Choose Best Birth Control Pill, The Easy Way, Guide Online

Choosing the right birth control option is an important decision that depends on factors like your personal health, lifestyle, family planning, and personal preferences, with many options available in the market. It is important to understand the pros and cons of birth control that can help you make better choices. This guide provides an overview of the various birth control options between hormonal pills, IUDs, and barriers. Considering all the factors while choosing the one that fulfills your needs.

Types of Birth Control Methods

Birth Control Pills

Birth control pills are based on a combination of estrogen and progestin. They work by preventing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and thinning the uterine lining. These pills come in different combinations which the doctor recommends according to your personal preference. Its usage does not prevent STIs.

Pros	Cons
Highly effective if used correctly. Regulates menstrual cycles, reduces menstrual cramps, and treats acne in women with high levels of androgens.	Requires daily at the same time. Common side effects include nausea, weight gain, mood changes, and increased risk of blood clots.

Options available: Diane 35, Dronis 30, Yaz, Yasmin

Progestin-Only Pills

These pills contain only progestin and are an option for women who cannot take estrogen. It works by thickening cervical mucus and thinning the uterine lining. Its usage does not prevent STIs.

Pros	Cons
Suitable for women who are breastfeeding or have an allergy to estrogen. Very few side effects are reported with these.	Suitable for women who are breastfeeding or have an allergy to estrogen. Very few side effects are reported with these.

Options available: Ovral L

Birth Control Patch

These patches are transdermal patches that release estrogen and progestin into the bloodstream through the skin. It is worn on the abdomen, buttocks, back, or upper arm and requires replacement every week. Its usage does not prevent STIs.

Pros	Cons
Easy to use, needs to be changed once a week. Effectively regulating menstrual cycles.	May cause skin irritation. Women with high weight may experience less effectiveness. Side effects similar to combination pills.

Vaginal rings

The vaginal rings are small, flexible rings inserted into the vagina once a month. It releases estrogen and progestin over three weeks, which is followed by a ring-free week. Its usage does not prevent STIs.

Pros	Cons
It is quite convenient as it works for one month. It releases lower hormone doses than pills ensuring fewer side effects due to low dose.	You need to be in a comfortable position for inserting and removing the ring. It may cause vaginal irritation. Side effects similar to combination pills.

Hormonal IUDs (Mirena)

Mirena and other T-shaped hormonal intrauterine devices are devices that are inserted into the uterus, releasing progestin over many years (up to 8 years). Prevent pregnancy by thickening cervical mucus and thinning the uterine lining. Its usage does not prevent STIs.

Pros	Cons
Long-lasting effects, highly effective, reduced menstrual bleeding and cramps, and low maintenance (effective for as long as 8 years).	Requires insertion by qualified healthcare professionals, You may experience pain during insertion, causing irregular bleeding initially.

Copper Intrauterine device

A copper Intrauterine device is a small, T-shaped device coated in copper. It is inserted into the uterus by a doctor or qualified nurse. It can remain effective for as long as 10 years. It works by preventing the sperm from reaching the egg for fertilization. Copper repels the sperm and therefore it prevents pregnancy.

Pros	Cons
Long-lasting, highly effective, hormone-free, and can be used as emergency contraception.	Insertion may cause heavy periods and painful menstrual cramps initially. To be inserted by doctor.

The copper IUD can act as an emergency contraception if inserted within 1-2 days of unprotected sex.

Condoms (Male and Female)

Condoms are tight layers that are worn during intercourse to prevent sperm from entering the uterus. Male condoms are worn on the penis, while female condoms are inserted into the vagina. Its proper usage prevents STIs.

Pros	Cons
Provides protection against STDs and STIs, is easily available, and requires no prescription. It can be used with other birth control methods. If used correctly it is the best form of birth control	It must be used correctly as mentioned on the box of a condom. Use a new/fresh condom on every intercourse, rough usage may break it. In some cases, it has a risk of slippage. Many people are allergic to latex.

Tubal Ligation

Tubal ligation is a type of surgical procedure for women, in the process fallopian tubes are cut and tied to prevent eggs from reaching the uterus.

Pros	Cons
It is type of permanent procedure, highly effective, and requires no maintenance once the procedure is completed.	Requires surgery, irreversible in most cases, potential side effects from surgery, does not protect against STIs.

Vasectomy

A vasectomy is a surgical procedure for men that involves cutting and sealing the vas deferens, preventing sperm from mixing with semen.

Pros	Cons
Permanent, highly effective, simpler and less invasive. Requires no maintenance	Requires surgery, irreversible it change. It does not protect against STIs.

Natural Methods

One of the easiest and cheapest forms of birth control is Fertility awareness. It requires tracking your menstrual cycle to understand and calculate your fertile days and the days when you should consider having intercourse and days when you should avoid sex. You can use barrier methods during those times.

Pros	Cons
No hormone tablets used. It is a cost-effective option. Only requires awareness of your body and menstrual cycle.	Requires consistent and accurate tracking, is less effective than other methods, no protection against STIs.

Withdrawal method

The withdrawal method involves removing the penis from the vagina just before an ejaculation to prevent sperm from entering the uterus.

Pros	Cons
No cost, no hormones, can be used as a backup option to prevent pregnancy.	Requires self-control, less effective than other methods. No protection against STIs, pre-ejaculation may contain sperm.

Side Effects

There are many side effects of the above-mentioned methods specifically for Hormonal pills which are used to prevent pregnancy may cause side effects such as mood swings, and irregular bleeding sometimes. But these also help in regulating your irregular periods and make cramps less painful.

Non-hormonal methods that require a device insertion may have a few side effects but usually cause irritation and discomfort.

Best options for protection against STIs

Only condoms provide protection against sexually transmitted infections. If you are at risk of STIs, using condoms is one the most reliable options for your personal safety.

Reversibility

If you plan to have children in the future, choose a reversible method. Methods like IUDs, implants, and hormonal pills are easily reversible, while permanent methods like tubal ligation and vasectomy are not.

Consulting with a Healthcare Provider

It is important to discuss your options with a doctor. They can help you and provide you a personalized advice based on your medical history, lifestyle, and preferences. The doctor also helps in explaining to you how to use birth contro correctly including its effectiveness.

Personal observation

Your menstrual cycle can help you in choosing a method that works best for your body.
Frequency of sexual activity and number of sexual partners can influence your choice of birth control.
If you want to delay pregnancy for a few years, or you are not willing to have a family, it’s your goals that will guide your choice the option.

Conclusion

Choosing the best birth control between pills and other options is totally up to you. IUDs provide long-term results but they cause irritation and painful periods. Hormonal pills are a good option but they cause side effects that may cause discomfort and are usually not meant for a long duration (over span of years). Getting surgical options like vasectomy, and tubal ligation are permanent and cannot be reversed.

All the options mentioned above do not prevent STIs, if you are willing for safety and precautions, using a condom provides you both safety from STIs and acts as a safe birth control. Choosing the right birth control is a decision between you and your partner, if you are planning to have a family over a period of time you should consider options like hormonal pills, condoms, and IUDs.