What’s the Most Effective Birth Control?

There’s only one completely foolproof way to never get pregnant if you’re a woman, other than having a hysterectomy. That’s the “Just Say No” clever catchphrase of past less than enlightened presidencies. Of course, we all know that in the heat of the moment the best laid plans to say “no” can…well, become pregnant. 

So, what’s actually the best method of real birth control? Since we’re all about women’s health so much so that it’s our practice name, in this blog for Women’s Health Medical Group, let’s get into birth control a bit. 

What is the most effective method of birth control? 

Effectiveness of your birth control has two components. First, the method itself. Second, you. If you miss a day or two of your birth control pills, or if you don’t get a new transdermal patch on time, these kinds of behaviors compromise the overall effectiveness of the contraceptive method. 

All in all, modern IUDs are the most reliable and effective method of birth control. They last for up to 12 years (you read that right), require no attention whatsoever, and are over 99 percent effective. They don’t depend on you following a schedule or doing anything. 

Birth control pills are also 99 percent effective, but real-world studies have factored in missing days and such. When those are included, birth control pills are rated at a 91 percent rate of effectiveness. Barrier methods, such as diaphragms all fall to effectiveness rates in the 80s when real life is factored in. 

Is it possible to get pregnant while using birth control? 

Yes. There is no absolutely, positively, completely, foolproof form of birth control other than not having sex. And that’s no fun! As mentioned above, modern birth control is highly effective, especially compared to the time of parents and grandparents using condoms and diaphragms, but the highest rates are 99 percent effective. That means a few people still get pregnant even when using the birth control method correctly. The odds of getting pregnant when using an IUD are extremely low. They rise with methods like a cervical cap because the cap may change position without knowing, allowing sperm to get past it. 

How do I know which kind of IUD I should get? 

At Women’s Health Medical Group, we can help you with this decision, as there are five different IUD brands approved by the FDA for use in the United States: ParaGard, Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, and Skyla. These are divided into two types: copper IUDs (ParaGard), which don’t have hormones; and the hormonal IUDs (the other four). 

We can walk you through the differences between the brands, such as longevity and size. But the main choice comes down to deciding between hormonal or non-hormonal IUDs. Regardless of which direction you go, you’ll be using the most effective birth control available. That should give you lots of peace of mind, allowing you to be in control of your life. Every woman deserves that! 

If you have questions about birth control or anything else, give us a call at Women’s Health Medical Group, (817) 346-5336.