When deciding what method of family planning you will use, keep in mind that what makes sense for one couple may not work best for another. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises talking with your doctor to weigh the pros and cons of different types of family planning to find the solution that works for you.
Natural Family Planning
Natural family planning, also called the fertility awareness method or the "rhythm method," uses no medications or devices. Women who use natural family planning calculate what time of the month they ovulate by tracking their menstrual cycles, and recording their body temperatures and changes in cervical mucus. They then avoid intercourse during their fertile ovulation period. This type of family planning is far from foolproof, with a relatively high failure rate resulting in approximately 15 to 25 pregnancies per 100 women each year, according to Planned Parenthood.
Barrier Methods
Barrier methods include male and female condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps and contraceptive sponges. These methods block the sperm from reaching the egg with a physical barrier. This is a good option for women who want protection without taking hormones. Common risks associated with barrier methods include irritation, allergic reactions to latex and urinary tract infections. Male condoms also offer protection against sexually transmitted infections, while female condoms are less effective, advises the FDA. The failure rates for barrier methods fall into the same category as natural family planning, resulting in about 15 to 25 pregnancies per 100 women, says Planned Parenthood.
Hormonal Birth Control
Hormonal birth control uses hormones, commonly estrogen and progestin, to stop ovaries from releasing eggs or keep sperm from joining with eggs. A variety of birth control pills are available with a doctor's prescription, including specialty birth control pills that may reduce PMS and menstrual migraines.
Other forms of hormonal birth control include injectable methods, such as Depo-Provera, vaginal rings and hormonal patches worn like stickers on the skin, similar to a nicotine patch. These forms of family planning do not protect against sexually transmitted disease, and result in approximately two to eight pregnancies per 100, says Planned Parenthood.
Patches may increase the risk of blood clots, and prolonged use of injections may cause bones loss, says the FDA. Common side effects associated with birth control pills include weight gain, changes in mood, dizziness and nausea and in rare cases, high blood pressure or stroke. "Even if you've been taking it for years and are over 35, as long as you don't smoke, the Pill is a safe method," says clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Yale University School of Medicine Mary Jane Minkin, M.D.
Other Types
More permanent types of family planning include IUDs and implants, which are inserted by a doctor and can be worn for up to 10 years, depending on the type of implant. Risks include cramps, bleeding, pelvic inflammatory disease and other risks associated with birth control pills.
These methods, along with male vasectomy and female sterilization, prove most effective at preventing pregnancy. According to Planned Parenthood, less than one woman per 100 will become pregnant using these methods.
