There are numerous contraceptives available to women, some with greater protection from pregnancy than others. If you are trying to decide which contraceptive to use, familiarize yourself with the different types and how they work, and speak to your gynecologist about which type is best for you.
Birth Control Pills
Take a birth control pill daily to prevent pregnancy. The pills are made up of hormones, and there are two types of pills: combination pill (containing estrogen and progestin) and progestin-only pills. The pills work by preventing ovulation (eggs from leaving the ovaries), making the mucous of the cervix thicker so that sperm cannot pass through it, and causing the lining of the uterus to become thinner so that it will be harder for a fertilized egg to embed there. According to Planned Parenthood (PP), if a woman takes birth control pills as prescribed (every day), this form of contraception is 99 percent effective.
Hormone Shots
The American Pregnancy Association reports that there are two types of birth control shots. The shot used in the United States is called Depo-Provera, or DPMA. A DPMA shot is given every 3 months, which many women find much more convenient than taking a daily pill. The shot works in the same way that birth control pills do--by preventing the ovaries from releasing an egg, making the cervical mucus thicker and thinning the uteral lining. Also like pills, the DPMA shot is 99 percent effective. The other type of birth control shot is called Lunelle, which protects from pregnancy for up to a month, instead of three. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, however, Lunelle is no longer available in the United States, due to questions about its effectiveness as a birth control method. The DPMA shot is 99 percent effective.
Ring
The ring is also known as a vaginal ring, or by its brand name, NuvaRing. The vaginal ring is flexible, and is inserted into the vagina, where it sits against the vaginal wall. The ring contains the hormones estrogen and progesterone and releases them into the body. It works to prevent pregnancy by thickening cervical mucus and preventing ovulation. The ring should stay inserted for 3 weeks, then removed for the week of your period. After, insert a new one. It is reported by PP to be 99 percent effective when used properly.
Patch
The patch, also known by brand name Ortho Evra, is placed on the skin of the lower abdomen and, like the ring, releases estrogen and progestin into the body, working as a birth control method the same way that the ring does. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends wearing the patch for 3 weeks before removing it in order to have a period. Then, a new patch is placed back on the skin. It is 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy.
Barrier Methods
The barrier methods include the female condom, diaphragm, cervical cap and the sponge. All of the barrier methods are designed to prevent sperm from getting past the cervix. The female condom lines the vaginal walls, the diaphragm and cervical cap are cup-shaped latex devices that cover the cervix. The sponge also covers the cervix, but contains spermicide to help kill the sperm. Spermicide should also be added with use of the diaphragm, cervical cap and female condom. Barrier methods have an average effectiveness rate of 85 percent.
Implantation
Implantation devices include the IUD or the rod. Unlike other forms of contraception, implantation devices do not prevent sperm from passing the cervix, The IUD is a T-shaped device implanted into the uterus. One type releases copper, which prevents the sperm from fertilizing the egg. If the egg does become fertilized, it is prevented from implanting into the uterine wall. The other type of IUD releases progestin, which works like the hormonal contraceptives above. The rod is implanted into the arm, and it also releases progestin. Both the rod and IUD are 99 percent effective.
