There are a number of options that men and women can use to prevent pregnancy. Each comes with its own set of benefits and risks. Various birth control options provide differing levels of effectiveness and ease of use. To find the best birth control options, couples should make a comparison of birth control side effects and consider lifestyle issues when making a decision.
Types
Side effects of birth control vary, ranging from physical reactions to the risk of pregnancy. Birth control options include pills, injections, patches and creams. A physician must prescribe all birth control that contains synthetic hormones. An intrauterine device (IUD), which is a plastic device that contains synthetic hormones, must be inserted by a doctor. Barrier birth control methods such as condoms and spermicides are available over the counter. Natural methods are free and require extensive vigilance.
Considerations
One of the biggest side effects couples should investigate when considering which method to use is effectiveness. Take into account lifestyle, physical abilities and aversion to risk. The American Pregnancy Association (APA) reports that the most effective birth control options are those that use added hormones to control ovulation, such as birth control pills, injections and the patch, all of which provide a 99 percent effectiveness rate when used according to direction. Barrier methods have less than 75 percent effective rate. Couples that pay close attention to the calendar can achieve an 80 percent effectiveness rate for preventing pregnancy.
Risks
While birth control methods that incorporate synthetic hormones are the easiest to use and most effective, they carry the most physical risks. Side effects of birth control that uses hormones can include breast tenderness, nausea, weight gain, irregular spotting and mood swings. Women who smoke or who have a history of stroke or heart attack are at risk for developing blood clots after taking hormonal birth control products. Other side effects include headache, depression and fatigue, report doctors at the APA.
Effects
People who are allergic to latex cannot use birth control products made of latex, reports the APA. While they have the least amount of physical side effects, products such as condoms, diaphragms and the patch can cause a rash and other serious allergic reactions. The birth control patch is a thin plastic adhesive infused with hormones and may not work if the woman is taking antibiotics or other medications. It is typically not effective for women who weigh more than 200 pounds. Other side effects include an increase in yeast infections and contact lens problems.
Benefits
Each method of birth control carries its own set of benefits. The pill, injections, IUDs and the patch relieve couples from the responsibility of interrupting their lovemaking to consider birth control. Barrier methods, such as condoms also can help to prevent sexually transmitted diseases. The Mayo Clinic reports that natural birth control methods such as withdrawal, abstinence and fertility awareness methods have no adverse side effects and provide a birth control options for couples whose religion forbids the use of artificial birth control.
