotected sex to reduce the chance of getting pregnant. This might be needed due to forgetting to take birth control pills multiple days in a row, a condom breaking during sex or not using a method of birth control.
Emergency contraception doesn’t cause an abortion — it prevents pregnancy from happening. That’s why it’s important to use it as soon as possible after unprotected sex. Emergency contraception won’t work if you’re already pregnant.3
There are two types of emergency contraception:
- Pills: Often referred to as “the morning after pill.” You can get some types of emergency contraception pills over the counter, while other types may need a prescription.
- Copper IUD: This is a small device that a health care professional inserts into your uterus. It tends to be the most effective form of emergency contraception.3
While IUDs can last up to 10 years, emergency contraception pills shouldn’t be used as a long-term form of birth control.3 If you need a reliable method of birth control, visit your doctor to discuss your options.
These are things you use every time you have sex, like condoms, diaphragms, sponge and cervical cap.
A permanent, surgical method to preventing pregnancy is sterilization. Women have their tubes tied (called a tubal ligation) and men get their vasa deferentia cut and sealed (called a vasectomy). This might be something a person chooses after they’ve had the number of children they want. Or certain health conditions may require one of these procedures to help keep you healthy.
The most effective birth control is to not have sex. Abstaining from sex is a personal choice that should be respected — and it’s 100% effective at preventing pregnancy.
Benefits of birth control beyond contraception
While many women start birth control to help prevent pregnancy, some women may use it for other health reasons. Here’s a list of the other ways contraception might help you:4
- Lighter periods: The hormones in some birth control methods, like certain types of the pill and IUD, thin your uterine lining. This may make your periods lighter if you experience a heavy flow.
- Relief from endometriosis symptoms: The shot (hormone injection) and hormonal IUDs may help with painful periods and cramps from endometriosis.
- Clearer skin: Testosterone is a male hormone that naturally occurs in your body and can cause acne to develop. Some birth control pills decrease your testosterone levels, which may help clear your skin.
- Reduced PMS: Birth control pills may help with things like cramping, mood swings, bloating, tender breasts and menstrual migraines.
- A lower risk of some cancers: Birth control pills may lower your risk of getting some cancers, like ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer, which can be beneficial if they run in your family.