Bridgercare’s 4 most popular birth control methods
It can be frustrating, but it’s true: there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to birth control. Everyone has a different reaction to each method, which is why it’s important to talk with your medical provider about what you’re looking for! This blog post includes only Bridgercare’s 4 most popular birth control methods. If you’re interested in learning more about ALL of the methods we offer, click here!
There are lots of different options out there, each with its own unique benefits and possible shortfalls. Are you looking for a method that’s the absolute best at preventing pregnancy? Hoping to find a method to ease the problems of periods? Want something that helps prevent STIs, too? If you want to learn more about the pill, discover the benefits of IUDs, or just chat with a provider about what method might be right for you and your goals, Bridgercare is here to help!
From arm implants to internal condoms to a variety of pills and beyond, Bridgercare’s providers are experts in the field and are here to help you figure out what’s best for YOU.
But if you’re curious about the most common methods we see here at the clinic, look no further…But wait! There’s just one last thing before launching into Bridgercare’s 4 most common birth control methods. Many health insurance plans cover birth control, but with our sliding fee scale, you can still have your choice of affordable birth control regardless of insurance coverage! Before writing off a method you’re interested in because of price, be sure to give us a call. We would LOVE to discuss options and resources with you to make sure cost doesn’t get in the way of your healthcare.
Without further ado… here are the most common birth control methods seen at Bridgercare!
Combined Oral Contraceptives ("The Pill")
There are many kinds of COC’s, as these pills have a combination of both estrogen and progestin. They prevent pregnancy by preventing ovulation (release of an egg) from the ovaries. Pretty cool!
Pros:
Highly effective IF taken every day
Can help improve menstrual cramps, acne, and heavy bleeding
Different combinations to choose from
Can stop at any time
Cons:
Must remember to take every day
Not easy to hide if needed, and the pack can be misplaced or lost, and must be brought with ya when traveling
Can’t be used if you are a smoker over 35 and/or have migraines with aura
Depo Provera (“The Shot”)
Depo is a contraceptive injection that contains a synthetic version of the natural hormone progesterone. It works by stopping ovulation (release of an egg) from the ovaries.
Pros:
Each shot is effective for 3 months
Discrete- no one knows if you’ve received it
Highly effective if received on time
Often eliminates periods or they get very light
Cons:
Needles required! You have to get an injection every 3 months
You need to physically come into the clinic for the shot (although there is a type of Depo you can inject yourself- ask us about it!)
Like all medicines, there can be side effects. These include longer bleeding, spotting, or no periods. Side effects often go away after 2-3 months, but with the Depo, side effects may continue until the medicine has left your system.
It may take up to 10 months after stopping the shot to get pregnant
IUDs
Intrauterine devices, known as IUDs, are the most commonly used form of reversible birth control worldwide! They’re small, T-shaped devices that are inserted into the uterus, and there are both hormonal (Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta) and non-hormonal (Paragard) options. They prevent pregnancy by changing the way sperm cells move so they can’t get to an egg.
Pros:
Suuuuper effective method – Less than 1 pregnancy per 100 women in 1 year
Discrete
Last from 5 to 12 years, depending on the type
Low hormonal or hormone free options
Can help with menstrual cramps and heavy periods
Cons:
Requires a procedure for insertion that can be painful
Side effects such as pelvic cramping and changing in bleeding patterns can happen. If you are concerned about these side effects, talk to a provider!
Nexplanon (“The Implant”)
Nexplanon, or the implant, is the most effective form of hormonal birth control. Nexplanon is a thin, flexible tube that is less than two inches long. It is implanted right below the skin of the arm and contains only the hormone progestin. Nexplanon prevents pregnancy by preventing ovulation. Pretty cool, right?!
Pros:
More than 99% effective
Lasts up to 5 years
Discrete
Very low maintenance! “Get it and forget it”
Cons:
Irregular periods are common, and side effects such as headaches and nausea are uncommon but possible
Requires a minor procedure for insertion and removal, but only around 5% of patients experience pain during the process
Know that this isn't an exhaustive list of pros, cons, methods and more! Want to chat with a #contraceptionexpert about birth control? Hoping to start or switch up your method? Give us a ring at 406-587-0681 or schedule online at Bridgercare.org/schedule!
Want to watch this blog in video form? Check out our video here!
Originally Published March 9, 2018
Frequently Asked Questions
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Choosing a method of contraception can be an intimidating process! There are many different methods that may align with your reproductive goals. If you wish to explore methods that must be prescribed by a provider, there are a few things you should think about beforehand:
-Your past experiences with birth control: What did you like about a past method? What did you dislike?
-What is most important to you about your birth control: Do you want the absolute most effective method? Do you want a method you can start and stop on your own? What is important to you from a lifestyle and cultural perspective?
-Your reproductive goals, including the number of children you may want to have and your timeline for having (or not having) children.
These factors can contribute to your decision as much or as little as you would like them to, but it is important to consider all of them when deciding what contraception is right for you.
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If you wish to stop using your current method of birth control, that is a decision that is entirely up to you! If you are stopping due to negative side effects or lifestyle changes and wish to explore other options for pregnancy or STI prevention, Bridgercare is more than happy to discuss these options with you.
Nexplanon, which is a Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptive (LARC), requires a small procedure and will have to be removed by a medical provider for your safety. Bridgercare is happy to schedule you for a removal appointment if you want to get your Nexplanon out!
Another form of LARC, IUDs, can be removed by a provider or safely at home. Both options are safe and effective at removing IUDs. If you wish to explore other options of birth control after your IUD removal, we are happy to go over those options with you!
Whether it is a LARC, a short acting hormonal contraceptive (birth control pills, Depo Provera, etc.), or an over-the-counter method like condoms, it is entirely up to each individual’s wants, needs, and reproductive goals. At Bridgercare, we are happy to help you explore options at any point in your journey!
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To prevent pregnancy, the most effective forms of birth control are…
o Nexplanon (The Implant): More than 99% effective
o IUDs: More than 99% effective
o Sterilization: More than 99% effective (this method is PERMANENT)
To prevent both STIs and pregnancy, the only method available is…
o Condoms: 98% effective with perfect use
To prevent oral transmission of STIs…
o Dental Dams: Great when used perfectly, but there is not a specific level of effectiveness
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With typical use, withdrawal is only 80% effective at preventing pregnancy, which means that about 20 out of 100 people with uteruses who use the withdrawal method will get pregnant each year. Withdrawal is 0% effective at preventing STI’s.
While ejaculate is not entering the vagina or anus when practicing the withdrawal method, pre-ejaculate can also carry STI’s, which can still enter the body.
Some STIs like HPV and Herpes are spread through skin-to-skin contact with the genitals, meaning that they can also be spread even while using the withdrawal method.
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Fertility Awareness Methods (also known as cycle tracking or the Rhythm Method) are between 77 and 98% effective at preventing pregnancy, but do NOT prevent STIs.
2-23 out of 100 people who use a Fertility Awareness Method will get pregnant each year.