Birth Control

THE BEST METHOD – is the one that:
You will use consistently
Is comfortable for you and your partner
With no troublesome side effects for you.

Long acting methods: (Copper IUD, Hormonal IUD,  or Nexplanon) are about 20 times more effective at preventing pregnancy than birth control pills, patches or rings. 

Furthermore Long acting methods have much higher continuation rates after 2 years use (about 78%) than the birth control pill type methods (about 41%). 

CONSIDER: 

  • How effective is the method?
  • Will I remember to use it?
  • Must I use/take it every day?
  • Is it reversible?
  • How quickly Is pregnancy possible after stopping?
  • Will it cause more or less menstrual flow?
  • What are side effects / complications?
  • Is it expensive?
  • Does it partly protect against STDs?

All methods have benefits and risks. You must balance these for each method and choose the one that you will be able to use reliably.

Birth Control After Pregnancy 

Barrier Methods – summary regarding Condoms, Diaphragms etc.
Barrier Methods of Contraception

Emergency Methods – summary regarding The morning after pill
Emergency Contraception 
Princeton website on Emergency Contraception

Pills – summary regarding Oral contraceptives
Birth Control Pills
Benefits and Risks of Birth Control Pills
New Progesterone Only PillSlynd

IUDs – summary regarding the intrauterine device
The Intrauterine Device
……….Mirena IUD
……….
Kyleena IUD   

……….Skyla IUD
……….Paraguard – Hormone Free IUD

Summary of Mirena Problems

Implants, Injections, Rings, and Patches
(Hormonal Birth Control Options)
Nexplanon – 3 year implant
DepoProvera – The Birth Control Shot
NuvaRing – Single month Intravaginal contraceptive ring
Annovera – NEW! reusable monthly ring lasts for 12 months.

Sterilization
…..Sterilization by Laparoscopy
…..Sterilization Postpartum (after giving birth) 
…..Sterilization for Women and Men
Teens
Birth Control — Especially for Teens

BIRTH CONTROL LINKS:
FDA 

Planned Parenthood 

Center for Disease Control

Health and Human Services

Natural Family Planning