When it comes to preventing pregnancy, there are many birth control options to choose from. Each type of birth control has its own risks and benefits that must be weighed carefully. The “safest” option is somewhat subjective – it depends on your health, lifestyle, plans for pregnancy, and feelings about different contraceptive methods. However, some methods are generally considered lower risk than others. Let’s explore the safest birth control options based on medical research and guidance.
Barrier Methods: Condoms and Diaphragms
Barrier methods like condoms and diaphragms prevent pregnancy by physically blocking sperm from entering the uterus. When used correctly every time you have sex, barrier methods are very effective at preventing pregnancy. Here are some key points about barrier methods:
- Male condoms are 82-98% effective at preventing pregnancy with typical use.
- Female condoms are 79-95% effective with typical use.
- Diaphragms are 84-94% effective with typical use.
- Barrier methods have the lowest risk of side effects compared to hormonal options.
- They do not affect your natural hormones or menstrual cycle.
- Condoms provide protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Diaphragms do not.
- You must use them correctly every time you have sex to be effective.
Overall, barrier methods are considered very safe birth control options since they have minimal health risks. The main downsides are that you have to use them with every act of sex, and with typical use they are not quite as effective at preventing pregnancy as some other methods.
Progestin-Only Birth Control
Progestin-only birth control options contain the hormone progestin but no estrogen. Types of progestin-only contraception include:
- The minipill (progestin-only birth control pill)
- The Depo-Provera birth control shot
- The Nexplanon implant
- The Mirena IUD
Here are some key facts about progestin-only birth control:
- Progestin thickens cervical mucus to block sperm and thins the uterine lining to prevent implantation.
- Effectiveness ranges from 99% effective with the implant/IUD to 92% effective with the minipill.
- Less risk of serious side effects compared to combination birth control pills.
- May lighten periods or cause spotting between periods.
- Does not protect against STIs.
Progestin-only options are very effective, safe forms of birth control for most women. They are a great choice if you cannot take estrogen or want lighter periods. The main downsides are irregular bleeding and the need to remember to take the minipill on time every day.
Copper IUD
The Paragard copper IUD is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. It can stay in place for up to 10 years, making it a very convenient long-term contraceptive option. Here are the key facts about the copper IUD:
- It contains no hormones, so it has very few systemic side effects.
- Copper ions stop sperm movement and fertilization.
- It may make periods heavier and more painful.
- Rare risks include perforation during insertion, expulsion, and pelvic infection.
- Must be placed and removed by a healthcare provider.
- Can be left in place for 10 years before replacing.
The copper IUD is one of the safest and most effective forms of birth control over the long-term. It poses few risks and prevents almost all pregnancies. The main downside is potentially heavier, crampier periods for some women.
Combination Birth Control Pills
Combination birth control pills contain estrogen and progestin. When taken daily, the hormones stop ovulation and thicken the cervical mucus to prevent pregnancy. Some key points about combination pills:
- When taken perfectly, they are 99% effective. But typical use is around 91% effective.
- Cause lighter, more regular periods for most women.
- Reduce risks of ovarian and endometrial cancers.
- Must be taken daily at the same time.
- Increased risk of blood clots, heart attack, and stroke for some women.
- Many different brands and formulas to choose from.
Combination pills require more caution for women over 35 who smoke due to increased heart risks. But they are still considered safe birth control for young, healthy women without other risk factors. Remembering to take the pill every day can be challenging for some people.
Permanent Sterilization
For women who are 100% certain they never want biological children, permanent sterilization provides lifelong pregnancy prevention. Two options are:
- Tubal ligation: The fallopian tubes are cut and tied off to prevent eggs from reaching the uterus.
- Hysteroscopic sterilization: A tiny implant is placed in each fallopian tube to cause scar tissue that blocks sperm.
Key facts about permanent female sterilization:
- Almost 100% effective at preventing pregnancy.
- Minimally invasive procedures with quick recovery times.
- Does not affect menstrual cycles or hormone levels.
- Permanent – very difficult to reverse.
- Covered by most insurance plans.
Permanent sterilization is an extremely effective birth control option for women who never want to become pregnant. There are almost no long-term side effects or health risks. However, women should only undergo sterilization if they are fully committed to never having children, as reversal procedures are difficult and not always successful.
Natural Family Planning
Natural family planning relies on tracking the menstrual cycle and avoiding sex during fertile days. Options include:
- Calendar method – track cycle lengths to predict ovulation.
- Cervical mucus method – monitor mucus patterns to detect ovulation.
- Basal body temperature – measure temperature each morning to identify ovulation.
- Symptothermal method – combine mucus, temperature, and other signs.
Key facts about natural family planning methods:
- No hormones or devices used – completely natural.
- Requires daily tracking, monitoring, and abstaining from sex some days.
- Around 76-88% effective at preventing pregnancy with typical use.
- Can also help plan pregnancies for some couples.
- Does not protect against STIs.
- May be difficult for women with irregular cycles.
Natural family planning takes dedication, patience, and good communication between partners. It is safe with no side effects, but not quite as effective as other modern contraceptives for most couples.
Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraception can prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or birth control failure. Two options are:
- Plan B: Progestin-only pills taken within 72 hours of sex.
- Ella: Ulipristal acetate pills taken within 120 hours of sex.
Here are the key points about emergency contraceptive pills:
- Reduce risk of pregnancy by 75-89% if taken properly.
- Work by delaying or preventing ovulation after sex.
- Most effective the sooner they are taken after unprotected sex.
- Safe for most women to use more than once.
- May cause nausea, abdominal pain, headaches, or spotting.
- Not recommended for routine contraception.
Emergency contraception can provide important backup if other methods fail or you have unprotected sex. Side effects usually resolve within a few days. It does not cause an abortion or harm an existing pregnancy.
Comparison Table of Birth Control Methods
| Method | Effectiveness | Health Considerations | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male condom | 82% effective | Minimal health risks | Protects against STIs; easily accessible | Must be used correctly and consistently |
| Diaphragm | 84% effective | Minimal health risks | Reusable; hormone-free | Must be used correctly and consistently |
| Progestin-only pill | 92% effective | Minimal health risks | Low hormone dose; can ease periods | Must take daily at same time |
| Copper IUD | 99%+ effective | Generally very safe | 10-year duration; hormone-free | Heavier periods and cramping |
| Tubal ligation | 99%+ effective | Minimal risks from procedure | Permanent; no long-term effects | Difficult to reverse |
| Combination pill | 91% effective | Increased blood clot risk for some | Regulates and lightens periods | Must take daily at same time |
| Natural family planning | 76-88% effective | No health risks | Hormone-free; cost-free | Requires strict monitoring and abstinence |
Choosing the Safest Birth Control Method for You
When weighing the safest birth control options, start by making a list of your needs and priorities. Consider factors like effectiveness, hormone exposure, ease of use, costs, and potential side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider about your medical history and lifestyle to determine any risks that could affect contraceptive choices.
If hormonal methods concern you, copper IUDs and barrier methods are great hormone-free options. Seek a method that fits comfortably into your life and feels sustainable long-term. Keep in mind that even the safest birth control won’t work if not used consistently and correctly every time.
Speak to your doctor annually about your chosen birth control method. Over time, your preferences and needs may change. Be open to re-evaluating what method provides you with the safest, most comfortable and effective protection at different stages of life.
Conclusion
When it comes to safe birth control methods, no option is one-size-fits-all. Factors like effectiveness, hormone exposure, ease of use and side effects must be balanced carefully. However, methods like copper IUDs, progestin-only contraceptives and barrier methods tend to have the fewest health risks for most women. Speak to your doctor to identify the safest birth control option based on your health history, lifestyle and preferences. With so many options available, there is a safe and effective method for preventing pregnancy that can work wonderfully for your needs.