If there’s one hard-and-fast rule about birth control, it’s that every guy should wear a condom. “For people who are sexually active, a condom should always be used,” says Dr. Sarah Pasqualone, a gynecologist with Lake Health Women’s Health Specialists. “It decreases the chances of contracting sexually transmitted diseases.” After that, age, medical history and personal reproductive timetable are all important factors for women choosing the best contraceptive method.
Oral Contraceptives
How it works: Taken daily by mouth, birth control pills contain synthetic forms of the hormones estrogen and progesterone and work by preventing ovulation.
Benefits: Shorter, lighter periods. Less cramping. Long term, it can decrease the chances for uterine and ovarian cancer. “If you’re trying to get pregnant, you can just stop taking the pill,” says Pasqualone. There’s no waiting for the hormones to clear the body and ovulation to begin.
Drawbacks: Forgetting to take the pill can severely decrease its efficiency. Hormones may increase the risk of blood clots and stroke.
Good for: Younger or perimenopausal (those close to menopause) women diligent about taking a pill every day.
Intrauterine Device
How it works: Inserted into the uterus by a gynecologist, the tiny T-shaped devices contain either copper or synthetic hormones and primarily work by preventing sperm from fertilizing an egg.
Benefits: Most IUDs last from three to five years (with copper IUDs lasting up to 10 years). They are 99 percent effective against pregnancy. Copper IUDs are hormone free — a good option for women with a history of blood clots.
Drawbacks: The initial insertion can result in cramping and minor pain. Some women report occasional spotting or irregular periods.
Good for: Women not looking to get pregnant anytime soon. “IUDs are a great long-lasting option,” says Pasqualone.
Nuvaring
How it works: Inserted vaginally once a month, the NuvaRing contains the same hormones as many birth control pills and works by preventing ovulation.
Benefits: Shorter, lighter periods. Doesn’t require a doctor’s visit to insert.
Drawbacks: Some women are hesitant to insert anything vaginally. Breast tenderness, nausea and spotting have also been reported by some women.
Good for: Any age as long as you don’t have a history of clotting.
Progesrin Implant
How it works: A matchstick-sized rod is inserted in the arm by a doctor and releases hormones to prevent ovulation. “The rods are really small,” says Pasqualone. “You can’t see them.”
Benefits: Effective for three years, lighter periods.
Drawbacks: Sometimes women can have erratic bleeding.
Good for: Women looking for birth control options that don’t contain estrogen.
Depo-Provera Hormonal Injections
How it works: Hormones are injected four times a year into the arm or butt by a clinician to prevent ovulation.
Benefits: Lightens bleeding, highly effective if used correctly, provides three months of pregnancy protection.
Drawbacks: Shots must be given at a doctor’s office every three months. Some women have reported irregular bleeding and spotting. Can take longer to become pregnant after stopping the shots.
Good for: Women of all ages who aren’t afraid of needles.
