We all know that sex is better when you\u2019re not worried about unwanted pregnancy, and finding a contraceptive you trust will allow you to relax and have a fulfilling intimate relationship. As women, our birth control options have increased exponentially in the last 50 years, but more choices can make it harder to choose the right one for you.<\/p>\n
The most important step is talking to your gynecologist since most birth control is prescription only and you need to know how it will affect your health. However, it\u2019s good to narrow down the choices before your go, so check out our guide to the most common types of birth control and who they\u2019re most suitable for.<\/p>\n
Condoms come in two forms: male and female. The male condom is a sheath of latex, polyurethane or natural materials that is worn over the man\u2019s penis during sex. The female condom is a wider sheath of polyurethane that is placed inside the vagina before sex and removed afterwards. Latex and polyurethane condoms are the only birth control that doubles as protection against sexually transmitted infections<\/i>, so if you\u2019re not in a monogamous relationship or are worried about transmission, they are an absolute must. Natural material condoms do NOT<\/b> protect from STIs.
\nLasts: <\/b>one-time use<\/p>\n
Who they\u2019re for<\/b>: Everyone! Especially women who don\u2019t want to use hormonal methods and don\u2019t have latex allergies. Most drugstores carry them and they don\u2019t require a doctor\u2019s visit \u2013 so why not keep a few on-hand just in case? They\u2019re also a great backup method if you doubt your main method for any reason (like forgetting to take your pill) and a smart choice if you\u2019re worried about STIs.<\/p>\n This shallow, flexible silicone cup is placed inside your vagina over your cervix along with spermicide, and must be left in for 6 to 8 hours after sex. Your doctor will help you find the right \u201cfit\u201d and check the diaphragm for holes to ensure protection. Who it\u2019s for: <\/b>Women who can\u2019t use hormonal birth control and dislike or can\u2019t use condoms. You should also be at a stable weight, as changes in weight can affect the fit and efficacy of the cup.<\/p>\n To prevent pregnancy, hormone contraceptives stop the ovaries from releasing eggs, without an egg there is nothing for sperm to fertilize and no pregnancy. It also makes cervical mucus thicker, which can block sperm from reaching the egg.<\/p>\n These prescription pills containing hormones must be taken every day. Combination (estrogen and progestin) pills are also sometimes prescribed to regulate hormones and treat everything from irregular periods and acne to PMS symptoms. Progestin-only pills must be taken at the same time every day to be effective. If you miss your pill by more than 3 hours you\u2019ll need to use a back-up method \u2013 like condoms. Who it\u2019s for: <\/b>Women who can remember to take their pills every day (and at the same time for progestin pills) and who want added benefit of regulating their period. Estrogen can cause high blood pressure, blood clots, and increase the occurrence of stroke in smokers, so if you have any of these risks your doctor might prescribe a progestin-only pill. Unlike estrogen, progestin does not affect milk production so it\u2019s also safe to use while breastfeeding.<\/p>\n The patch is a thin strip of plastic \u2013 like a bandaid \u2013 that contains estrogen and progestin. You place it on the skin of your abdomen, buttocks, or upper body once per week for 3 weeks \u2013 the 4th<\/sup>week you don\u2019t wear one. Who it\u2019s for: <\/b>Women who have trouble remembering or don\u2019t want to take a pill each day. Just be aware that it provides 60% more estrogen than combination pills, so women who smoke or have a high risk of blood clots, stroke or migraines shouldn\u2019t use it.<\/p>\n This is a two-inch flexible ring containing a combination of estrogen and progestin that is inserted into the vagina for 3 weeks and removed for the 4th<\/sup>.\u00a0 Don\u2019t worry, the ring won\u2019t interfere with sex, neither you nor your partner should notice it during intercourse. Who it\u2019s for: <\/b>If you only want to think about your birth control once per month, the ring definitely makes life a bit easier. It has the same risks as other estrogen containing methods, so be sure to discuss it with your doctor.<\/p>\n The shot is a progestin-only injection, given by your doctor once every 3 months. Though it does mean regular doctor visits, it\u2019s one of the most effective forms of hormonal birth control and gives you 12 weeks of protection. Who it\u2019s for: <\/b>\u00a0If you want longer-term protection, and don\u2019t mind a periodic jab with a needle, the shot might be for you. Women who cannot take estrogen or are breastfeeding can also use it.<\/p>\n The implant is a piece of plastic about the size of matchstick, containing progestin that is inserted under the skin of your inner arm. Who it\u2019s for: <\/b>Women who can\u2019t use estrogen hormones and don\u2019t want children for a few years. There is limited efficacy for overweight women, so be sure to discuss all health issues with your doctor.<\/p>\n *Women on the shot and implant often stop having their periods while using them, but normal menstruation returns after stopping.<\/p>\n An IUDs is a \u201cT\u201d shaped piece of plastic inserted into your uterus by your doctor. IUDs have 2 options: the hormonal IUD releases a small amount of progestin hormones while the copper IUD uses a small amount of (completely safe) copper. Who it\u2019s for: <\/b>Women who know they don\u2019t want children for several years. Just be aware that IUDs can cause increased cramping within the first year of use, especially the copper one. So if you\u2019re already clutching your ibuprofen and heating pad during your period you might want to pass on the IUD for now.<\/p>\n Tubal ligation (having your tubes tied) and tubal implantation are some of the most common methods for permanent sterilization of women. A doctor surgically closes or implants devices to block the fallopian tubes so a woman\u2019s eggs can\u2019t reach the uterus to be fertilized.Diaphragm<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nLasts: <\/b>up to 2 years with proper care<\/p>\nHormonal Methods<\/b><\/h2>\n
<\/b>The Pill<\/b><\/h3>\n
\nLasts: <\/b>one day (depending on when you start the pill, you may have to wait 7 days for full protection).<\/p>\nThe Patch<\/b><\/h3>\n
\nLasts:<\/b> 1 week<\/p>\nThe Ring<\/b><\/h3>\n
\nLasts:<\/b> 1 month<\/p>\nProgestin Shot<\/b><\/h3>\n
\nLasts:<\/b> 12 weeks<\/p>\nImplant<\/b><\/h3>\n
\nLasts:<\/b> 3 years.<\/p>\n<\/b>Other<\/b><\/h2>\n
Intra-Uterine Device (IUD)<\/b><\/h3>\n
\nLasts: <\/b>5 years (progestin) or 12 years (copper)<\/p>\nSterilization<\/b><\/h3>\n
\nLasts: <\/b>Permanent<\/p>\n