Understanding Birth Control and Contraception Options for Women

This content was reviewed and approved by Amanda Wilkins, MSN, RNC, IBCLC, LCCE.

What Is Birth Control?

Birth control is a device, medication or technique designed to prevent pregnancies. There are several types of birth control methods. If you want to avoid getting pregnant, it’s helpful to learn about all the birth control options available so you can choose the method that’s right for you.

You might also hear people use the term “contraception.” What is contraception? Healthcare providers define a contraceptive the same way they do birth control. It’s a way to prevent pregnancies.

There are both male and female contraceptive options. However, this article focuses on birth control options for women, explaining the benefits of birth control, how it works and how you get birth control. It also answers some of the most common birth control questions.

How Does Birth Control Work?

Outside of approaches like the timing method or abstaining from sex, women get most forms of birth control from their healthcare provider. Several different options for birth control are available. Some are barrier methods, like diaphragms, and spermicides, that keep sperm from reaching and fertilizing eggs.

Other birth control methods are hormonal, like birth control pills. They work by preventing ovulation (the releasing of eggs), thickening mucus in the cervix (making it more difficult for sperm to swim toward eggs) or thinning the uterus lining (making it harder for a fertilized egg to implant).

There are also long-lasting forms like intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants, and sterilization (tubal ligation). In addition, there is the timing method (an approach involving limiting sex to times when a woman is least likely to conceive) and emergency contraceptive pills.

Types of Birth Control Available for Women

Birth Control Pills

These pills contain synthetic hormones that prevent ovulation. They also thicken cervical mucus, making it hard for sperm to reach eggs.

Birth Control Patches

Patches contain hormones similar to those in birth control pills. You apply patches to your skin and replace them weekly.

Vaginal Rings

You insert these rings into your vagina, where they release hormones. You replace them weekly.

Birth Control Shots

This approach involves getting a shot containing progestin every three months. The hormone prevents ovulation.

IUDs

This is a T-shaped device your provider places in your uterus. One type of IUD releases progestin to prevent ovulation. Another releases copper to make the uterine environment inhospitable to sperm. IUDs can continue working for three to 10 years, depending on the type and brand.

Birth Control Implants

This is a small rod inserted under the skin of your upper arm to release progestin. It can remain effective for several years.

Condoms

There are internal and external condoms. Internal condoms are pouches inserted into the vagina as a barrier to sperm. You use them with a spermicide that kills sperm. An external condom is stretched over the outside of the vagina as a barrier.

Diaphragms

This is another barrier method. You insert the dome-shaped cup into your vagina to cover the cervix. Spermicide is also necessary.

Cervical Cap

This small cup fits over the cervix and is also used with spermicide.

Contraceptive Sponge

With this method, you place a sponge containing spermicide into your vagina. This both blocks and kills sperm. A sponge is a barrier method that may not be available in every country, including the United States.

Fertility Awareness-based Methods

These birth control methods involve using a calendar, basal body temperature or cervical mucus monitoring to determine when conception is unlikely to occur.

Sterilization

Tubal ligation is a surgical procedure that seals the fallopian tubes. It’s a permanent form of birth control.

Common Myths and Misconceptions About Birth Control

Birth Control Can Hurt Your Chances of Getting Pregnant When You Decide To Have a Baby.

Most birth control methods do not cause long-term infertility. Once you stop using them, your fertility returns to normal.

Hormonal Birth Control Drastically Alters Your Mood.

Hormonal birth control affects everyone differently. Some people experience mood changes, while others don’t notice any difference.

Hormonal Birth Control Causes Weight Gain.

Some people report weight changes, but research hasn’t found a strong, direct link between hormonal birth control and weight gain.

Things To Consider When Choosing a Birth Control Option

Your healthcare provider can help you determine which birth control method is right for you based on factors like:

• Your age and health history.
• Your sex life, including your number of partners, etc.
• Your religious beliefs or cultural practices.
• How well each method prevents pregnancy.

Birth Control and Contraception FAQs

How Reliable Is Birth Control?

The effectiveness of birth control depends on the method and the care taken when using it. At the high end, methods like birth control pills and IUDs are around 99% effective when used correctly.

Which Type of Birth Control Is Safest?

The safest method depends on multiple factors, including your health and circumstances. However, IUDs, implants and sterilization are among the most effective options.

Learn More About Birth Control From Baptist Health

If you have questions about birth control, your Baptist Health provider can answer them, including providing a birth control comparison. If you don’t have a provider, you can use our online directory to find one near you.

Next Steps and Helpful Resources

Learn More About Women’s Care at Baptist Health
Hormonal vs. Non-Hormonal Birth Control
What Is a Diaphragm for Birth Control?
How Is Endometriosis Diagnosed?