(StatePoint) Millions of women rely on birth control, but understanding how different options affect overall health is key to making informed choices.
During National Women’s Health Month, advocates are encouraging women who are considering birth control to take a closer look at hormonal and nonhormonal methods to gain a better understanding of the potential risks of each method and to determine which is the best overall health fit for them.
When discussing options with your healthcare provider, consider asking:
• Which option may best fit my lifestyle and health needs?
• What are the possible risks for me?
• Are there any health conditions that affect which option is safest?
• What signs or symptoms should I watch for after starting a new method?
Not All Hormonal Birth Control Is the Same
Hormonal contraception works by preventing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, or altering the uterine lining. The type, dose and delivery method of hormones can vary.
Some methods, such as combination birth control pills, patches and vaginal rings, contain both estrogen and progestin. Others, including certain IUDs, implants and injections, rely on progestin alone.
Estrogen-containing methods may not be appropriate for all women, particularly those with certain medical histories or risk factors. These considerations are part of a broader health picture, including how a method may interact with existing conditions or medications.
Understanding Potential Risks
Estrogen plays a role in blood clotting. For some women, especially those with additional risk factors such as smoking, certain genetic conditions, or a personal or family history of clotting disorders, this may increase the risk of developing a dangerous blood clot.
“I was young, healthy, and active, and I had no idea I was at risk,” says Alyson Layser, who experienced a life-threatening blood clot linked to hormonal contraception. “Looking back, I wish I had known the questions to ask and which signs to watch for.”
For women who prefer to avoid hormones or who may not be appropriate candidates for hormonal contraception, nonhormonal options offer alternatives.
These include copper IUDs, condoms, diaphragms and fertility awareness-based methods. Effectiveness varies by method and by how consistently the method is used. For example, copper IUDs are more than 99% effective, while condoms are about 87% effective with typical use. Diaphragms are about 87% effective, and fertility awareness methods range from approximately 77 to 98%, depending on correct use.
What to Consider When Choosing a Method
Experts emphasize that there is no single “best” form of birth control. The right choice depends on an individual’s health, lifestyle and preferences.
“Informed decision-making is essential in contraceptive care,” says Vian Nguyen, MD, FACOG, an OB/GYN and medical advisor to the Rowan Foundation. “Women should feel empowered to ask questions, understand how different options work, and choose a method that aligns with their overall health profile.”
When evaluating options, Dr. Nguyen encourages women to consider:
• Personal and family health history
• Comfort with daily versus long-acting methods
• Potential side effects and lifestyle fit
Taking the time to understand available options and individual risk factors can help support more informed and confident decisions about birth control.
Photo Credit: (c) fizkes / iStock via Getty Images Plus
