What is the best birth control method?
Good question!
This is an important decision…so plan ahead and educate yourself.
There are a variety of birth control options with their own unique pros and cons.
Become educated about the methods available to determine what is right for you.
Types of Birth Control
- Hormonal methods- These methods are one of the best and the most common for preventing pregnancy. Some of these methods include the following: The skin patch, vaginal ring, Depo-Provera shots, birth control pills, the Mirena IUD w/ Levonorgestrel, and the implant.
- Barrier method - This method does not prevent a woman from getting pregnant like the hormonal methods. They must be used each time you have sex. These methods include the following: condoms, sponges, and diaphragms.
- IUD’s or Intrauterine devices – This apparatus is placed in the uterus. They can work from 5 to 10 years very well and is a very safe method to use. The Mirena IUD is included in this group and has a hormone that is able to lessen menstrual symptoms, such as, cramping and heavy cycles.
- Sterilization – Women go through a procedure called tubal ligation where the fallopian tubes are tied and blocked. Men can be sterilized by a vasectomy; a tiny incision is made with the vasa deferentia. These methods are permanent.
- Natural method - This method is also called fertility awareness and works only if you are very careful. It’s not always considered the best birth control option. Keeping good records and documenting the days in which you are most fertile is a must with this method. A barrier method or abstinence will need to be used on days when you are most fertile.
- Emergency treatment (morning after treatment) – This is a medication that is only used when a birth control method has failed knowingly.
Always engage in responsible sex! Consult your Doctor, or go to clinic such as “Planned Parenthood” for professional advice.
