Birth control or contraception, is any method, medicine, or device used to prevent pregnancy. Women, with the help of their provider, may choose from a variety of birth control types to better serve their needs! Some birth control methods work better than others at preventing pregnancy, however, no birth control method is 100% effective.
What is the Best Method of Birth Control?
There is no "best" method of birth control, the "best" birth control method for you is the one that better suits your needs! Keep in mind that your preferred method of birth control may change over time.
When deciding which birth control method is right for you it is best to talk to a medical provider about:
Your plans to become pregnant now or in the future
Possible side effects
Overall health
How comfortable you are with using a method (vaginal ring, patch, pill, etc.)
Sexual activity
Keep in mind that although birth control methods do lower the risk of getting pregnant, even the most effective methods of birth control can fail. Additionally, there are only two types of birth control methods that can protect you against sexually transmitted diseases or infections (STDs or STIs): male condoms and female condoms.
Other Benefits of Hormonal Birth Control
Many women chose to start using a birth control method for reasons other than to prevent pregnancy! Research shows that other benefits of certain hormonal birth control methods include:
More regular and lighter periods
Fewer menstrual cramps
Less acne
Lower risk of ovary, endometrial, and colon cancers, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), noncancerous ovarian cysts, and iron-deficiency anemia