Birth Control

What are the main types of birth control?

When it comes to birth control, there are a dizzying array of options. To help you navigate the choices, birth control can largely be broken into the following categories:

Barrier

This type of birth control works by preventing sperm from reaching and fertilizing your egg. The main types of barrier methods are:

• Condoms (male and female)
• IUDs
• Diaphragms
• Cervical caps

More extreme barrier methods are permanent surgical solutions, like a vasectomy or tubal ligation.

Hormonal

With hormonal birth control, your hormones are usually regulated to prevent ovulation. The choices in this category largely come down to the delivery method, which includes: 

• Pills
• Vaginal rings
• Patches
• Implants
• Injections

Hormonal IUDs release the hormone progesterone locally to help with efficacy and reducing bleeding, but do not block ovulation. 

Natural

If you want an unassisted approach to family planning, learning about fertility awareness and ovulation prediction is essential. The doctors at OBGYN Westside will help you in deciding whether this would be the optimal method for you.  

How well does birth control work?

No birth control works 100% of the time except for complete abstinence. That said, many of the solutions listed above offer very good coverage and the following are just a few efficacy rates:

• IUD: 99%
• Birth control pills: 91%
• Condom: 85%
• Birth control injections: 94%

Again, this list is only a sample and your doctor at OBGYN Westside can supply you with further rates of protection for anything not listed here.

It’s also important to note that you have considerable influence over the efficacy rates of some of these birth control choices. For example, if you’re not able to keep up with taking your oral contraceptive every day, your protection rate drops considerably. These factors are important when making your decision on the best birth control option for you.

How do I know which birth control option is right for me?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question and it depends upon your lifestyle, your goals, and your current and past medical history. 

To get started, your GYN at OBGYN Westside sits down with you to review your choices and makes sure you have the information you need to make the best decision for you. 

To explore your birth control choices further, please call OBGYN Westside or request a consultation using the online booking tool.

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