In the United States, almost half of all pregnancies are still unintended. That is way too high of a percentage given all the birth control options out there. Birth control innovations have had a remarkable impact on modern societies over the past five decades. They enhanced women’s opportunities to control childbearing and their careers, allowed them to choose contraception and plan fertility independently of their partner or spouse, increased female human capital accumulation, labor market options, and earnings.
As individuals, we must take control of our reproductive health. Below are the top 10 birth control methods to help do just that:
Internal Condom
Also referred to as a female condom. This barrier method works when you insert the condom into the vagina. This makes it so that when the penis is inserted it does not make actual contact with the vagina. This method has a 78% protection rate, which puts it as the least effective of the methods we will discuss. However, some form of birth control is always better than none.
Male Condom
This is one of the most well-known methods and one of the very few men can use to take charge of their reproductive health. To use a condom you squeeze the tip of it together while you unroll the rest of it on an erect penis. It is best to pair a condom with another form of birth control (the pill, patch, IUD, etc) as condoms not only protect you against pregnancy but also against sexually transmitted diseases/infections (STDs/STIs). This method is 85% effective when used correctly.
Birth control Sponge, Diaphragm, and Cervical Caps
These three methods are extremely similar in how they work and their effectiveness. You insert one into the vagina and cover the cervix. This keeps sperm out. They are each, at best, 86-88% effective if used correctly every time before intercourse.
The Pill
The pill is the second most used contraception in the U.S. 12.6% of American women use the pill to keep from getting pregnant. The pill is the original manufactured form of birth control for women. You use it by taking one pill every day at the same time. You can choose to take a placebo pill for a week or skip on to the next active pill for no period (it is not necessary to have one). When used correctly this method is 91% effective against pregnancy.
The Patch
The birth control patch is better than the pill in that you only have to change it once a week rather than remember to take a pill once a day. To use this method simply place the patch on your stomach, arm, back, or butt. It works by releasing estrogen and progestin into your body which prevent ovulation. Like the pill it is 91% effective when used correctly.
Vaginal Ring
The birth control vaginal ring is a soft, flexible ring that goes into the vagina. Just as the previous two mentioned above, this method is 91% effective in preventing pregnancy. However, it differs in that you only have to replace it monthly which is pretty convenient and can be easier to remember for some.
The Shot
The birth control shot is great in that you only need to get it once every three months. You (if you are able to) or your doctor will inject your butt with a shot that contains progestin. This method is 94% effective when you get it on time every time.
IUD
An Intrauterine Device or a device placed inside of the uterus. For this method a doctor will insert a small t-shaped inside the uterus. IUDs have an extremely effective rate at 99%, and there are brands that can be effective for up to 12 years.
Vasectomy
Right now, besides condoms, a vasectomy is the only way men can be active in their reproductive health. A vasectomy is a simple procedure where a doctor cuts or blocks the small tubes that carry sperm. This is a permanent (although it can be reversed) birth control method and has a 99% effective rate.
Tubal Ligation
Here we have our number one method used for birth control in the United States. A tubal ligation is when a doctor cuts or blocks the Fallopian tubes. This way eggs cannot join with sperm to create a fetus. This is a permanent birth control method and has a 99% effective rate. However, like with all methods mentioned (with the exception of internal and male condoms) it does not protect against STDs or STIs. It is best to always pair your birth control with a condom.
