There’s no shortage of birth control options, which sounds like a good thing until you’re actually trying to choose one. The differences between methods run deeper than effectiveness. How long they last, whether they contain hormones, and how quickly fertility returns after stopping all matter depending on where you are in life right now.
At Solace Women’s Care in Conroe, Texas, Farly Sejour, MD, FACOG, and Natalie Gould, WHNP-BC, along with our team, help women consider their contraception options and find a method that best meets their needs. Here’s a look at what’s available.
Hormonal contraceptives prevent ovulation, thickening cervical mucus to block sperm, or thinning the uterine lining. They come in several forms, each with varying schedules and delivery methods.
Combined oral contraceptives contain estrogen and progestin, and you must take them daily. They’re over 99% effective when used correctly. Progestin-only pills, sometimes called the mini pill, are an option for women who can’t take estrogen due to migraines, a history of blood clots, or other health conditions.
The contraceptive patch attaches to your skin and delivers hormones through the skin over the course of a week. You replace it weekly for three weeks, then go patch-free for one week. The vaginal ring works similarly, but sits inside your vagina and releases hormones over three weeks before you remove it for a week. Both eliminate the daily commitment of the pill.
The medroxyprogesterone acetate (Depo-Provera®) injection delivers progestin every three months. It’s a good option for women who want longer coverage without a daily routine. However, it can take several months for fertility to return after stopping, which is worth factoring in if you’re planning to conceive in the near future.
The etonogestrel implant (Nexplanon®) is a small, flexible rod inserted under the skin of your upper arm. It releases progestin continuously for up to three years and is one of the most effective methods available. Once it’s in place, there’s nothing to remember or manage. Fertility returns quickly after removal.
Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are small, T-shaped devices inserted into your uterus. They offer long-term protection without any daily, weekly, or monthly maintenance and are among the most effective forms of contraception available. There are two types:
The levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (Mirena®) releases a low dose of progestin locally within your uterus. It’s approved for up to eight years of use and often reduces or eliminates periods over time.
A copper intrauterine device (Paragard®) contains no hormones and works by releasing copper ions that are toxic to sperm. It’s approved for up to 10 years. Paragard is a strong option for women who want highly effective, long-term protection without any hormonal exposure. However, it can cause periods to be heavier and more crampy, especially during the first few months of using this device.
Barrier methods
Barrier methods physically block sperm from reaching an egg. They don’t affect your hormones or your cycle. You only use them when you need them, making them a flexible option. Condoms are the only contraceptive method that also protects against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Other barrier options include the diaphragm and cervical cap, both of which require a fitting from a provider.
Tubal ligation is a surgical procedure that closes or removes your fallopian tubes, preventing eggs from reaching your uterus. It’s intended to be permanent and is most appropriate for women who are confident they don’t want future pregnancies.
There’s no single best contraceptive. Some women prioritize set-it-and-forget-it convenience, others want something they can stop quickly if they decide to conceive, and some need to avoid hormones altogether.
Our team at Solace Women’s Care takes the time to understand your health history, lifestyle, and goals before making a recommendation.
Call our Conroe office at 936-441-7100 or message us online to schedule a consultation with our team today.
