A gal reviews birth control options
Because I can barely look after myself, let alone a child.
The responsibility of contraception unfortunately, yet typically, lies with the person at risk of falling pregnant. Although we probably wouldn’t want it any other way! Men have had their short chance at trialling hormonal birth control in 2016, and the trial concluded as quickly as it began after reports of major mood swings and acne… poor guys. Luckily, there are so many alternatives! And even some that everyone can give a go. Some with hormones, some without. Even if you can’t remember your daily pill or you hate injections, there’re still options for you. Anything to keep the babies away.
Condoms
A hormone-free contraception method! They are the only contraception besides abstinence to protect against STIs, and the good news is there’s a shared responsibility for them. If male condoms are used correctly, they are 98% effective and female condoms are 95% effective. There’s a lot that can go wrong with condoms. Both male and female condoms can break and tear, people can be allergic to latex and they are not often used perfectly or at the right time.
Overall, a real 7/10.
Pull-out
Strong pros for this one! No one needs to be pumped with hormones, no doctors’ appointments to be arranged, and it’s free. Never happens though.
Overall, -2/10.
Combination pill
This pill contains oestrogen and progestogen hormones. When used properly it is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy and there is a 12-hour window for taking this pill! You can also skip your period when taking this pill too! The combination of oestrogen and progestogen can really help with acne and even make your titties grow! What a combo. With all the upsides, this high dose of hormones also comes with its downsides. Serious mood swings along with migraines and a slightly higher chance of blood clots. This pill also doesn’t protect against STIs. And, very easy to forget - it’s only really effective if taken correctly.
Overall, 6/10.
Mini pill
This pill only contains the progestogen hormone. When used perfectly the mini pill is 99% effective and 93% effective allowing for mistakes. This pill is more suitable for anyone that suffers from migraines too. Although, the mini pill has much high chance of error with a small three-hour window to be taken. You also can’t skip periods with this pill and likely won’t reap the rewards of clear skin that comes with the combo pill.
Overall, 5/10.
The contraceptive implant/the rod
The implant is a small rod placed under the skin of a woman’s arm. The implant releases a progestogen hormone and only needs to be replaced every three years! It is super effective at 99% and perfect for those useless at taking pills every day. Although to have the rod fit and removed, a small procedure using local anaesthetic is needed. It also doesn’t protect against STIs.
Overall, 9/10.
The jab
The contraceptive injection is commonly known as Depo Provera, the jab or DP. Like the rod and mini pill, the jab contains progestogen but it is released into the body over 12 weeks. You can get the injection in the butt or your arm and if you get it every 12 weeks it is more than 99% effective. Strong pros for this one! Very effective and doesn’t kill the moment! But… you have to get an injection every three months :(
Overall, 5/10.
Emergency Contraception
Although emergency contraception, also known as the morning after pill, is for emergencies, it actually has a few top tier benefits! For starters it can actually be effective up to five days after unprotected sex, although it’s much more effective the earlier you take it. If taken in the first three days, it’s 85% effective. Anyone can take this pill without a prescription too. Emergency contraception can be used if contraception initially wasn’t, a condom broke or a woman has been sexually assaulted. This last resort does have its downsides too. It can change a woman’s next period, cause nausea and vomiting, mood swings, and it isn’t nearly as effective as most other contraception methods. It also won’t protect against STIs.
Overall, 4/10. BUT VERY GOOD FOR AN EMERGENCY.
Intrauterine device - hormonal/Mirena
The hormonal IUD is a small T-shaped plastic containing the progesterone hormone and is fitted inside the uterus. They have to be put in the uterus by a healthcare pro, but they last five years! They are 99.8% effective and can also be used as emergency contraception if fitted within five days of unprotected sex. It is also really common for women’s periods to stop altogether while using this contraception. Probably the one of the most effective contraception methods besides abstinence.
Overall, 9/10.
Intrauterine device - copper
The copper IUD is also a T-shaped plastic containing copper rather than hormones. These too need to be fitted by a healthcare pro but last double the time - up to 10 years! They are 99% effective and can also be used as emergency contraception if fitted in the same five-day window. Unfortunately, the copper IUD isn’t known to stop periods and often makes them more irregular and, to begin with, heavier and longer. However, this is the hormone-free option that is super effective as contraception with not a lot of room for error.
With the added perk of lasting 10 years, the copper IUD deserves a 9.5/10.
Abstinence, lol
This is the most full-proof method to avoiding pregnancy. There is absolutely no chance of any unexpected surprises or stressful missed periods. Abstinence is 100% effective. No hormones, doctors’ appointments or latex required. No STIs either!
11/10 for effectiveness.
Editor’s Note: This is not official medical advice, just kind of a vibe check about the different options from people’s personal experiences. As always, talk to your doctor about the variety of options available to you.