Everything You Need To Know About The Different Types Of Contraceptives

Whether you are putting the F in foreplay or going straight at it like animals during mating season, I strongly hope you’re not just having great sex but safe sex. Choosing the right birth control method can be quite a confusing task, I mean there are so many options to choose from and let’s not forget the side effects that some of these methods have, that must be considered. In this article, based on my research, I will be giving you a rundown on everything you need to know about the different types of contraceptives. I’m talking pros, cons, how they work and how effective each option is.

The methods listed are the most common of all the contraceptives and are also reversible. They are listed in the order of most effective to least effective.

The Hormonal IUD / Mirena

This is a T shaped internal contraceptive that is inserted into the uterus by a clinician, it lasts for a duration of 5 years and can be taken out sooner. The hormonal IUD releases the hormone, progestin (which is synthetic progesterone) into your uterus, this causes the uterine mucus to thicken in order to inhibit the motility of the sperm and therefore prevents the sperm from reaching the egg. Some women experience irregular bleeding and cramping after the insertion of the hormonal IUD, this is mostly in the first 3 – 6 months but it usually gets better after this period.

Before the hormonal IUD can be inserted, a clinician must first perform a pelvic exam to first determine the size and position of your uterus. Next, they would insert a speculum, like when you have a pap smear, then would proceed to wash off your cervix. The clinician would then insert the IUD through your cervix and into the uterus. The insertion can be crampy but it usually takes less than 5 minutes. Ibuprofen and other medications help with the cramps.

There are strings attached to the Mirena that softens over time and it usually does not cause any discomfort during sexual intercourse with a partner.

Pros: This birth control method is safe, convenient, 99% effective and long lasting.

Cons: Irregular bleeding may occur especially within the first 6 months after insertion, but eventually your periods would become shorter, lighter and may even stop altogether. This method does not protect you against Sexually Transmitted Diseases.

The Non-Hormonal IUD / Copper IUD / Paragard

The non-hormonal IUD is also a T shaped internal contraceptive method that is inserted into the uterus by a clinician essentially the same way as the hormonal IUD. It lasts for a duration of 10 years and can be taken out sooner. It is made of plastic and copper and releases no hormones into the uterus. Spotting may be experienced after the first few months of the insertion of this Intrauterine device and in some women, periods may become heavier or crampier especially within the first 3 – 6 months of insertion, although it may get better.

The Paragard also has strings attached to it that become soft and usually does not cause any discomfort to you or your partner during sex.

Pros: This birth control option does not contain any hormones and does not interrupt your period cycle. It is safe, convenient, 99% effective and long lasting.

Cons: Your periods may get heavier or crampier, although this may get better overtime. Copper Intrauterine devices do not protect you from Sexually Transmitted Diseases.

The Implant / Implanon / Nexplanon

This method and the above two methods are the three most effective forms of contraceptive, and are also reversible. They are just as effective as sterilization or getting your tubes tied.

The implant lasts for a duration of 3 years and can be taken out sooner. It is a small rod placed under the skin of your arm, between your bicep and triceps. You can feel it but you usually cannot see it. The implant releases the hormone progesterone which can cause irregular bleeding for up to a month, 6 months, a year or even 3 years. While this is a common experience of users of this method, some women experience relatively no bleeding at all.

The insertion of this implant is done in three easy steps: The clinician will wash off your arm then inject some numbing medicine, and lastly place the implant under your skin. You will need to wear a bandage on your arm for at least a day.

Pros: This birth control method is safe, convenient, 99% effective and long lasting.

Cons: You may experience irregular bleeding after insertion and it does not protect you against Sexually Transmitted Diseases.

The Contraceptive Injection / Depo-Provera

The Depo-Provera shot is an injection of the hormone progesterone into your bloodstream, which prevents ovulation. It is useful for women who cannot use contraception that contains oestrogen. This method when used correctly is more than 99% effective. The shot is given every 3 months, which means you would have to return to your provider on a regular basis to take it. It can cause irregular bleeding or spotting in some women but usually improves over time. Some other common side effects of this shot are weight gain, vaginal dryness, dizziness, headaches and sore breasts.

Pros: This birth control method is safe, convenient and 94% effective, and it may improve premenstrual symptoms.

Cons: You may experience irregular bleeding after taking this shot but eventually your periods may stop altogether. You must be willing to see a clinician every three months to take the shot. This method does not protect you against Sexually Transmitted Diseases.

Birth Control Pills

There are two types of oral contraceptives; the combination pill (which contains both oestrogen and progesterone) and the mini pill or progesterone only pill (POP.) The oestrogen contained in the combination pill serves the purpose of preventing the release of an egg so that there is nothing to fertilize, while the progesterone pill causes the uterine mucus to thicken in order to hinder the motility of the sperm and prevent it from getting to the egg.

The standard way to take the (combination) pill is to take 1 every day for 21 days, then taking a break for 7 days so you can have your period. Then after 7 days, you start taking the pill again. When taken correctly, the pill is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. These pills need to be taken everyday and at the same time to be effective. Most women using this method usually experience regular, lighter or shorter periods, while some may experience irregular bleeding or spotting, nausea, bloating and breast tenderness.

Please note; if you have medical problems such as high blood pressure or migraine headaches, you should avoid oestrogen.

Pros: Birth control pills are safe and may help improve your premenstrual symptoms. This option does not interrupt your period cycle and helps with irregular bleeding.

Cons: You must remember to take the pill on a daily basis and at the same time for it to be effective. If you don’t do this, along with forgetting to take the pill entirely, or if you’re vomiting or having severe diarrhea, you can get pregnant. Some medicines may also make the pill less effective, so you will have to check in with your doctor if you’re taking any other tablets. Women have claimed that taking the pill caused them to be depressed, but there’s no research at the moment that confirms the link between the pill and depression. This birth control method does not protect you against Sexually Transmitted Diseases.

The Transdermal Patch / The Patch

The patch is an adhesive you place on the skin that releases both oestrogen and progesterone into your system through permeation. It needs to be changed on the same day every week for 3 weeks whether or not you’re having sex. On the fourth week, which can be known as your “off week”, you don’t wear the patch in order to have your period.

When used correctly, the patch is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy, according to NHS. Most women using this method usually experience regular, lighter or shorter periods, while some may experience irregular bleeding or spotting, nausea, bloating and breast tenderness.

Pros: This option is safe, comfortable and may help regulate your menstrual cycle.

Cons: You will need to remember to change your patch every week on the same day for 3 weeks. This method does not protect you against Sexually Transmitted Infections, so you may need to use condoms.

The Vaginal Ring

These are small and flexible rings which can be inserted into the vagina without a physician. This internal contraceptive releases the hormones, oestrogen and progesterone into the uterus and needs to be changed every 4 weeks. There’s no perfect way to insert the birth control ring, all you need to do is place it into your vagina to where you can no longer feel it. One ring provides contraception for a month, so you don’t have to think about it everyday. The ring is supposed to be comfortable for you and your partner during sex.

This method if used correctly, is more than 99% effective. Most women using this method usually experience regular, lighter or shorter periods, while some may experience irregular bleeding or spotting, nausea, bloating and breast tenderness.

Some women leave the ring in for three weeks and take it out on the fourth week in order to have their period.

Pros: This option is safe, comfortable and may help regulate your menstrual cycle.

Cons: You will need to remember to change the ring every month. This method does not protect you against Sexually Transmitted Infections.

Condoms / Female Condoms

These are physical barriers that physically block the sperm from meeting the egg. There are external and internal condoms; the external condoms are the type you roll onto an erect penis while the internal condoms are the type you insert into your vagina. It is meant to sit at the opening of the cervix on one end and cover the external genitalia on the other end, you can insert it 8 hours before sex.

Male condoms when used alone are 82% effective at preventing unwanted pregnancy, this means that typically 18 out of 100 women using just condoms become pregnant in the first year, while female condoms when used alone are 79% effective, meaning around 21 in 100 women will get pregnant in the first year, according to NHS. The risk of unwanted pregnancy and getting Sexually Transmitted Infections can be further decreased when you couple this method with another birth control option. Condoms are the only method that protects you against Sexually Transmitted Infections.

Here are some things you should remember when using a condom;

Do not use animal skin condoms as they do not protect you against STIs.
Always check for an air pocket in the condoms packaging, if you can squeeze an air pocket then the condom could be damaged and you should throw it away.
Always check for an expiration date, an expired condom should never be used.
Only use water-based lubricants with latex condoms.
Store condoms in cool and dry places, out of direct sunlight.
A new condom should be used for each act of sexual intercourse, including oral, anal and vaginal sex. Never use the same condom twice.

Pros: This option is safe and comfortable and it is the only method that protects you against Sexually Transmitted Infections.

Cons: In rare cases where the condom breaks, you will need to result to using an emergency contraceptive.

The Morning After Pill / Emergency Contraceptives

This option can be used in the case where you have had unprotected sex or other contraceptive methods have failed you. This method includes pills like Next Choice, Ellaone, Plan B, Postinor as well as the non-hormonal copper IUD.

An emergency contraceptive pill can be taken up to 3-5 days after unprotected sex, although the sooner you take it the better for you. The copper IUD can also be placed up to 5 days after unprotected sex and is 99% effective at preventing unwanted pregnancies. You may also result to this method of contraception if you missed your birth control pills or were late for your birth control shot.

An emergency pill is not as effective as a copper IUD and should not be used as a primary method, this option functions by preventing your ovulation and if taken within 24 hours, it is 95% effective.

Read: Here’s What Happened When I Used An Emergency Contraceptive

Pros: The copper IUD is the most effective form of emergency contraception. The emergency contraceptive method is safe and effective; depending on the time frame you decide to use it.

Cons: This method does not protect you against Sexually Transmitted Infections.

Well, there you have it. Everything you need to know about the different contraceptive methods. I suggest you consult an obstetrician-gynecologist when deciding the best birth control option for you.