What is the best form of birth control?
There is no one size fits all contraceptive. In choosing the one that’s best suited for you, considerations include:
- Whether you want to become pregnant in the future and, if so, when.
- Whether you can tolerate hormones
- Your lifestyle
What are some of the most popular forms of birth control today?
Birth Control Pill
The pill has been among the most popular forms of birth control for decades. In addition to being 99% effective, many women appreciate that it reduces menstrual bleeding and cramping. However, you must remember to take the pill daily.
Depo Shot
The Depo Shot contains the hormone progestin, which prevents pregnancy by stopping ovulation. It also works by making cervical mucus thicker. The Depo Shot is 94% effective and must be administered every three months.
IUD (intrauterine device)
This is a tiny T-shaped device that's implanted inside the uterus during a simple office procedure. IUDs are 99% effective and provide birth control by preventing eggs from adhering to the walls of the uterus and have fewer side effects than the birth control pill. Once an IUD is implanted, it can remain in place from 3 to 10 years, depending on the type used. There are two types of IUDs. A hormone IUD releases small amounts of progestin directly into the uterus, the same hormone used in many birth control pills. A copper IUD is a good option for women who don’t want to take any hormones. The copper ions prohibit sperm movement and thus, pregnancy.
What options exist for women who are done having children?
If you're done having babies and wish for a permanent birth control option, there are two options:
Tubal ligation
This is a surgical procedure that closes the fallopian tubes to stop a woman's eggs from contacting sperm, preventing pregnancy. This is a permanent procedure that's very difficult to reverse, so it should only be considered with careful direction from Dr. Burt.
Essure
Another form of permanent option for birth control, this one involves placing a coil within the fallopian tube that creates a tissue barrier to block the tube and prevent pregnancy. Essure reversal is possible, but less than half of the women who have reversal are able to become pregnant.
