Multiple contraceptive methods on a blue surface

Birth Control Methods
and Their Effects

By Lizzie De La Cruz
April 30, 2022

The method of birth control that works best for you depends on a variety of factors, including health conditions and any medications you are on. Before choosing a method of birth control, make sure to talk to a doctor or nurse about it. Whether you’re planning on being pregnant soon, or never, knowing how well each method works to prevent pregnancy and the possible side effects is key to maintaining a healthy and happy sex life. Letting your healthcare provider know how often you have sex, your number of sexual partners, and the state of your overall health can help them best advise you on the best birth control methods for you.

It’s also important to discuss how different methods of birth control can increase your risk for various health issues. It’s important to take your health into your own hands and educate yourself about what these risks are. Once you have determined the best method for you, you can order birth control online.

Hormonal Birth Control

Hormones in birth control pills help prevent pregnancy by stopping or reducing the release of an egg from an ovary, thickening cervical mucus to keep sperm from entering the uterus, and thinning the lining of the uterus so that a fertilized egg is less likely to attach. You can order birth control online easily from Wisp—if it’s your first time trying birth control pills, don’t be afraid to speak up if you’re experiencing uncomfortable side effects! Side effects from the pill are incredibly common and it often takes more than one try to find a pill that works with your body. The pill can trigger things like bloating, nausea, acne, and moodiness and while these side effects usually aren’t serious, they aren’t exactly pleasant. Let your provider know about what’s working for you and what’s not to find the best fit.

Spermicides

Spermicide is a substance that is inserted vaginally prior to intercourse and prevents pregnancy by destroying sperm that encounter it. As a contraceptive, spermicide may be used alone, but the pregnancy rate experienced by partners using only spermicide is higher than that of partners using other methods or combining methods. It’s best practice to use spermicide with a barrier method like a condom, especially since spermicide won’t prevent any STIs. In fact, it sometimes contains an ingredient called nonoxynol-9 that can cause irritation and increase your risk of getting HIV, along with other vaginal infections. Also, medicines for vaginal yeast infections may make spermicides less effective. If you use spermicides, you can order birth control online to help increase their effectiveness.

Intrauterine devices (IUDs)

An intrauterine device, also known as an IUD, is a small, often T-shaped birth control device that is inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. IUDs are one form of long-acting reversible birth control. There are hormonal and non-hormonal options available. The hormonal option works by releasing tiny amounts of hormones locally into the uterus to thicken cervical mucus and make the uterus inhospitable for pregnancy. A copper IUD doesn’t use any hormones, but is still just as effective—the copper ions kill sperm and prevent them from reaching the egg. Both are great options that require an in-person procedure for insertion and removal, but can last anywhere from 3-10+ years. IUDs can slightly raise your risk of an ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancies happen when a fertilized egg implants somewhere outside of the uterus (womb), usually in one of the fallopian tubes. An ectopic pregnancy is a serious medical problem that should be treated as soon as possible. IUDs also have a rare but serious risk of infection or puncture of the uterus. If you try out the IUD and decide that it isn’t for you, you can always order birth control online through Wisp! Just let your doctor know about your experience with the IUD and they’ll be able to recommend a pill that may work better for you.