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Birth Control

A woman's ability to space and limit her pregnancies has a direct impact on her health and well-being as well as on the outcome of each pregnancy. Family planning allows individuals and couples to anticipate and attain their desired number of children and the spacing and timing of their births. It is achieved through use of contraceptive methods and the treatment of involuntary infertility.

Today we have many safe and effective birth control methods available to us. Things to consider when choosing a birth control method include:

  • Your overall health
  • How often you have sex
  • The number of sex partners you have
  • If you want to have children some day
  • How well each method works to prevent pregnancy
  • Possible side effects
  • Your comfort levels with using the method

If you're trying to decide which is right for you, learning about each method may help you to choose.
 

Types of Birth Control

Abstinence

Long-Acting Reversible Contraception: Inserted into the body and left in place for years

  • Implantable Rods (Implanon, Nexplanon)
  • Hormonal IUD (Mirena)
  • Copper IUD (Paraguard)

Permanent Birth Control Methods

  • Sterilization Implant (Essure)
  • Surgical tubal sterilization
  • Vasectomy

Hormonal Methods: Interfere with ovulation, fertilization, and/or implantation of the fertilized egg

  • Shot/Injection (Depo-Provera)
  • Pills/Oral Contraceptives
  • Patch (Ortho Evra)
  • Vaginal Ring (NuvaRing)

Emergency Contraception | Morning-After Pill (Plan B)

Lactational Amenorrhea Method: Breastfeeding as birth control

Barrier Methods: Put up a block, or barrier, to keep sperm from reaching the egg

  • Diaphragm with spermicide
  • Male Condom
  • Cervical Cap (FemCap) with spermicide
  • Sponge (Today Sponge)
  • Female Condom

Fertility Awareness-Based Methods | Natural Family Planning | Rhythm Method


Resources