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Different Types of Birth Control

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor. Please consult a doctor to talk about your birth control options. This post is for educational purposes only. 

 

There are so many different types of birth control, and it can be very overwhelming. Oftentimes, your doctor will have a preferred method that they prescribe and they won't give you all your options. 

In this post, I am going to try my best to go over the different options. To begin, let's discuss the difference between hormonal and non-hormonal birth control. 

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Hormonal birth control is any form of birth control that contains synthetic hormones. These hormones mimic the natural hormones in the body.  Hormonal birth control can be short-acting or long-acting. Short-acting hormonal birth controls have to be used on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. Long-term hormonal birth control often lasts 3-12 years, depending on the device. 

Non-hormonal birth control is any form of birth control that does not contain synthetic hormones. Non-hormonal birth control also comes in many forms. Some that you may have never heard of. 

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Let's start with the different types of hormonal birth control. 


Birth Control Pills 

-Different Types: Combination, Mini-Pill (Progestin Only), Extended Cycle 

-Effectiveness: 99% effective with perfect use, 93% effective with typical use 

Vaginal Ring 

Different Types: NuvaRing and Annovera

Effectiveness: 99% effective with perfect use, 93% effective with typical use 

Skin Patch

Different Types: Xulane and Twirla 

Effectiveness: 99% effective with perfect use, 93% effective with typical use 

Contraceptive Injection

Different Types: Depo-Provera

Effectiveness: 99% effective with perfect use, 96% effective with typical use 

Hormonal IUD 

Different Types: Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, and Skyla 

Effectiveness: 99% effective

Contraceptive Implant 

Different Types: Nexplanon

Effectiveness: 99% effective 


Next, let's go over different types of non-hormonal birth control. 


Condoms 

Different Types: Male and Female (internal) 

Effectiveness: 

Male: 98% effective with perfect use, 87% with typical use 

Female (internal): 95% effective with perfect use,  79% with typical use 

Diaphragm 

Barrier Method. Shaped like a shallow cup 

Effectiveness:  94% effective with perfect use,  87% with typical use 

Cervical Cap 

Barrier Method. Shaped like a sailor's hat

Different Types: FemCap

Effectiveness: 86% effective for those who have not given birth, 71% effective for those who have given birth 

Contraceptive Sponge 

Different Types: Today Sponge

Effectiveness: 86% effective for those who have not given birth, 71% effective for those who have given birth 

Spermicide 

Different Types: Cream, gels, films, foam, and suppositories

Effectiveness: 79% effective 

Vaginal Gel 

Different Types: Phexxi 

Effectiveness: 93% effective with perfect use, 86% effective with typical use 

Copper IUD 

Different Types: Paragard

Effectiveness: 99% effective 

Fertility Awareness Methods 

Methods: Temperature, Cervical Mucus, Calendar, Standard Days

Effectiveness: 77-98% effective

Apps

Different Types: Natural Cycles, Clue BC  

Effectiveness: Natural Cycles is 98% effective with perfect use, 93% effective with typical use 

Withdrawal 

Effectiveness: 78% effective

Breastfeeding as Birth Control (LAM method) 

Only works if you ONLY feed your baby breast milk, can only be used for the first 6 months after birth 

Effectiveness: 98% effective 

Outercourse and Abstinence

Effectiveness: 100% effective with perfect use 

Sterilization 

Permanent Option

Different Types: Tubal Ligation, Vasectomy 

Effectiveness: 99% effective 


If you would like more information on these options, please check out the sources linked below. 


Happy Menstruating! 


Sources: 

Mayo Clinic 

Very Well Health

The Pill Club

Planned Parenthood 

Phexxi 

Natural Cycles

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