That’s exactly why it’s often easier to just go with what your gynecologist recommends.
Reduced sensation during sex can also be an issue, notes Cullins.
Condoms are over-the-counter and cheap," says Cullins.
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The gear prevents pregnancy by blocking the cervix, while the spermicide immobilizes sperm.
Diaphragms are 87 percent effective against pregnancy.
If you gain 10 or 20 pounds, youll need to have the diaphragm refitted by your gyno.
It’s also better for women who are comfortable inserting a unit inside their vaginas.
Biggest side effects:The sponge can cause vaginal irritation.
The rig is better for women who are comfortable placing a rig inside their vaginas.
How it works:Combinationbirth control pillscontain the hormones estrogen and progestin, while the mini-pill is progestin-only.
Oral contraceptives halt ovulation and thicken cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching the eggs.
Birth control pills are about91 percent effectiveat preventing pregnancy.
Some women find that birth control pills dampen their libido.
For the mini-pill, spotting between periods is a common side effect.
Both combination pills and the mini-pill make periods lighter and reduce painful menstrual cramps.
Who its good for:Women who can remember to pop a pill every day.
The hormones halt ovulation and thicken cervical mucus, which renders sperm immobile.
The ring stays in for three weeks and then you remove it for one week.
The ring is about 91 percent effective at preventing pregnancy.
In some cases, the ring can cause increased vaginal discharge or irritation.
Others may find that the ring lowers their libido.
The patch stays on for three weeks in a row and is removed for the entire fourth week.
The method is about 91 percent effective at preventing pregnancy.
Some women find that their sex drive dips on the patch.
Its 94 percent effective against pregnancy.
It can also take longer to become pregnant after stopping the shots, notes Cullins.
On Depo-Provera it will take about a year and half for 85 out of 100 women to become pregnant.
Mirena lasts five years, while Skyla and Liletta work for three years.
ParaGard is the only non-hormonal IUD.
It’s made with copper, which is toxic to sperm, and lasts for 10 years.
“With ParaGard, most women will develop heavier periods and more cramping.”
The implant is more than 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy and is good for three years.
Most women will have fewer and lighter periods with the implant.
After a year, a third of women wont have any periods at all.
It’s also a safe choice for women who are breastfeeding.
The coils trigger scarring that in about three months' time blocks the tubes, preventing pregnancy.
With Essure, pelvic pain, cramping, and vaginal bleeding can occur post-procedure.
Another possible risk is that the coils aren’t positioned correctly the first time, requiring a second procedure.
Essure also isn’t a good option for women allergic to nickel.