Choosing Birth Control
As the advancements in birth control methods have increased throughout the years, so have the number of options that are available to women. Today there are more than 15 types of birth control to choose from, including:
Hormonal-based contraceptives
- Birth control pills
- IUDs
- NuvaRing (a vaginal ring that releases hormones throughout the month)
- Implanon (a matchstick-sized rod that is implanted in the upper arm)
Barrier-method contraceptives
- Condoms
- Cervical Cap (a smaller version of the diaphragm)
- Diaphragm (a rubber or latex cup that fits over the cervix to block sperm)
Permanent birth control
- Tubal ligation (surgical procedure in which the fallopian tubes are cut to prevent fertilization of the egg)
- Vasectomy
While their intention is the same, each method has unique properties and one may be better suited to you than the others. Consulting with your gynecologist is the easiest and most efficient way to find out which method is best for you.