Have you ever wondered which are the best methods of birth control? Nowadays, contraception is one of the most important health care issues around the world. With all the options available right now, it is easy to get confused; that’s why we’ve compiled this list of the top methods of contraception. But how did we rank them? Well, first of all we decided to leave out permanent methods such as sterilization (both female and male), although the latter, vasectomy, is indeed reversible, and instead focus on the reversible methods of birth control. Moreover, we also chose to discard behavioral methods including abstinence, outercourse, withdrawal and fertility awareness. Finally, we also cast aside emergency contraceptives. All in all, regardless of our countdown, birth control should be chosen according to one’s personal needs, lifestyle and health.
Without a doubt, sexuality is one very important aspect of our adult lives and it is important to enjoy it in a responsible way. Not only is birth control significant but also protection against sexually transmitted infections and diseases. So, whether you live in one of The 10 Most Sexually Active Countries in the World or not, taking care when having intercourse is a crucial matter, both for your own health, and to protect against any unplanned pregnancies.
Now then, let’s take a look at the countdown and find out which are the best methods of birth control.
5. The Patch
The patch is a very convenient hormonal method of contraception designed for women, and available since 2002. Basically, you stick the transdermal patch onto your stomach, buttocks, torso, thigh or arm, and it releases a combination of estrogen and progestin into your system; hormones which prevent pregnancy. What is great about this method is that you have to change it on a weekly basis and that its failure rate is minimal: 0.3% with perfect use and 9% on typical use. However, it has the disadvantages of every hormonal type of contraception and it could also cause skin reactions in some women. Finally, if you are at risk for blood clots, using the patch is not recommended.
The four best methods of birth control are yet to come on our countdown. Don’t miss them.
4. The Implant
The implant is a revolutionary method of contraception that is long-acting and reversible. This birth control method, which has been available in the United States since 2006, consists of a single-rod subdermal implant that contains etonogestrel, a progestin-like hormone which is slowly released into the body to prevent ovulation. Also known by the brand names Implanon and Nexplanon, the implant is one of the most effective contraceptive methods on the market (99%), and it lasts up to three years.
3. Intra Uterine Device (IUD)
The Intra Uterine Device is one of the most renowned contraceptive methods on the market. It comes in two different types: the nonhormonal copper IUD and the hormonal IUD (Mirena). The device is inserted into the woman’s uterus by a health care professional and the procedure only lasts between 10 and 20 minutes. They are both highly effective methods and have a long active life: the copper IUD lasts 10 years approximately and its perfect-use failure rate is 0.6%; the hormonal IUD is effective for 5 years and its perfect-use failure rate is 0.2%.
2. The Pill
Widely known as ‘the pill’, birth control pills are a contraceptive method that works through ingesting them orally every day. Nowadays, there are different types available (containing different hormones in different amounts), suitable for the different needs of women. In fact, the latest ones include an added bonus of shorter periods or even the absence of them entirely. If taken properly, the pill has a 99% effectiveness rate in preventing pregnancy. Moreover, this birth control method has some extra benefits including less menstrual cramps, decrease of facial hair, improvement of acne, fewer PMS syndromes and a regular cycle.
1. Condoms
Good old-fashioned condoms are at the top of our list because they are the only contraceptive method that also prevents sexually transmitted diseases (STD). This barrier birth control method is available in both female and male formats, although the latter is the best-known one. With perfect use, these devices have relatively low rates of failure: 2% for the male condom and 5% for the female condom. The greatest benefit of condoms is without a doubt the STD protection, but they are also inexpensive and available without the need of a prescription.
