• Birth Control

Birth Control: A Comprehensive Guide to Contraception

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to birth control methods. Birth control is an effective way to prevent pregnancy. Your lifestyle and health concerns are some of the reasons why one method of birth control may work better than another. 

Most birth control methods are at least 90% effective. The effectiveness of birth control options like the pill depends on how consistent you are with taking it. Both hormonal and non-hormonal birth control methods are available to choose from.

What is Birth Control?

Birth control is a contraceptive method that prevents pregnancy by stopping ovulation. While it can prevent pregnancy, hormonal birth control does not protect against STIs (sexually transmitted infections). 

Do you ovulate on birth control?

Hormonal birth control prevents ovulation. Non-hormonal birth control does not completely stop ovulation, but it does block sperm from fertilizing eggs in the uterus. While on non-hormonal birth control, you will still get a period every month.

Can you get pregnant on birth control?

No birth control method is 100% effective. While most birth control methods are at least 90% effective, it’s important to carefully follow instructions on using the birth control method you choose to avoid pregnancy.

What are the Different Types of Birth Control?

Depending on the type of birth control you use, it can start preventing pregnancy as soon as two days after starting the medication. 

Hormonal birth control methods have the hormones estrogen and progestin (a synthetic version of progesterone). They thicken cervical mucus to prevent sperm from fertilizing an egg which prevents pregnancy.

The most common types of birth control methods for women are female sterilization (ligation) and the birth control pill. However, there are additional birth control methods a healthcare provider can prescribe that are just as effective.

Birth control pill

If you choose the pill, when you start the pill will alter how soon it becomes the most effective. Some healthcare providers may suggest starting your first pill after your last period.

The birth control pill is a hormonal method that prevents pregnancy by injecting the body with progestin and estrogen. The standard pill is taken at the same time daily to prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg. There is also a mini pill that contains only progestin and no estrogen.

It’s important to stay consistent with taking the pill at the same time every day. While rare, it is possible to get pregnant while taking the pill if you miss multiple doses. Be sure to use an alternative form of birth control like condoms during the first week of starting birth control. 

IUD

Certain birth control methods like an IUD (intrauterine device) are immediately effective. They are the most common long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) options.

The two types of IUDs are copper IUDs — which are non-hormonal — and hormonal IUDs. Hormonal IUDs are replaced every three to five years. Copper IUDs are replaced every 10 years. The T-shaped device makes it more difficult for sperm to reach the egg. Hormonal IUDs release progesterone to prevent pregnancy.

While IUDs are 99% effective at preventing pregnancy, there are rare cases of ectopic pregnancies. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg fertilizes outside of the uterus. In some cases, an ectopic pregnancy can be fatal.

Hormonal implants

An implantable rod is another long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC). An implantable rod can last for as long as three years before needing to be replaced. This type of birth control works by preventing the ovaries from releasing an egg. Hormonal implants can be more than 99% effective when used correctly.

Female and male sterilization

This method of birth control is ideal for people who have decided they do not plan on having children in the future at all.

Female sterilization — also known as tube ligation — is the clipping or removing the fallopian tubes in women. There is also a form of birth control for men that involves cutting and sealing tubes in men that carry sperm to prevent egg fertilization. After the procedure, it can take weeks to recover from the procedure. 

Tubal ligation can be reversed, but it is not guaranteed that a woman will be able to have children afterward. 

Vaginal ring

The vaginal ring is a round device that prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg. The ring is worn for 21 days and removed for seven days before needing to be replaced. The ring is most effective when used exactly as instructed.

Birth control patch

This form of birth control works by releasing hormones into the body that prevent ovulation. The birth control patch can be worn on the upper arm for up to 21 days. After 21 days, you will need to replace the patch.

Birth control shot

The birth control shot is injected every three months. It prevents ovulation by releasing the progestin hormone. The birth control shot is around 94% effective, but it can be 99%  as long as a shot is not missed. Depo-Provera is one of the most common brands of the birth control shot.

Other methods of birth control

Barrier methods are pregnancy prevention options that can be used with other birth control methods. 

The following preventative measures do not require a prescription:

Condoms: Using condoms prevents HIV and other STIs. Some people may be allergic to latex condoms.

Diaphragms: A cup-shaped silicone barrier that is inserted into the vaginal canal before sex. It covers the cervix to prevent sperm from fertilizing an egg.

Sponge: A sponge is inserted into the vagina and covered with spermicide to cover the cervix. This method is not as effective as other barrier methods.

Cervical cap: A cervical cap is a rubber barrier placed over the cervix to prevent sperm from fertilizing an egg.

What Happens if You Miss a Birth Control Dose?

If you miss a birth control pill, you can take the missed pill the next day even if it means taking two at the same time. If you miss more than one pill, take the most recently missed dose the next day. Withdrawal or pulling out is not an effective birth control method.

What are the Side Effects of Birth Control?

Birth control is safe for most people. However, some types of birth control may increase your risk of high blood pressure and blood clots. Be sure to share your full medical history with a licensed healthcare provider before starting the medication.

Common side effects of using birth control may include:

• Cramping

• Irregular periods

• Breast soreness

• Upset stomach

• Headaches

There is a risk of severe side effects like:

• Weight gain

• Allergic reactions

• Pelvic inflammatory disease

• An IUD going through the wall of the uterus

• Toxic shock syndrome

While rare, an ectopic pregnancy can occur with certain hormonal birth control methods and female sterilization. Be sure to speak with a healthcare provider if you are having any potential symptoms of pregnancy.

Who should not take birth control?

The risk of blood clots while taking birth control is higher for people who smoke tobacco.

Certain medications like those for HIV, epilepsy, and certain antibiotics can make birth control less effective. Rifabutin and rifampicin are a few antibiotics that can reduce the effectiveness of birth control. 

Be sure to use a secondary form of birth control like condoms when taking other medications along with birth control.

If birth control methods fail, emergency contraception methods like Plan B One-Step are available at local pharmacies.

What happens if you stop taking birth control?

If you choose to stop taking birth control, your menstrual cycle will most likely go back to what it was before within three to six months. 

For those who temporarily stop their birth control use to have a baby, you can restart your birth control as soon as 21 days later without breastfeeding. For someone who is breastfeeding, you can start birth control six weeks after giving birth.

What are the Other Possible Benefits of Birth Control?

Not everyone starts birth control to prevent pregnancy. The birth control pill can help some people manage extremely heavy periods and severe PMS (premenstrual syndrome) symptoms.

Other uses of birth control besides pregnancy include treating the following:

• PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) symptoms

• Endometriosis

• Uterine fibroids

• Severe acne

It can also help lower the risk of endometrial and colon cancer, non-cancerous ovarian cysts, and iron deficiency anemia.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

Be sure to contact a healthcare provider if you are experiencing the following symptoms or any additional symptoms:

• Swelling

• Leg pain

• Changes in skin pigmentation

• Chest pain

At LifeMD, you can speak with a licensed healthcare provider about what birth control option may be best for you based on your health.

Book an appointment today to learn more about birth control options and tips for improving your overall health.

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