What are the types of birth control?
Many types of birth control are available that offer different levels of effectiveness, convenience, and side effects. In general, you can choose from:
- Barrier methods, such as male and female condoms, diaphragms, and the cervical cap
- Long-acting contraceptives, such as hormonal implants and intrauterine devices (IUDs)
- Short-acting hormonal contraceptives, such as the pill, patch, or shot
- Natural rhythm methods, which has you monitor your cycle so you avoid intercourse on the days you’re most fertile
Sterilization, such as tubal ligation, is also a possibility for permanent birth control.
How do I choose the best type of birth control?
Consider a number of factors when you’re determining which birth control method to use. Issues to think about include:
- When or if you want to get pregnant
- The effectiveness of each method
- Side effects of each method
- How often you have sex and the number of partners you typically have
- Your overall health
- Convenience of each method
Some methods require more work on your part, such as inserting a sponge each time you have intercourse or taking a pill daily. Other methods, such as IUDs, are implanted, so you don’t have to think about them, but they keep you from getting pregnant for several years.
Does any type of birth control offer protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?
The only type of birth control that offers some protection from STDs are male and female condoms. If you have multiple partners or have a partner that is not monogamous to you, condoms are important in protecting your sexual health.
Condoms, however, aren’t the most effective protection against pregnancy. For the best protection against pregnancy and STDs, use dual protection, such as a condom and the pill or an IUD.
What types of birth control are only available at a doctor’s office?
If you decide you want a prescription for oral contraceptives or access to the patch, a diaphragm, injections, or the vaginal ring, Physicians for Women El Paso can help.
IUDs and hormonal implants are also only available in a doctor’s office and are administered in a simple procedure.
Condoms, spermicides, and sponges are available in drug stores without a prescription. Emergency contraception pills are also available over-the-counter, but aren’t as effective as other forms of birth control and should only be used when your regular method fails.
To learn more about your options for birth control, call Physicians for Women El Paso or book an appointment online.
