Since the dark ages of the 1960s, access to and availability of oral contraceptives have improved dramatically, so much so that accessing birth control online is now easier than ever. Low-cost and effective birth control is now available to all women without having to head to the doctors’.

With accessibility, there has been a spike in the variety of birth control too. This article sheds some light on the four main birth control.

Types of Birth Control

1. Oral Contraceptives

The birth control pill is the oldest form of its kind and continues to be a popular and widely used method. There are two types of birth control pills—birth control pills containing a combination of hormones (progestin and estrogen) and progestin-only pills. Of these two main categories, there are several different variations of both, available in the market for those looking for birth control online.

2. IUD

An Intrauterine Device (IUD) is a small t-shaped device that is inserted into the uterus. IUDs also come in two forms—hormonal IUDs and non-hormonal copper IUDs. IUDs offer the benefit of lasting for a longer time, i.e., anywhere close to 3-10 years, depending on the type. They are also relatively low maintenance. Once a medical professional inserts the IUD, you do not have to worry about it until it is time to remove it.

3. Barrier Methods

As the name suggests, barrier-method birth control works by creating a barrier, i.e., by preventing the sperm from fertilizing the egg. Condoms, sponges, and diaphragms fall under this category.

Statistically, barrier methods are less effective in preventing pregnancy than hormonal birth control. However, barrier methods offer the benefit of protection against STI transmission. The only other alternative being abstinence! Even when using an alternate form of birth control, adding a barrier method is always a good idea, to prevent contracting STIs.

4. Other

Hormone-based birth control comes in many forms other than the pill. Patch, implant, ring, and shot are only some examples. These options are ideal for those who exhibit the tendency of forgetting to take a pill at the same time, every day.

Rhythm and pullout method are some other methods of birth control. However, they bear the infamy of being the least effective methods of birth control due to their reliance on human calculation. Relying on the rhythm method or the pullout method for birth control is not advisable owing got the large margin of error and risk of pregnancy involved.

With so many choices, it is natural to feel confused about the right method for you. How does one know which birth control to get? Whether you are getting birth control online or seeking consultation from a gynecologist, here are some key questions that you must ask yourself in order to ascertain the best method for you.

Which birth control has the least side effects?

Side effects are a common occurrence with hormonal birth control. However, you must not write off hormonal birth control solely due to this reason. Birth control with lower levels of hormones or one that uses progestin-only are relatively safer options.

What is your reason for using birth control?

If preventing pregnancy isn’t your main priority and you are looking for something to regulate your cycle, lighten your period or skip it altogether, lessen symptoms of PMS or PMDD, reduce the risk of ovarian cysts, or treat acne, hormonal birth control is what you need.

How long do you plan to use birth control?

If you do not plan to have a child for several years, you can consider an IUD.

If you are looking to have kids in the next couple of months or years consider a hormonal form of birth control such as pill, patch, implant, ring, or shot.

How often do you want to deal with birth control?

If you thrive on routine, then a daily pill may be right for you. However, if maintaining that level of consistency feels cumbersome, consider other long-term options.

With answers to those questions, you are sure to have found the right birth control for you. Look no further and access birth control online, today.