Birth control (also known as contraception) simply means preventing unwanted pregnancy. If you’re sexually active but not planning a baby, using birth control becomes crucial. Think of birth control as your safety net; it assists you in taking charge of when or if you want to have a child. But keep in mind it only works when used correctly.
There are two types: hormonal and non-hormonal. Knowing their pros and cons helps you avoid surprises and protect both your body and peace of mind.
Let's explore the pros and cons of hormonal vs. non-hormonal birth control individually so that you can choose what's best for yourself.
A. Hormonal Birth Control Method
Hormonal birth control methods are ways to prevent pregnancy. These methods include using hormones (synthetic versions of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone) and act on your endocrine system (create and release hormones).
Options available:
- Combination pill
- Minipill
- Birth control implant
- Birth control injection
- hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs)
- Birth control patch
- Birth control ring
The effectiveness of this birth control method is 99% when used according to instructions. And in case you forget to take a pill, it’s around 91% effective.
How do hormonal birth control methods work?
They work in different ways, such as stopping your body from releasing eggs, blocking sperm, and making the uterus less welcoming for a fertilised egg. These all help you prevent pregnancy.
1. Pros
- Known for their effectiveness at avoiding pregnancy (almost 99% if used perfectly).
- As mentioned above, these come in more than one form or beyond just the daily pill (for example, patches, rings, shots, implants, and IUDs).
- They can help make your periods more regular and lighter or even stop periods entirely.
- Often eases symptoms including headaches, cramps, and acne.
- They can lower the risk of some cancers, such as ovarian, endometrial, and colon cancer.
2. Cons
- Some individuals may experience side effects like nausea, headaches, spotting, sudden weight gain, or unexpected mood changes.
- There are rare but significant health complications, such as blood clots, stroke, and heart attack, particularly for smokers over 35.
- Hormonal birth control does not safeguard you against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- It may take some time for your fertility to get back to normal after stopping use.
- It can be costly if not covered by insurance, depending on the method.
Also Read: 10 Signs Your Body Gives When You Are Ovulating
B. Non-Hormonal Birth Control Method
As the name suggests, non-hormonal birth control methods are strategies to prevent pregnancy that do not use hormones.
Options available:
- External condom
- Internal condom
- Breastfeeding
- Fertility awareness
- Outercourse
- Diaphragm
- Birth control sponge
- Cervical cap
- Spermicide and contraceptive gel
- Pull-out method
The effectiveness of this birth control method varies from 100% effective (outercourse and abstinence) to 71% to 86% effective (cervical cap)
How do non-hormonal birth control methods work?
These methods work by physically restricting sperm from reaching the fertilised eggs with the help of devices or permanent procedures.
1. Pros
- Here also, you have many options to choose from, including condoms, diaphragms, copper IUD, and even natural methods such as fertility awareness or abstinence.
- Administration of hormones is not required; hence, you are free from hormone-related side effects like mood swings or sudden weight gain.
- You can utilise them only when required, unlike a daily pill or having something implanted.
- They swing into action as soon as you use them. Hence, no waiting period like with hormonal methods.
- Some methods, like condoms, may protect you against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
2. Cons
- Their effectiveness can vary a lot; some methods (abstinence) are 100% effective. Some (cervical caps) are 71% to 86% effective, and others can be less reliable.
- Some methods require lifestyle changes or rigid discipline, for example, abstinence or tracking fertile days (also known as fertility awareness).
- Some long-term options can be expensive, for example, tubal ligation, or if you frequently buy barrier methods and spermicide.
They are not entirely free from side effects, which are irritation from spermicide, a higher risk of urinary infections with diaphragms, and toxic shock syndrome with sponges, etc.
They demand consistent and correct use every time you have sex. If you skip them from your mind, pregnancy may happen.
Note: The information is for educational use only. It does not serve as an alternative to medical advice; for reliable options, contact your healthcare professional.
Also Read: How To Prepare For Fibroid Surgery: Diet, Tests & Recovery Plan
Hormonal vs. Non-Hormonal Birth Control: Which one to choose
A quick comparison:
| Hormonal Birth Control | Non-Hormonal Birth Control |
| Uses hormones to prevent pregnancy | Uses physical methods like barriers or devices to prevent pregnancy (No hormones) |
| Actions take time (like a week) | Effective immediately |
| Possible hormone-related effects, such as mood swings or weight gain | Fewer hormone side effects, but irritation or allergies from the barrier are possible |
| Normal fertility takes time to return after stopping | No impact on fertility; you can try to conceive right away |
Conclusion
If you are thinking about "How do I choose the right birth control?", the best person to ask is your healthcare professional. You and your doctor can decide together on a birth control method that fits your health, lifestyle, and future plans.
It's crucial to have an open discussion with your doctor about your needs, concerns, and goals. Remember, what works well for one person might not be the best for another. Hence, a personalised approach is key.
