A Guide to Birth Control Options for Women

Research tells us that 85% of couples who don’t use birth control will become pregnant in a year. For women who don’t want to become pregnant, birth control can help them control their reproductive health.

When it comes to birth control, the options available today can seem overwhelming. “From pills to implants, shots to IUDs, women have many choices to make when selecting the method that best suits their lifestyle, health, and reproductive goals,” said Katie Nixon, MD, a physician who is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology. Dr. Nixon practices medicine at Women’s Healthcare of Norman, a clinic in Norman, OK.

Dr. Nixon explains the different categories of birth control:

Main Categories of Birth Control

“One practical way to categorize birth control methods is by how long they work,” Dr. Nixon said. “The choice between a short-term or long-term option will largely depend on a woman's reproductive plans.”

For instance, a woman planning to conceive in the next six months will have different needs than someone who might want to conceive in 10 years or never.

Long-Acting Birth Control Options

Long-acting birth control methods tend to be some of the most effective because they require little effort on the part of the patient. There are no pills to remember or calendars to follow.

The long-acting options that are reversible include:

• Arm Implants: Small, flexible rods placed under the skin that release hormones to prevent pregnancy.
• Intrauterine Devices (IUDs): Small T-shaped devices inserted into the uterus. Some are hormonal, while others are non-hormonal.

For patients who never wish to become pregnant or who are finished having children, permanent methods are also available. Surgical procedures like tubal ligation provide permanent contraception for women. Speak with your OB/GYN physician about tubal ligation. A vasectomy is a permanent option for men.

Short-Acting Birth Control Options

“These methods require more active participation from the patient and may be less effective because it’s easier to forget or miss doses. However, they still offer good protection when used correctly,” Nixon said.

These include:

• Birth Control Pills: Daily pills containing hormones to prevent ovulation.
• Birth Control Patch: A patch worn on the skin that releases hormones to prevent pregnancy.
• Vaginal Ring: A small, flexible ring placed inside the vagina that releases hormones.
• Depo Shot: A hormonal injection given every three months to prevent pregnancy.

Effectiveness and Convenience

When choosing a birth control method, women should consider effectiveness and convenience. Long-acting methods, such as IUDs or implants, are the most effective because they require little to no maintenance once in place.

On the other hand, short-acting methods, while effective, require patients to take action, remember things or schedule appointments. Forgetting a dose of the pill or missing an appointment for the shot can reduce their effectiveness. Ultimately, the method you choose should align with your lifestyle, preferences, and ability to remember regular appointments or doses.

Key Factors to Consider

Choosing the right birth control method is highly personal. Here are the key factors to take into account when making your decision:

Health History: Certain birth control methods may not be safe for women with specific health conditions such as those with a history of stroke. It’s essential to discuss any pre-existing health concerns with your physician or provider.

Impact on Menstrual Cycle: Birth control methods can affect your periods in different ways. Some women prefer regular, predictable periods, while others might be okay with lighter, more irregular ones. Some methods, like certain IUDs or hormonal pills, can even eliminate periods altogether. “Any hormonal birth control is going to affect periods. About half of women with the hormonal IUD have no periods at all, and the other half typically have much lighter periods,” Dr. Nixon said.

The progesterone inhormonal birth control can “protect” the uterus from endometrial cancer. Dr. Nixon said it is okay not to have a period if it is due to your birth control and supervised by your healthcare provider.

Reproductive Goals: Whether you plan to conceive soon, later, or never at all will influence the method you choose. Long-term methods like IUDs or implants may be ideal for those not looking to conceive in the immediate future, while those trying to conceive soon may opt for something temporary.

How Physicians Help Women Find the Right Fit

Your healthcare provider plays a crucial role in helping you navigate the world of birth control. They can offer guidance based on your medical history, lifestyle, and reproductive goals.

"Make an appointment with your provider. We want to know what you've tried in the past, how it worked, and help find the right fit for you now,” Nixon said.

It’s important to check in with your provider if you’re considering changing birth control methods. Dr. Nixon recommends scheduling an appointment whenever you feel ready.

"There are some methods we can start the same day, and others that may require timing in your cycle. But don’t delay putting off something as important as your reproductive health," Nixon said.

If pregnancy isn’t part of your plan, don’t wait—schedule an appointment with your provider to discuss the best birth control option for you.

Dr. Nixon is accepting new patients. She sees teen patients as well other patients based on their needs such as if a patient as started her period or has gynecologic concerns. She can be reached at Women’s Healthcare of Norman by calling 405-360-1264.