If you’re considering birth control, there are a variety of options, and each has its own advantages. At Women’s Healthcare Center of Chicago, Adeeb Alshahrour, MD, FACOG, can educate you on the various types of birth control, help you choose the right method, and provide prescriptions or implantations, based on your decision. To learn more about the various types of birth control available, call the Chicago or Bridgeview, Illinois, office, or use the online booking tool to schedule an appointment today.
What are the different types of birth control available?
There are a variety of birth control methods available today, and they fall into the following categories.
Barrier methods
Barrier contraceptives create a physical block to keep sperm from reaching the egg and include contraceptives like condoms, the sponge, and the diaphragm.
Hormonal methods
Hormonal medication prevents ovulation or changes the lining of your uterus, or cervical mucus, to make it harder to get pregnant. This method includes the pill, patch, ring, or injection.
Intrauterine devices (IUDs)
IUDs are small plastic devices that contain copper or hormones that your provider inserts into your uterus to prevent pregnancy. These are usually longer-term birth control — once implanted, they can last anywhere from three to 10 years. Women’s Healthcare Center of Chicago specializes in long-acting IUD birth control.
Sterilization
Tubal ligation, which is getting your fallopian tubes tied, is a permanent surgical procedure that prevents eggs from traveling from the ovaries to the uterus.
Natural family planning
Also known as the fertility awareness method, natural family planning involves close monitoring of your cycle and avoiding sex around your ovulation window.
Some birth control methods are permanent, others more convenient, while some need commitment on your part to use them every time you have sex or to take them daily, but the specialists at Women’s Healthcare Center of Chicago can help you weigh your options and make the right decision for your needs.
Can birth control protect me against sexually transmitted diseases?
The only birth control method that can protect you against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are male and female condoms. Other types of birth control work well at preventing pregnancy but don’t protect you from STDs.
What factors should I consider when choosing my method of birth control?
Efficacy is the first aspect to consider when choosing birth control. Birth control methods like sterilization, implants, and IUDs are the most effective, and after your procedure, there is little to remember or do.
Injectables, pills, patches, and rings, are up to 94% effective if you use them correctly and consistently. Barrier methods like condoms, sponges, and spermicide, are up to 88% effective and require you use them correctly every time you have sex.
Other than effectiveness, factors to consider when choosing birth control include:
- Convenience
- Comfort for you and your partner
- How many partners you have
- Possible side effects
- Reversible or permanent
Many women also opt for birth control based on whether it can prevent pregnancy and also protect them against STDs. Some hormonal birth control can also help regulate your menstrual cycle and provide benefits like lighter cramps or bleeding.
Call Women’s Healthcare Center of Chicago or use the online scheduler to make an appointment and discuss your birth control options with a team member today.