Choosing a birth control method

There is no “best” method of birth control; each method has its pros and cons. Before choosing a birth control method, think about:

• • Your overall health

• • How often you have sex

• • The number of sex partners you have

• • If you want to have children someday

• • How well each method works to prevent pregnancy

• • Possible side-effects

• • Your comfort level with using the method.

You can choose from many methods of birth control explained below. They are grouped by how they work.

Continuous abstinence (minimum effectiveness: 100%)

This means not having sex (vaginal, anal or oral) at any time. It is the only sure way to prevent pregnancy and protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV.

Natural family planning/rhythm method (minimum effectiveness: 76%)

This method is when you do not have sex or use a barrier method on the days you are most fertile, that is the days you are most likely to become pregnant.

Barrier methods

In barrier methods, you put up a block or barrier to prevent sperm from reaching the egg such as:

• • Contraceptive sponge (minimum effectiveness: 87%)

• • Diaphragm, cervical cap, or cervical shield (minimum effectiveness: 80%)

• • Female condom (minimum effectiveness: 79%)

• • Male condom (minimum effectiveness: 86%). Apart from abstinence, the male latex condom is the only birth control method proven to help protect you from sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.

Hormonal methods

These methods prevent pregnancy by interfering with ovulation, fertilisation and/or implanting of the fertilised egg:

• • Birth control pills (minimum effectiveness: 95%)

• • The patch (minimum effectiveness: 99%)

• • Injection (minimum effectiveness: 99%)

• • Vaginal ring (minimum effectiveness: 98%).

Implantable devices

Devices that are inserted into the body and left in place for a few years:

• • Implantable rod (minimum effectiveness: 99%)

• • Intra-uterine device (minimum effectiveness: 99%).

Permanent birth control methods

For people who are sure they never want a child or more children:

• • Sterilisation implant (minimum effectiveness: 99%)

• • Surgical sterilisation (minimum effectiveness: 99%).

Emergency contraception, also called the “morning after pill”

Emergency contraception keeps a woman from getting pregnant when she has had unprotected vaginal intercourse. It should not be used as a regular birth control method.

Keep in mind that even the most effective birth control method can fail. But your chances of getting pregnant are lowest if the method you choose is used correctly and every time you have sex. Some birth control methods can take time and practise to learn. Talk with your doctor if you have questions on how to use certain methods. Doctors are used to talking about birth control and there is no need to feel embarrassed about talking to him or her.

 

Sources

http://researchopia.blogspot.com
http://www.womenshealth.gov

(Revised by M van Deventer)