Pros and Cons of 7 Different Types of Birth Control

Curious about the different kinds of birth control? How about what you can expect from each?

We asked two OB-GYNs all about the pros and cons of seven types of birth control for women. By the end of this article, we hope you’ll have a better sense of which kind may work best for you.

But first, let’s set the record straight on a common myth about birth control and fertility.

Does birth control affect fertility later in life?

You may have heard that taking birth control can wreak havoc on your chances of conceiving a child. Yet according to Barry R. Witt, MD—a board-certified OB-GYN and reproductive endocrinologist—that’s simply not the case.

“Contraceptives have no long-term negative impact on fertility,” reassures Dr. Witt, who’s also a medical director at WINFertility and has been offering reproductive care for over 25 years. “These include oral contraceptives, IUDs, and contraceptive implants.”

However, irreversible sterilization procedures—such as bilateral tubal ligation (BTL)—will absolutely cease any chances of conceiving.

Now that we have this myth out of the way, let’s talk about different types of birth control.

7 Different Types of Birth Control

1. Birth Control Pills

What They Are

Oral pills that suppress ovulation and thicken cervical mucus to make it less penetrable by sperm

Pros

• Not invasive (unlike implants and IUDs)
• May lessen severity of PMS symptoms
• May reduce menstrual bleeding and cramping/pain

Cons

• Less effective if not taken consistently

What Doctors Say

“If you forget to take the pill within the same 12-hour window, the pill loses its efficacy and a backup method should be considered,” warns fertility specialist and board-certified OB-GYN Lucky Sekhon, MD. And in terms of progestin-only pills (which she says are a good option for anyone with underlying medical risk factors for exposure to estrogen), the window shrinks to just three hours.

Next, if pregnancy is a goal for the future, Dr. Witt reiterates that there’s no cause for concern if you’re currently taking birth control pills.

“After discontinuing oral contraceptive pills, fertility returns within a few months once ovulation returns. There are some women who are on oral contraceptive pills for years whose menstrual periods don’t return, but it’s not a result of the pills.”

Instead, he continues, “It’s a result of the fact that oral contraceptive pills result in regular periods regardless of the underlying ovarian function. So the pills will mask hormonal abnormalities like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), for instance.

“Once the pills are discontinued, those women will exhibit signs of not ovulating because of the underlying hormonal abnormalities, [rather than as] a result of previous birth control pill use.”

2. Barrier Methods

What They Are

Male and female condoms (like diaphragms)

Pros

• Price
• Protection against STIs

Cons

• Can break
• May reduce sensitivity
• May cause an allergic reaction

What Doctors Say

“You can leave a diaphragm in place for up to 24 to 48 hours,” says Dr. Sekhon. It’ll also “provide protection against conceiving from multiple acts of intercourse.”

Just note that you must leave a diaphragm in place for at least four hours after sex.

3. Contraceptive Implants

What They Are

Long-term birth control implants that release hormones and protect against pregnancy (such as IUDs and Nexplanon, an arm implant)

Pros

• Most effective contraceptive method

Cons

• Side effects include irregular bleeding, breast tenderness, breakouts, bloating, and weight gain

What Doctors Say

“The major advantage of these LARCs (long-acting reversible contraception)—compared with other reversible contraceptive methods—is that they don’t require the woman to do anything once they’re inserted or implanted,” Dr. Witt explains.

If you struggle with taking birth control pills consistently, for instance, contraceptive implants may be a better alternative.

Dr. Witt also notes that they’re approved for 10 years of continuous use. “They need to be inserted or implanted (and removed) by a healthcare professional. Once the device is removed, the return of fertility is rapid.”

4. Contraceptive Sponge

What it is

A spermicide-soaked sponge that blocks and kills sperm before it can enter the reproductive tract

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Can be left in place for a day
• Protects against multiple exposures to sperm

Cons

• Doesn’t protect against STIs
• May cause an allergic reaction or sensitivity
• Can be messy

What Doctors Say

After wetting the sponge to activate the spermicide, manually insert the sponge (strap side down, dimple up) immediately or up to 24 hours before having sex.

Dr. Sekhon advises that you must keep contraceptive sponges in place for at least six hours post-intercourse to be effective. Gently pull on the strap to remove it.

5. Birth Control Patch

What it is

An estrogen and progestin patch that prevents ovulation and thickens cervical mucus

Pros

• Mild or no side effects

Cons

• Potential side effects include nausea, headaches, and/or breast tenderness

What Doctors Say

The birth control patch releases enough hormones for one week. Be sure to change the patch on the same day each week.

Further, if you prefer to get your period, don’t apply a patch for week four. Conversely, you can continue to apply it that week to avoid getting your period. Both methods are safe and effective to prevent pregnancy.

Finally, side effects aren’t always present. Yet if they are, Dr. Sekhon says that they tend to be stronger in smokers.

6. Vaginal Ring

What it is

A flexible ring placed vaginally for three weeks of protection at a time

Pros

• Can cause lighter periods
• May reduce PMS symptoms

Cons

• Side effects include breast tenderness and headaches

What Doctors Say

Like birth control pills, Dr. Sekhon says that vaginal-ring insertion calls for one week of removal to allow for a period.

“It releases both estrogen and progesterone to prevent ovulation, uterine thickening, and causes thickening of cervical mucus,” she says.

7. Depo-Provera Injection

What it is

A pregnancy-prevention injection administered every three months

Pros

• Long-lasting protection against pregnancy

Cons

• May suppress ovulation

What Doctors Say

“The one contraceptive that may have a prolonged suppression of ovulation for many months after [discontinuation] is Depo-Provera,” Dr. Witt shares.

“Fertility may take some time to return, as some women will have ovulation suppressed for up to six months or longer after discontinuing it.”

If pregnancy is your goal for the near future, it’s probably best to take this birth control method off the table.

The Bottom Line

Now that you know about the different types of birth control to choose from, it’s only a matter of deciphering which method works for you.

At the end of the day, you should always consult your OB-GYN. Be sure to discuss not only birth control benefits, but potential side effects too.

The post Pros and Cons of 7 Different Types of Birth Control appeared first on HUM Nutrition Blog.

Original source: https://www.humnutrition.com/blog/different-types-of-birth-control/