Effectiveness of birth control methods and options

While there are many different methods of birth control available, some are more effective than others. Patricia Geraghty, NP, lists some important factors to consider when determining which method best suits your lifestyle.

Transcript

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PATRICIA GERAGHTY: Well, we used to distinguish methods of birth control by how they worked-- hormonal, non-hormonal. We really want to talk about methods

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by how effective they are. [WHOOSH] [DING] [MUSIC PLAYING] What we call tier 1 methods have a very low risk

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of method failure. Typically, less than one woman in 100. [WHOOSH] PATRICIA GERAGHTY: These include the arm implant, both hormonal

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and non-hormonal IUDs. These are methods that work for years at a time,

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but can also be removed and fertility restored at any time. The final top tier method is sterilization,

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which should be considered permanent birth control. [WHOOSH]

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[WHOOSH] PATRICIA GERAGHTY: If high-effectiveness is the first concern, go with the implant or hormonal and non-hormonal IUDs.

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If heavy menstrual bleeding is a problem, the progestin-containing IUDs and combined hormonal

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contraceptions will help. [WHOOSH] PATRICIA GERAGHTY: If premenstrual syndrome is a problem, then using combined hormonal contraception-- again,

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pills, patches, or rings-- in extended cycles gives the most relief. [WHOOSH] PATRICIA GERAGHTY: At the same time,

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different medical conditions may indicate that a woman should not use a particular method. Any woman who has had a blood clot

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or is at high risk of a blood clot, or a woman who has migraines with an aura should not use methods that contain estrogen. [WHOOSH]

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