Determining the right type of contraception is not always a straightforward matter. It’s a combination of personal choice, your medical history, relationship status, preference to get pregnant in the near future and, of course, the type of contraception that suits your day to day lifestyle. The contraception that might be appropriate for you today is also not necessarily the same type of contraception that you may need six months or one year from now. Therefore, it is always a good idea to review your contraceptive choice every once in a while or when there is any major change in the factors mentioned above.
What Are Your Options
When considering which contraceptive option to use, there are a wide range of choices available such as pills, patches, injections and intrauterine devices (IUDs). However, some methods of contraception are more effective than others. For example, when taken correctly, implants, pills and IUDs are over 99% effective at preventing unwanted pregnancy. The following is a list of various types of contraceptive options, how they work and their effectiveness.
Birth control pills
Pills are a highly effective birth control option. With typical use, they are greater than 91% effective. Birth control pills must be taken daily and consistently. The first three weeks of pills contain a combination of estrogen and progesterone, and the fourth week’s pills are inactive. The inactive pills allow your menstrual period to begin.
Patch
An adhesive patch is placed inconspicuously on the skin for one week at a time. Hormones are delivered transdermally, from the patch to the skin. The patch is replaced on the same day each week, then removed the fourth week to allow the menstrual cycle to begin. With typical use, the patch is around 91% effective.
Injection
The contraceptive injection is another hormonal birth control option. It involves one injection that lasts three months, making it another low-maintenance choice. An injection is needed every three months, that is usually given at a doctor’s office. This contraception method is about 94% effective.
