There are so many different birth control methods available that it is easy to become overwhelmed when deciding which one is best for you. The different birth control methods vary in effectiveness and duration, so it is important to understand the differences.
We have put together a guide to help you understand many of the most commonly used birth control methods. Choosing the right birth control is a personal decision that only you can make for yourself, with the help of a gynecologist or physician.
What it is: An IUD is a tiny “T” shaped device that is placed inside one’s uterus to prevent pregnancy. Hormonal IUDs work by releasing a form of progestin (a hormone commonly found in birth control) daily to prevent the egg from being fertilized. Currently, there are four FDA-approved hormonal IUDs, Mirena, Liletta, Skyla, and Kyleena.
Effectiveness: Over 99% effective. That means fewer than 1 out of 100 people who use an IUD will get pregnant each year.
How long does it last?: Hormonal IUDs can last from 3-8 years, depending on the brand.
Average cost: Ranges from $0-$1,300. If you live or go to school in A Step Ahead Chattanooga’s 18-county service area, we will cover the cost of your IUD regardless of your insurance status.
Pros: It’s very low maintenance! Since the Hormonal IUD can be left in place for 3-8 years (depending on the brand), you don’t have to worry about remembering to take a pill every day. Hormonal IUDs also can ease period cramps and eliminate your menstrual cycle altogether.
Cons: The IUD insertion procedure can be uncomfortable for some people. It’s not uncommon to experience cramping and lightheadedness.
What it is: The non-hormonal IUD, also known as the copper IUD, is a small piece of plastic with copper coil filament wrapped around it that prevents pregnancies by causing an inflammatory reaction that is toxic to sperm. Copper IUDs are safe for those who cannot use hormonal birth control methods. Paragard is the only copper IUD brand that is FDA-approved.
Effectiveness: Over 99% effective. That means fewer than 1 out of 100 people who use an IUD will get pregnant each year.
How long does it last?: The copper IUD can last up to 10 years (but only if you want to keep it for that long).
Average cost: Ranges from $0-$1,300. If you live or go to school in A Step Ahead Chattanooga’s 18-county service area, we will cover the cost of your IUD regardless of your insurance status.
Pros: It has no hormones, so it’s safe for people who are sensitive to hormones or just prefer a method that doesn’t use hormones. It’s also low maintenance since you can leave it in place for up to 10 years!
Cons: The copper IUD can sometimes temporarily make your periods heavier and cause cramping, especially within the first 6-12 months.
What it is: The implant is a very small, flexible, thin rod that is implanted into the upper arm. It is completely invisible to the naked eye. The rod releases the hormone progestin to prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs. The FDA-approved brand is called NEXPLANON.
Effectiveness: Over 99% effective. That means fewer than 1 out of 100 people who use an Implant will get pregnant each year.
How long does it last?: It lasts up to three years but can be removed at any time.
Average cost: Ranges from $0-$1,300. If you live or go to school in A Step Ahead Chattanooga’s 18-county service area, we will cover the cost of your implant regardless of your insurance status.
Pros: Highly effective and low-maintenance because of how small and long-lasting it is.
Cons: The implant can possibly lead to temporary irregular periods and acne, especially within the first 6-12 months.
What it is: A contraceptive injection of the hormone progestin, known as the Depo-Provera or “Depo” shot. It suppresses ovulation so the eggs will not be released and fertilized.
Effectiveness: The shot can be up to 94% effective if used correctly and regularly by a healthcare professional.
How long does it last?: It is recommended to receive the shot from a healthcare provider every three months at the exact same time. One shot prevents pregnancy for 12 weeks.
Average cost: Ranges from $0-$75 per shot, depending on insurance coverage.
Pros: The shot is quick and convenient and can be stopped at any time. It does not require daily action. It can also ease cramps.
Cons: The shot can cause irregular periods, weight gain, or nausea. It can be easy to forget to get your shot every 12 weeks, making it less effective.
What it is: Also referred to as “having your tubes tied” or “tubal sterilization,” is a permanent form of contraception. This procedure involves cutting, tying, or blocking the fallopian tubes, which stops the passage of eggs from the ovaries and sperm from reaching the egg. The procedure has no impact on a person’s menstrual cycle.
Effectiveness: Over 99% effective. That means fewer than 1 out of 100 people who get a tubal ligation will get pregnant each year.
How long does it last?: Tubal ligation, “getting your tubes tied,” is considered a permanent form of birth control, but in rare cases, the tubes may grow back together, or new tissue may form, allowing pregnancy to occur.
Average cost: The cost can vary depending on several factors, including insurance coverage and the type of procedure performed. The average cost of a tubal ligation procedure ranges from $1,500 to $6,000, with the exact cost depending on whether you have insurance, the type of procedure performed, and the location of the surgery.
Pros: Since a tubal ligation is permanent, once the procedure has been performed, you do not have to worry about taking daily pills or remembering to switch a patch or ring. A tubal also does not affect your hormonal balance.
Cons: Tubal ligation is permanent and can be difficult or impossible to reverse the procedure. It can also be very expensive, especially if your insurance does not cover most of the procedure.
What it is: The patch is a thin, beige piece of plastic that resembles a bandage. It is placed on one’s skin to release estrogen and progestin into the bloodstream to prevent pregnancies. The two FDA-approved brands are Twirla and Xulane.
Effectiveness: With average use, the patch can be 93% effective at preventing pregnancy.
How long does it last?: The patch needs to be changed once a week for three weeks; it is not worn during the week of menstruation to allow bleeding.
Average cost: One pack of patches (which is a three-count) can be up to $150.
Pros: The patch can be applied at home and can be begun and stopped whenever you please. It can stabilize your period and ease cramps.
Cons: There is room for error due to it needing to be changed once a week. It is also visible to anyone, which can be a con for certain people. It also can cause irritation or soreness where it is placed.
What it is: The birth control ring is a small, flexible ring that is inserted into the vagina. The two FDA-approved brands are NuvaRing and Annovera. It releases a low dose of hormones (estrogen and progestin) into the body to prevent pregnancy. The ring is worn for three weeks and then removed for one week, during which time you will have your period, you can then insert a new ring if you are using a NuvaRing or reinsert the same ring if you are using Annovera.
Effectiveness: With average use, the ring can be 93% effective at preventing ovulation.
How long does it last?: You’ll wear the ring for three weeks (21 days), then remove it for one week (seven days). After seven days without a ring in your vagina, you will replace the ring. This starts a new cycle.
Average cost: One NuvaRing can cost anywhere from $0-$200. One Annovera ring lasts for one year and can cost anywhere from $0-$2,200.
Pros: The ring only has to be thought about once or twice a month when removing and reinserting. It can also help with menstrual cramps and make your period lighter.
Cons: There is room for error due to it needing to be changed on a schedule. It also requires you to physically insert something into your vagina, which may not be comfortable for some people to do.
What it is: An oral contraceptive that is taken daily in pill form. Each pill releases estrogen and progestin to prevent ovulation and thicken cervical music. There are also progestin-only pills that can be prescribed if one is allergic or sensitive to estrogen.
Effectiveness: 91% effective with typical use.
How long does it last?: The pills must be taken at the same time each day for three weeks to be effective, and then placebo pills are taken on the fourth week to bring your period.
Average cost: Usually $0-$50 a month. If you live or go to school in A Step Ahead Chattanooga’s 18-county service area, we will cover the cost of your birth control pills regardless of your insurance status.
Pros: Birth control pills are a very simple and easy method. There is no uncomfortable or painful procedure.
Cons: The pill can become less effective if not taken at the exact same time each day, so it requires a daily reminder or alarm. The pill can also cause weight gain, acne, mood swings, or irregular periods.
What it is: Condoms are a thin, sheath-shaped barrier made of latex, nitrile, synthetic polyisoprene, or polyurethane and are worn during intercourse that reduces the chance of pregnancy. It prevents semen from entering the vagina, preventing eggs from being fertilized.
Effectiveness: When worn properly, they can be up to 98% effective.
How long does it last?: A new condom must be worn every time one has intercourse, and it must be worn for the entire duration and only used once. You should never use more than one condom at a time, this includes internal and external. The shelf life for condoms is three to five years.
Average cost: A box of external condoms can range from $6-$20, usually running at about $1 per condom. They can be purchased at nearly every supermarket or gas station.
Internal condoms can be a little more challenging to find since there is only one brand that is FDA-approved in the US, the FC2 Female Condom®. Without insurance, they can cost $2-$3 per condom but are covered by the Affordable Care Act and cost $0.
If you live or go to school in A Step Ahead Chattanooga’s 18-county service area, are 18+, and want condoms (external or internal), we will mail them to your home for free. Many doctors’ offices and gynecologists provide free condoms as well.
Pros: Condoms are the only birth control method that helps prevent STDs and lower the chance of infections.
Cons: If the condom is torn in any way, worn incorrectly, or taken off early, it will not be effective.
Choosing a birth control method is an extremely personal decision that allows you to live on your own terms. As a reminder, the only method mentioned that protects you against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are barrier methods like condoms.
If you are interested in any of the above or those that are not mentioned, consult with a healthcare professional to conclude which is best for you.
If you live or attend school in our service area and are interested in an IUD, Implant, or birth control pills. Call us at 423-265-7837 to schedule an appointment for free birth control.
References:
https://powertodecide.org/sexual-health/your-sexual-health/find-your-method
https://www.onemedical.com/blog/healthy-living/birth-control-guide/
© A Step Ahead Chattanooga 2024 and website designed by Brightside Creates.
We collect cookies to analyze our website traffic and performance; we never share any personal data. View our Privacy Policy.
