At some point in their lives, nearly all women need to choose a method of pregnancy prevention. When surveying her options, a woman will likely consider birth control side effects, cost, and convenience. Most importantly, she will take into account birth control effectiveness when making her decision. Hormonal and surgical methods are the most effective birth control options.
Surgical Methods of Contraception
The following birth control options are surgical procedures that are meant to be permanent. Individuals who are looking for a permanent and highly effective birth control method might consider one of these surgical procedures.
- Vasectomy is the most effective birth control method for males. It is a surgical sterilization and is almost 100 percent effective, according to Planned Parenthood. During the procedure, a doctor closes or blocks a man’s vas deferens to prevent sperm from leaving the body.
- The surgical procedure for women is called tubal sterilization or tubal ligation. As with a vasectomy, it is nearly 100 percent effective in preventing pregnancy. During this procedure, the doctor closes or blocks a woman’s fallopian tubes. If a woman is sure that she does not want to have children, and is highly concerned about birth control effectiveness, tubal sterilization might be an appropriate choice for her.
Hormonal Birth Control Options
For women who are interested in using hormonal birth control, there are numerous options available. Hormonal contraceptives are highly effective in preventing pregnancy, and many women can find a method in this group that works for them.
A large number of women choose to use oral contraceptives, commonly referred to as “the Pill.” For women who always use oral contraceptives correctly, meaning that they take the pills regularly and at the same time every day, less than one out of 100 will become pregnant each year. For women who do not always take the pill as directed, the number jumps to eight women out of 100.
The birth control patch, also known by its brand name Ortho Evra, is another hormonal method. A woman keeps a small patch stuck somewhere on her skin for three weeks at a time, and it releases the hormones progestin and estrogen to prevent ovulation. With the birth control patch, less than one out of 100 women will get pregnant with perfect use, and approximately eight women out of 100 with non-perfect use.
The birth control shot is often referred to by its brand name, Depo-Provera, and its effects last for three months. Out of 100 women who always receive the Depo-Provera shot as indicated, only one will become pregnant in a given year. Out of 100 women who do not take the shot as directed, three will become pregnant.
Another common method is the birth control vaginal ring, or the NuvaRing. When using the NuvaRing, a woman places the small device inside her vagina for three weeks at a time, and it works like other hormonal methods to release estrogen and progestin. Just like the birth control patch and the pill, less than one of 100 women who use the NuvaRing perfectly will still get pregnant, and eight of 100 who do not use it correctly will become pregnant.
An IUD, or intrauterine device, is placed in a woman’s uterus. Less than one woman out of 100 who use an IUD will become pregnant in a given year. Depending on the brand, an IUD can last for five to 12 years.
The birth control implant, Implanon, is inserted into a woman’s arm and releases the hormone progestin to prevent ovulation. As with the IUD, less than one woman out of 100 who use Implanon will become pregnant every year. The birth control implant can last for up to three years. For women who would like a highly effective hormonal method that does not require taking a daily pill, Implanon could be one of the best birth control options.
It is important to remember that other factors can modify hormonal birth control effectiveness, including medications such as St. John’s Wort or antibiotics. A woman should discuss any possible medical interactions with her doctor when she is deciding on a method of contraception. Additionally, none of these surgical or hormonal birth control methods protect against sexually transmitted diseases or infections, so a woman should also use a condom if this protection is necessary.
Sources:
Planned Parenthood, "Sterilization for Women (Tubal Sterilization)," (accessed April 15, 2010).
Planned Parenthood, "IUD," (accessed April 16, 2010).
Planned Parenthood, "Birth Control Implant," (accessed April 15, 2010).
Planned Parenthood, "Birth Control Shot (Depo-Provera)," (accessed April 15, 2010).
Planned Parenthood, "Birth Control Vaginal Ring (NuvaRing)," (accessed April 16, 2010).
Planned Parenthood, "Birth Control Patch (Ortho Evra)," (accessed April 16, 2010).
Lindsay Kahl - Lindsay Kahl has several years of experience providing behavior therapy to children with autism. Her long-time interests include autism, ...
Join the Conversation