How to Choose a Birth Control Method
Birth control methods depend on the couple’s needs and commitment to the method. Some couples just need to prevent pregnancy while others wish to avoid sexually-transmitted diseases as well. Here’s a rundown on birth control methods, their effectiveness and risks.
Abstinence
Commitment to abstinence and not having sex at all is a foolproof way of preventing pregnancy.
Benefits:Absolutely free of pregnancy or STI risks.
Risks: Abstinence requires commitment. People may slip and you may catch yourself off guard without any protection at all.
Effectiveness: Completely effective.
Best for: People in a committed and monogamous relationship.
Withdrawal
Withdrawal refers to having intercourse but ejaculating outside of the vaginal canal.
Benefits: Not using a condom.
Risks: Withdrawal is a very, very unsafe birth control method. Sperm can escape from the penis even without the man ejaculating fully. STI risk.
Effectiveness: Less effective.
Best for: Couples who are simply avoiding getting pregnant but can handle it if they do.
Outercourse
Outercourse refers to sexual acts without the penis penetrating the vagina. Since there is no vaginal penetration, there is no way the sperm can enter the woman’s uterus.
Benefits: No risk of pregnancy.
Risks: STIs can still be transferred in this method.
Effectiveness: Very effective.
Best for: Adventurous couples who absolutely do not want to get pregnant.
Barrier Method (Condoms)
Barrier method simply means using using a physical barrier to prevent sperm from getting into the uterus. Barrier methods include condoms, diaphragms and cervical caps. The latter two are for women, which they need to get fitted for by their ob-gyne before using.
Benefits: Condoms are inexpensive, accessible and also provide protection against sexually-transmitted infections (STIs).
Risks: Female condoms are not as effective as normal condoms and do not protect you against STIs. There is also a 1% of getting pregnant due to damaged condoms.
Effectiveness: Effective for male condoms, less effective for female condoms. Here are instructions for how to put on a condom.
Best for: People with multiple partners, couples with multiple partners, and people who have had sexual relations with different people prior their current partner.
Birth Control Pills
Birth control pills are pills you must take daily at the same time of the day. The pills release hormones that prevent ovulation and pregnancy.
Benefits: Hormonal birth control pills are the birth control method of choice for many women.
Risks: Taking other medication may interfere with this method’s efficacy. Missing a day, or not taking the pill in time may render the method completely ineffective. STI risk (birth control pills do NOT protect against STIs). Varied side effects for women. Best taken under a doctor’s supervision.
Effectiveness: Effective
Best for: Couples who are not an STI risk to each other, women who can follow the pill schedule.
Birth Control Patch
A patch applied that releases hormones and prevents pregnancy. It’s applied in a particular area on your body. You use a new patch every week for three weeks.
Benefits: Uses hormones to prevent pregnancy.
Risks: STI risk. Patches can fall off. The first use of the patch may require having a backup contraceptive method. Attaching a new patch on your skin must take place on the same day and time you attached the last one the week before. Varied side effects for women. Patches can be visible to others.
Effectiveness: Effective
Best for: Women who consistently forget to drink birth control pills on schedule and couples who are not an STI risk to each other.
Birth Control Shot
Hormone injection in the arm or buttocks once every three months.
Benefits: One shot only every three months,
Risks: STI risks. Same side effects as birth control pills.
Effectiveness: Effective
Best for: Women who forget to put on patches or drink pills. Couples who are not an STI risk to each other.
Emergency Contraception Pill
Also known as the morning after pill, taken within 72 hours after having unprotected sex.
Benefits: Instant prevention even without taking prior protection.
Risks: Must be taken immediately, under a doctor or neophysician’s supervision. Effectiveness depends greatly on the time the pill was taken, and the ovulation stage you are in. STI risk.
Effectiveness: Very effective
Best for: Emergencies like unplanned sex, a broken condom or failure to take birth control pills two days in a row.