The Pros & Cons Of Different Forms Of Birth Control

If you’re considering adopting a form of birth control, it pays to know more about your options so that you can make the best decision for you and your family. Below, we take a closer look at some of the pros and cons of different forms of birth control.

Benefits Of Different Forms Of Birth Control

Here’s a look at some of the most popular forms of birth control and a quick look at some of the benefits and drawbacks of each. If you have questions or want more information about any of these forms of birth control, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at MetroPartners OBGYN.

• The Birth Control Pill – Birth control pills have become safer than ever before, and they are very effective at preventing pregnancy when taken correctly. There are a number of different birth control pills on the market, so you can find a pill that’s right for you. It is a very common form of birth control, and as we noted, you need to take the pills correctly in order for them to be effective. Pill effectiveness can dip if you forget to take your pill at the same time every day or you take certain medications. Some patients will experience mild symptoms as their body adjusts to its presence, with the most common side effects being nausea, stomach discomfort and weight gain.

• Intrauterine Device (IUD) – IUDs are the most common reversible form of birth control in the world. These are small, T-shaped devices that are inserted into the uterus that change the way sperm cells move so that they cannot reach and fertilize the egg. Not only are they highly effective, resulting in less than one pregnancy per 100 women per year, but the device can be removed if you experience any side effects or decide that you no longer wish to proactively prevent a pregnancy. The device needs to be surgically implanted, which can cause some short-term discomfort, and the most common side effects include cramping and nausea. Serious side effects are very rare, but you’ll want to discuss these with your care team if you are considering an IUD.

• Vaginal Ring – The vaginal ring is a contraceptive device that a woman can insert on her own that provides protection against pregnancy for three weeks. Standard use involves leaving the ring in place for three weeks before removing it for seven days, and then beginning the process again with a new ring. The ring works by steadily releasing certain hormones into your bloodstream, which prevents the release of an egg and thickens your cervical mucus, which makes it harder for sperm to move through the cervix. Some people say that the ring helps to lessen menstrual symptoms and lighten their period, but others note that side effects can include increased vaginal discharge, breast tenderness and headaches. It’s also possible for the ring to dislodge on its own.

• Permanent Sterilization – The final form of birth control that we’ll touch on in this blog is permanent sterilization. Tubal ligation, also sometimes called having your “tubes tied,” is a procedure that addresses your fallopian tubes, which are the passageway for the egg to travel from the ovary to the uterus. During a tubal ligation, these fallopian tubes will be cut, tied or otherwise sealed shut, or a different procedure called a bilateral salpingectomy can be used to completely remove the tubes. This is the most effective form of birth control, but there will be some general discomfort as a result of the surgical procedure, and the process cannot normally be reversed, meaning there is the possibility that the biggest disadvantage is regret.

If you have questions about any of the above forms of birth control, or you want to learn more about the right option for you at this point in your life, reach out to the team at MetroPartners OBGYN today at (651) 770-3320.