Women’s birth control options come in several forms but all provide the same service: pregnancy prevention. Many also help regulate periods and mitigate problems such as severe menstrual cramps and acne. Whatever your motives are for going on birth control, review options here before talking to a gynecologist for a better idea of what you want.

What Are Some of the Most Common Women’s Birth Control Options?

Implants & Intrauterine Devices

Both birth control implants and intrauterine devices (IUDs) are 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. An implant is a thin, tiny rod inserted under the skin in the upper arm that releases the progestin hormone. It stops eggs from leaving the ovaries and thickens cervical mucus to create barriers between eggs and sperm. It lasts up to five years before needing replacement.

An IUD is a tiny, flexible plastic device inserted into the uterus that uses progestin to stop conception. The device also comes in copper, which repels sperm. Hormonal IUDs last three to seven years, depending on the brand, while copper versions provide birth control for up to 12 years.

Other Hormonal Methods

Additional hormone-based options include shots, rings, pills, and patches. Injections and vaginal rings must be utilized on a schedule to be effective.

The shot contains progestin to stop ovulation and thicken cervical mucus. It gets injected four times a year, or every three months. It’s 94% effective at pregnancy prevention.

Vaginal rings are small, flexible rings worn within the vagina that use progestin and estrogen to provide 91% effective pregnancy prevention. Rings require monthly replacement.

The original form of hormonal birth control, the pill must be taken every day to work and uses estrogen and progestin to prevent pregnancy. Women often carry pills in their bags or use reminder apps so they don’t forget to take them.

Patches release progestin and estrogen through the skin to stop conception and require weekly replacement. Pills and patches are both 91% effective.

Barrier Methods

For women who don’t want to use hormonal birth control methods or aren’t good candidates for them, there are barrier methods such as female condoms, sponges, diaphragms, and cervical caps. They can be used alone or with spermicide to prevent pregnancy by not allowing sperm to reach the egg. Barrier methods are 76% to 88% effective depending on the type and whether they’re used correctly. 

If you need birth control services, turn to Alaska Women’s Health PC. Based in Anchorage, this women’s health center has provided compassionate services for over 30 years and is the only provider certified in Safety Certification in Outpatient Excellence (SCOPE). Call (907) 563-7228 today to schedule an appointment, or visit the center online for reproductive service information. Like the Facebook page for more wellness tips.