Effectiveness and Side Effects of Birth Control Options

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Birth control, also known as contraception, plays a vital role in family planning, empowering individuals to make choices about their reproductive health. The availability of various birth control options offers people the opportunity to choose the method that best suits their needs and preferences. Do you have questions about the effectiveness and side effects of different birth control options? Look no further! PatientsLikeMe will shed light on the pros and cons of each, allowing individuals to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.

In this article, we will go through four methods, covering the effectiveness and side effects of each. These four methods are: Hormonal, Non-hormonal, Permanent, and Emergency Contraception.

Hormonal

Oral Contraceptives (The Pill)

Effectiveness: Oral contraceptives are highly effective when taken consistently, at a 99% effectiveness rate. Issues arise when users are not consistent with taking it when they are supposed to, so in reality it is only about 93% effective. The better you are about taking your pill every day and starting your pill packs on time, the better the pill will work.
Side Effects: Common side effects include nausea, breast tenderness, and changes in menstrual bleeding. Some users may experience mood changes, weight gain, or a decreased libido. Rare but serious side effects can include blood clots and an increased risk of certain cancers. This will not protect you from sexually transmitted infections.

Birth Control Patch

Effectiveness: The birth control patch is a sticky patch worn on the skin. Similarly to the pill, when used correctly it is 99% effective. In the real world, because it needs to be changed weekly, some women forget. This leads to about a 92% effectiveness rate.
Side Effects: Side effects are similar to those of oral contraceptives. Some people may experience skin irritation at the patch site. The patch is not recommended for individuals with a history of blood clots, or breast, uterine, and liver cancer. There are a number of additional side effects, covered in depth here.

woman who just got a shot for birth control

Birth Control Shot

Effectiveness: Surprise! When used correctly, the effectiveness of the shot is 99%. The typical-use efficacy rate is around 96%, as people forget to get their shots on time. It is meant to be administered every three months.
Side Effects: Most people on the shot have some change in their periods, including bleeding more days than usual, spotting between periods, or no periods. Other possible side effects include nausea, weight gain, headaches, sore breasts, or depression. You may also get slight bruising where you got the shot, or rarely, a small, permanent dent. Lots of people who use the shot stop getting their period altogether after about a year of using it.

Implant

Effectiveness: The birth control implant is one of the most effective methods, with a failure rate of less than 1%. This method lasts for up to three years, can be removed at any time, and is useful for any women who cannot use contraception that contains estrogen.
Side Effects: Common side effects include irregular bleeding and minor pain or bruising at the insertion site. Periods may become irregular, lighter, heavier or longer. They may also stop altogether

Intrauterine Device (IUDs)

Effectiveness: IUDs are among the most effective birth control methods, with a failure rate of less than 1%. They can last for up to five years depending on the type, are safe to use while breastfeeding, and no medication can stop them from working.
Side Effects: Common side effects may include cramping and irregular bleeding during the first few months. Hormonal IUDs can lead to reduced menstrual bleeding or amenorrhea (no periods) in some users. There is a very low risk of uterine perforation during insertion, and they slightly raise your odds of infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.

Woman talking to doctor about birth control options

Non-Hormonal

Copper IUD

Effectiveness: One of the most widely used reversible methods of contraception, the copper IUD is highly effective, with a typical-use efficacy rate of around 99%.
Side Effects: Common side effects include heavier and more painful periods, especially during the first few months. Some individuals may experience cramping or spotting between periods.

Male and Female Condoms

Effectiveness: Again, these rates are based on real world results. If used properly, the effectiveness is higher. The male condom is considered more effective than the female condom, with a success rate of around 86% versus 79%. They cannot be used together, but other contraceptives, such as the pill, can be used at the same time as the male or female condom. They do protect against sexually transmitted infections.
Side Effects: Male condoms may cause allergies in some individuals, and both male and female condoms can reduce sensitivity during sex.

Diaphragm and Cervical Cap

Effectiveness: When used correctly with spermicide, these are between 92-96% effective. They need to be left in place for at least six hours after sex.
Side Effects: These methods may cause discomfort during sex and are not recommended for individuals with a history of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). Spermicide can irritate the vagina and increase the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections.

Permanent

Sterilization (Tubal Ligation and Vasectomy)

Effectiveness: Tubal ligation and vasectomy are highly effective permanent methods. Fewer than 1 in 100 women get pregnant within 1 year of the surgery. A vasectomy is slightly less effective.
Side Effects: Sterilization is generally considered irreversible, and while it is highly effective, it should be approached as a permanent decision. Some people may experience regret later in life. There are a number of possible physical side effects from tubal ligation. The same is true for vasectomies, with side effects mostly consisting of short-term postoperative pain and infection. Long-term complications are rare.

Emergency Contraception

Emergency Contraceptive Pills (Morning-After Pill)

Effectiveness: The effectiveness of emergency contraceptive pills varies but is generally higher the sooner they are taken after unprotected sex. Generally, they reduce the risk of pregnancy by 75%.
Side Effects: Side effects are similar to those of regular birth control pills and may include nausea and vomiting, fatigue, and changes in menstrual bleeding.

Copper IUD for Emergency Contraception

Effectiveness: The copper IUD is nearly 100% effective when inserted within five days after unprotected sex.
Side Effects: Side effects are similar to those of a non-emergency copper IUD but are temporary. Heavier periods and worse menstrual cramps can occur, and all IUDs cause mild to moderate pain when put in.

Happy couple after figuring out birth ocontrol

Choosing the right birth control method is a highly personal decision that depends on an individual's unique circumstances, lifestyle, and preferences. Carefully consider the effectiveness and side effects of each method in consultation with a healthcare provider. While hormonal methods are highly effective, they come with potential side effects and health considerations. Non-hormonal options offer alternatives with fewer hormonal side effects, while permanent methods are suitable for individuals who have completed their family planning.

Ultimately, informed decision-making and communication with healthcare professionals are key when selecting the birth control option that aligns with your goals. No single birth control method is perfect. All carry risks and side effects to be considered. For more information, as well as health tracking and the ability to connect with other members facing the same questions, sign up for a free PatientsLikeMe account today!