Choosing the right contraceptive method is a personal decision that factors in your lifestyle and preferences. The best birth control method is easy for you to use while conveniently protecting you from unwanted pregnancies.
Oral contraceptives and intrauterine devices (IUDs) are two popular family planning options chosen by many women for convenience and effectiveness. John A. Whitfield, MD, FACOG, of Fort Worth, Texas, recommends both to his patients seeking birth control, and helps you match your choice to your lifestyle and other personal health concerns.
Today, we’ll look at each of these contraceptive options, their pros and cons, and three things you should consider when deciding between the two.
Birth control pills work by adjusting your normal cycle, preventing the monthly release of eggs from the ovaries. Synthetic hormones are the active agents in oral contraceptives. Estrogen and progestin or progestin-only pills are your choices.
Pills also thicken the mucus of the cervix, making it harder for sperm to reach the fallopian tubes, while the hormones also alter the uterine lining, so it’s less likely for a fertilized egg to implant and develop. When used as directed, oral contraceptives are about 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
A small, T-shaped object that Dr. Whitfield inserts into your uterus, IUDs have several different versions. These versions use either the hormone progestin or the properties of the metal copper to protect against pregnancy.
Hormone-based IUDs work the same way as birth control pills, using synthetic hormones to cause the changes that prevent pregnancies. Copper IUDs release copper ions that inhibit the motility (ability to move) of sperm.
The effectiveness of IUDs is slightly better than birth control pills, being over 99% effective at preventing conception.
There are pros and cons to each choice. Three important things to consider include:
Once an IUD is in place, it performs its job without attention or maintenance for its effective lifetime, which ranges from 3-10 years, depending on the version you choose. Birth control pills, on the other hand, require taking a pill daily.
Best results with the pill occur when you take it as directed at the same time every day. If you’re the sort who finds habits and routines easy to follow, the pill may fit your lifestyle. Those who struggle with remembering to take daily medications may find IUDs a better match.
For some women, the hormone load of oral contraceptives carries health risks. In this case, a copper-based IUD may be the most effective long-term birth control option that doesn’t require regular attention.
Neither oral contraceptives nor IUDs offer protection from STIs. Only male or female condoms provide any barrier to protect against the transmission of infection. Used alone, condoms typically prevent pregnancy about 85% of the time.
Combining the pill or IUD with condoms provides you with very effective pregnancy protection as well as guarding against STIs.
Learn more by contacting John A. Whitfield, MD, FACOG, and his team at our Fort Worth office. Book your appointment by calling 817-927-2229 today.
