What are the different types of birth control?
Birth control refers to any medicine, procedure, or method you use to prevent pregnancy. There are many different types of birth control available, including:
Barrier methods
Barrier methods include condoms, diaphragms, and sponges. These methods prevent pregnancy by blocking sperm from reaching the egg. You don’t need a prescription for barrier birth control and must use them every time you have sex.
Hormonal birth control methods
Hormonal birth control methods, such as the pill, vaginal ring, patch, and shot, require a prescription. These types use hormones to prevent ovulation and alter the conditions in your uterus to prevent pregnancy.
Long-acting reversible contraceptives
Otherwise known as LARCs, these highly effective methods include intrauterine devices (IUDs) and hormonal implants. After Dr. Kerr inserts them, these methods last 3-10 years without any further action from you.
Permanent birth control
All other birth control methods described are reversible if you decide you want children at a later time. Sterilization procedures such as tubal ligation provide permanent birth control for women who know they’re finished having children.
How effective is birth control?
The effectiveness of birth control varies depending on the type you use and how diligent you are in using it properly. The only 100% effective way to prevent pregnancy is to avoid sex. However, methods such as sterilization and LARCs come very close by preventing 99% of pregnancies.
Other types of birth control, such as short-acting hormonal methods, are less effective (about 91%) because it’s so easy to forget to take your pill or change your patch.
Methods like the implant and IUD provide steady, consistent contraception without the stress of adding one more thing to your to-do list.
How do I know which method of birth control is right for me?
During your appointment, Dr. Kerr spends time with you discussing your medical history and lifestyle demands. She carefully evaluates this information before recommending the best types of birth control for your specific needs.
She asks about your personal timeline for when you would like to conceive, if ever. She also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each type of contraception to help you make an informed decision.
To learn more, call the office of Mary Kerr, M.D., Inc., or schedule an appointment online today.
