Finding the right birth control is an important part of caring for your health. With so many methods available, it can be helpful to understand how each one works and what might fit best with your lifestyle and preferences. At JCMG Women’s Clinic, we partner with you to make informed, confident choices about your reproductive health.
Birth control generally falls into a few main categories: long-acting methods, permanent procedures, hormonal birth control, barrier and pericoital methods. Each option has its own benefits, considerations, and level of effectiveness.
Long-Acting Birth Control
Long-acting methods are among the most effective options for preventing pregnancy. They can last for years and require little attention once placed. Many patients appreciate having reliable birth control that they do not have to think about daily or in the moment. These methods can also be removed if you decide you want to become pregnant or wish to switch to a different option. One method is an IUD: A small T shaped device placed in the uterus by a medical provider. Another method is subdermal implant in the arm.
Copper IUD
- Non hormonal option
- Prevents pregnancy for up to ten years
How The Copper IUD Works:The copper IUD releases a small amount of copper into the uterus. Copper creates an environment that is toxic to sperm, which prevents them from moving effectively and reaching an egg. It can also stop fertilization if sperm do reach the fallopian tubes. Because it does not use hormones, the copper IUD does not affect ovulation and allows your natural menstrual cycle to continue. It provides long-lasting, highly effective protection and can be removed at any time if you wish to become pregnant or change methods.
Hormonal IUDs
- Mirena and Kyleena release a small amount of progestin
- Prevent pregnancy for five to eight years depending on the device
How Hormonal IUD’s Work: Hormonal IUDs release a small, steady amount of progestin directly into the uterus. This hormone works locally rather than throughout the whole body, which is why many patients experience fewer systemic side effects compared to other hormonal methods. The progestin thickens the cervical mucus so sperm have a much harder time reaching an egg. It also thins the lining of the uterus, which makes it less likely to support a pregnancy. Ovulation may still occur for some people, but the IUD’s local effects provide strong and reliable protection.
Birth Control Implant (Nexplanon)
- A small, flexible rod placed under the skin of the upper arm
- Slowly releases progestin
- Prevents pregnancy for up to five years
Effectiveness: Fewer than one in one hundred people using an IUD or implant become pregnant in the first year of use which means these methods are more than 99 percent effective.
Considerations: Long-acting birth control methods do not protect against sexually transmitted infections. They also require a procedure by a medical provider for placement and removal.
Hormonal Birth Control
Hormonal birth control uses estrogen, progestin, or a combination of both, to prevent pregnancy. Many patients also choose hormonal methods because they can improve menstrual symptoms.
Pills
- Taken once a day
- Available in combination estrogen and progestin formulas or progestin only formulas
- Can be used in a traditional monthly cycle or continuously to skip periods
How Birth Control Pills Work: Birth control pills prevent pregnancy in three main ways. First, they keep the ovaries from releasing an egg each month. They also thicken the cervical mucus, so sperm have a much harder time reaching an egg. Finally, they thin the lining of the uterus, which makes it less likely for a pregnancy to implant. These actions work together to provide reliable and effective protection when the pill is taken consistently each day.
Skin Patches
- Applied weekly to the shoulder, back, belly, or hip
- Worn for three weeks followed by one patch free week
- Contains estrogen and progestin
How Skin Patches Work: The birth control patch releases a steady, low dose of estrogen and progestin through the skin and into the bloodstream. These hormones prevent ovulation, make it more difficult for sperm to reach an egg, and thin the uterine lining so implantation is less likely.
Vaginal Rings
- Flexible ring placed in the vagina
- Worn for three weeks, followed by one week without the ring
- If you choose not to take a week off, you won’t have a period
How the Ring Works: Like other hormonal methods, the vaginal ring releases estrogen and progestin to prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and thinning the uterine lining.
Injections
- Progestin only shot given every three months
- One of the longest acting hormonal options without a device placement
Other Benefits of Hormonal Birth Control
Hormonal methods can help with:
- Heavy, painful, or irregular periods
- Symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome
- Menstrual migraines
Considerations: These methods do not protect against sexually transmitted infections, and must be taken regularly to be effective.
Barrier and Pericoital Methods
Condoms and diaphragms act as barriers to prevent sperm from entering the uterus. Condoms are the only birth control barrier that also provides important protection against sexually transmitted infections.
Pericoital methods are used at the time of intercourse and include diaphragms, sponges, spermicides, and condoms. These methods may be helpful for people who prefer on demand contraception rather than daily or long-acting options.
Permanent Contraception
Tubal Ligation
For individuals who are certain they do not want future pregnancies, tubal ligation is the permanent option available through gynecology. Tubal ligation blocks or seals the fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy and is intended to be a lifelong choice. It should be considered only when you feel confident about your long‑term reproductive goals.
Vasectomy
A vasectomy is a procedure for male partners that prevents sperm from being released. Like tubal ligation, it is intended to be permanent and should be chosen only when both partners feel confident about their long-term plans.
Choosing the Right Method
The right birth control choice depends on your health, your lifestyle, your reproductive goals, and your personal preferences. JCMG Women’s Clinic is here to guide you through your options and help you find a method that feels safe, comfortable, and effective.
To learn more about these methods or to discuss which option is best for you, schedule a visit with JCMG Women’s Clinic or learn more at JCMG.org/WC. Our team is committed to supporting you as you make the decision that is best for your health and your future.