Ever wondered why some women pick one form of birth control over another? And yet another might pick something completely different? Us too! We’ve pitted four of the most common choices in pregnancy protection against one another in a battle of pros and cons!
The Pill
The Pros: When taken correctly (at the same time every day) the pill can be very effective in preventing pregnancy. Other perks include more regular (and often less painful) periods, clearer skin, and lowered risks of uterian and ovarian cancers.
The Cons: As mentioned above, success is basically dependent on your ability to remember to take it. It also poses a slightly higher risk of heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots. There are a number of different types of pills and the risk levels often differ from pill to pill. Make sure to speak with your doctor before starting any type of birth control to assess which would suit you best.
IUD
The Pros: Widely acknowledged as one of the most successful forms of birth control with a 98-99% prevention rate. It requires no daily maintenance and cannot be felt by you or your partner during sex. When using a hormonal IUD, periods can often be lessened and may even stop altogether.
The Cons: The insertion process can be painful and has to be done by a physician. Users run the (albeit small) risk of their IUD falling out or causing an infection. Copper IUDs can cause longer, heavier, more painful periods.
Condom
The Pros: While they aren’t always renowned for their ability to prevent pregnancy, condoms are the only form of birth control on the market that protect against STI’s as well. Added bonus? Your guy can usually last longer while wearing a condom.
The Cons: There is always the possibility that a condom may break during intercourse. On top of this, you have to use a new condom every time you have sex and it can really kill the mood to have to stop and put on a condom in the heat of the moment.
Withdrawal Method
The Pros: While this is the only all-natural form of birth control, there are very few other pros that go along with this method.
The Cons: Relies on the ability for the male to predict ejaculation, which is not always easy. Can ruin the sexual experience for the women who might be continuously waiting for what is coming. Cannot protect against pre-ejaculation which often holds enough semen to inseminate a woman.
