What Are the Different Types of Birth Control?
Birth control methods fall into several categories based on how they work, how long they last, and whether they include hormones.
- Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs)
These include intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants. They offer the highest effectiveness (<1% failure rate) and require minimal user intervention. Once placed, they protect against pregnancy for years and fertility typically returns quickly after removal. - Short-Acting Hormonal Methods
These include daily pills, weekly patches, monthly vaginal rings, and quarterly injections. They require regular use or timely replacement and are effective when used consistently. - Barrier Methods
This group includes condoms (male and female), diaphragms, cervical caps, and contraceptive sponges with spermicide. These physically block sperm from entering the uterus and are used at the time of intercourse. - Emergency Contraception
Used after unprotected sex, these methods—like the morning-after pill or a copper IUD inserted within five days—offer a backup if primary birth control fails. - Permanent Methods
These include tubal ligation for individuals who do not wish to conceive in the future. They are highly effective but irreversible. - Fertility Awareness-Based Methods and Withdrawal
These rely on tracking your menstrual cycle or practicing withdrawal. They have higher typical-use failure rates due to timing or consistency challenges.
How Effective Is Each Method?
- LARCs (IUDs, implants): 99%+ effective with minimal maintenance.
- Short-acting hormonal methods: Around 93–96% effective with consistent use.
- Barrier methods: Effectiveness ranges widely; male condoms offer both pregnancy and STI protection when used correctly.
- Emergency contraception: Varies, but it should not replace regular birth control; copper IUDs are most effective when used promptly.
- Fertility awareness/withdrawal: Least reliable due to high user error.
Effectiveness is only one piece of the puzzle. Your lifestyle, comfort, and routine matter just as much.
What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing?
To find the method that fits your life, consider these key questions:
- Do you want future fertility preserved or prevented permanently?
- Will you remember to use daily or schedule-dependent methods?
- Do you menstruate regularly or have conditions like heavy periods or cramping?
- Are you concerned about hormonal side effects?
- How important is STI protection?
- What about cost, access, or convenience?
- Any medical conditions or health risks?
What Are the Pros and Cons of Key Options?
1. Implants
Pros: Easy, effective, long-lasting (3–5 years), and reversible.
Cons: Irregular bleeding, minor insertion discomfort, removal needed for pregnancy planning.
2. IUDs
Pros: Very effective, minimal maintenance, hormonal or non-hormonal choices.
Cons: Irregular bleeding (especially with hormonal IUDs), risk of expulsion, need provider for insertion/removal.
3. Pills, Patch, Ring, Shots
Pros: Noninvasive, widely available, may help with acne or heavy periods.
Cons: Requires routine adherence, possible side effects (nausea, mood changes), may not suit certain health conditions.
4. Barrier Methods
Pros: No hormones, immediate use, protection from STIs (for condoms), reversible immediately.
Cons: User-dependent, less effective under real-life use, requires planning each time.
5. Emergency Contraception
Pros: Backup option in a pinch, copper IUD doubles as long-term birth control.
Cons: Not suitable as ongoing protection, effectiveness decreases over time after intercourse.
6. Sterilization
Pros: Permanent, very reliable.
Cons: Irreversible for most, requires surgery, and does not protect against STIs.
How Do You Match Your Lifestyle with the Right Choice?
Busy schedule or difficulty with daily routines? LARCs are low maintenance and highly reliable.
Sensitive to hormones or concerned about side effects? Try non-hormonal options like condoms or copper IUDs.
Looking for symptom relief like lighter periods or acne improvement? Hormonal methods may help.
At risk for STIs? Pair condoms with another method for best protection.
Planning pregnancy soon? Choose reversible options that align with your timeline, like pills or rings.
How Does Decision-Making Change Over Time?
Your needs and priorities evolve over time:
- In your 20s: You might prioritize reliability and simplicity, with room to pivot when ready for pregnancy.
- In your 30s: You may seek methods that balance symptom management and planning for future family goals.
- In your 40s+: Hormonal needs may shift, side effect tolerance may change, and nearing menopause may influence your method choice.
Flexibility and reassessment are key.
What Should You Discuss with Your Healthcare Provider?
A good conversation includes:
- Your reproductive goals and timeline
- Current health history or medical conditions
- Lifestyle factors
- Concerns about hormones or side effects
- Need for STI protection
- Cost and access preferences
Can Birth Control Help with Conditions Like PCOS or Endometriosis?
Yes. Birth control is often prescribed not only for contraception but also to manage symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis.
What Should You Know About Hormonal vs. Non-Hormonal Methods?
Hormonal methods: Regulate ovulation, thicken cervical mucus, may reduce PMS and acne.
Non-hormonal methods: Do not interfere with hormone levels, avoid synthetic hormones, but require careful use.
What If You’re Not Sexually Active—Do You Still Need Birth Control?
Yes, in some cases. Birth control can also be used to manage irregular cycles, acne, endometriosis, or perimenopausal symptoms.
How Do You Know If It’s Time to Change Your Birth Control?
Signs it might be time: persistent side effects, lifestyle changes, planning pregnancy, new health conditions, entering new life stages.
Can You Use More Than One Birth Control Method at a Time?
Yes, this is known as dual protection. Hormonal + condom is common for both pregnancy and STI prevention.
How Soon Does Each Birth Control Method Start Working?
Depends on method and timing in menstrual cycle. Pills, patch, and ring protect immediately if started within 5 days of period. IUDs and implants vary. Condoms work instantly.
What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Birth Control?
Hormonal methods may cause nausea, spotting, breast tenderness, mood changes, or headaches. Non-hormonal methods may cause heavier bleeding (copper IUD) or irritation (condoms).
How Does Birth Control Affect Your Period?
Hormonal methods often lighten or regulate periods, sometimes stopping them altogether. Non-hormonal methods like copper IUD may increase bleeding at first.
What Role Does Birth Control Play After Giving Birth?
Postpartum, methods like progestin-only pills, hormonal IUDs, implants, or copper IUDs are safe and effective. Barrier methods are also options.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website, including blog posts, is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. As a board-certified physician, I aim to share insights based on clinical experience and current medical knowledge. However, this content should not be used as a substitute for individualized medical care, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your own healthcare provider before making any changes to your health, medications, or lifestyle. Westside Women's Health and its affiliates disclaim any liability for loss, injury, or damage resulting from reliance on the information presented here.