Contraception comes in various forms and some are better than others, depending on your lifestyle habits. When looking at all of the different options out there, it can be overwhelming trying to pick the right one. Whether you’re using birth control as a form of contraception or to aid in a medical condition, no two are alike.
Here is a guide to help you figure out what options could be the best for you. It’s important to look into the positive and negative side effects of each contraceptive method and discuss all options with a doctor first.
The girl who is consistent, organized, and has an often-changing lifestyle
1. Birth Control Pills
Birth control pills are one of the most common forms of contraception. There are many types of birth control pill options that differ in hormone levels and types. Birth control pills can be used for pregnancy prevention, clearing up acne, aiding in PMS symptoms, as well as many other healthcare purposes. Birth control pills are good options for those who are consistent and are good at staying on schedule. Also, they can be changed and stopped at any time if needed.
2. Birth Control Ring
This is a small, flexible ring that you place inside of your vagina, which then releases hormones into your body. You remove the ring on the week of your scheduled period and replace it once your period is over. The ring is only effective if you consistently use it the correct way and stay on schedule for your insertion and removal days.
The girl who’s a little forgetful but has long-term goals
1. The Implant (Nexplanon)
This birth control implant is a small rod-like device that is implanted into your arm. It releases hormones into your body that help to prevent you from getting pregnant. These last up to 5 years and you have the option of getting it taken out at any time before then. This option is good for those who are forgetful when it comes to taking a birth control pill and for those who don’t plan on conceiving for the next 5 years.
2. IUD
IUDs have increased in popularity as a way to prevent pregnancy and come in various kinds. It is a small device that is inserted into the uterus as a more long-term method. It’s reversible at any time, but it does last between 3 to 7 years depending on what kind you use. There are hormonal IUDs for those who prefer hormones to help imbalances, or there’s a copper IUD that does not contain any hormones. Copper IUD’s are typically for women who already have had children, but all women can use this as a form of contraception.
The girl who works best when there’s a set schedule
The Shot (Depo Shot)
These are given every 3 months and contain the hormone, progestin. This will require you to go to the doctor’s roughly every 3 months to get the shot in order for it to work effectively. You can start the shot at any time you’d like, but it’s effective the quickest if you start it within the first 7 days of your period.
Patch
The patch is worn on your stomach, arm, back, or butt as a form of contraception. The patch releases hormones into your body through your skin and needs to be replaced every 3 weeks. This means paying close attention to your patch, keeping a schedule of your period, and knowing when the patch must be changed.
The girl who doesn’t want any change in her lifestyle, but wants to prevent pregnancy
Condoms
Condoms are a great traditional way to not only prevent pregnancy but also to prevent the contraction of STDs. These are easy to use and affordable. As a girl, it’s a great idea to always have these on hand so that you don’t have to rely on your partner to provide them. These come in options for males or females, depending on which you’re the most comfortable with.
Diaphragm
This is a shallow, flexible cup that you put in your vagina to cover your cervix. It doesn’t contain any hormones and it prevents the sperm from making contact with the egg. These require a prescription from your doctor as they need to be properly fitted for you. It’s also a good idea to use spermicide in addition to your diaphragm to make sure it is the most effective. For more information on how to use a diaphragm, go here!
The girl who just wings it
Emergency Contraception
Also known as the morning-after pill, the emergency contraception is a pill you take within 72 hours of unprotected sex to prevent an accidental pregnancy before it starts. This is for the girl who maybe didn’t plan on having sex or had some type of mishap happen during sex, such as the condom breaking.