About 70% of women currently taking birth control pills are considering trading their pills for an IUD as their preferred contraception method.

If you’re unhappy with your current birth control method, then it may be time to consider all of your options.

There are several options available, and you need to consider the pros and cons of each. This will help you determine which birth control methods are the best for your lifestyle.

Read this guide and consider your options.

Condoms

There are two types of condoms, external and internal. Men wear the external version while women wear the internal version.

This method of contraceptive is reasonably effective when used correctly and can protect against STIs. It doesn’t use hormones and won’t affect your period.

The downside of condoms is that you have to remember to use them. They can also break or slip off, which renders them ineffective. Using condoms won’t have any effect on your periods.

Hormonal Methods

Contraceptives that use hormones include birth control pills, the implant, injections, patch, and the ring. Some are a set it and forget it methods, such as the implant or injections. Others require you to regularly take a pill or change out the patch or ring.

These methods trick your body into thinking it’s already pregnant, so you can’t get pregnant. When used correctly, they’re very effective.

However, they won’t protect against STIs. Their effectiveness also decreases as human error increases. This means you’ll need to take control of your birth control to ensure it’s effective.

There are also several varieties of birth control pills on the market. So choosing the best option will require a doctor to determine the right combination of hormones for your body.

Taking hormonal birth control can help alleviate heavy or painful periods. The right hormone formula can help regulate them, make them lighter, and sometimes even stop them completely.

Non-Hormonal Methods

If you don’t want to take hormones, you can consider options that don’t require them. These include a diaphragm, cap, IUD, or fertility tracking. The IUD is very effective, while the diaphragm and fertility tracking are reasonably effective.

An IUD is a set it and forget it type of contraceptive. With a diaphragm, you’ll need to remember to put it in every time you have sex. Fertility tracking requires you to regularly and accurately track your body’s cycle.

None of these methods will protect you from STIs. They also have great risks of user error. These methods won’t help with heavy or painful periods, and the IUD can actually make them worse.

Sterilization

This is the last resort of birth control. It’s incredibly effective and is permanent.

It’s reserved for women who are confident that they will never want to have children in the future. Having this procedure done won’t affect your periods.

Consider These Contraception Methods

By considering these contraception methods, you’re taking control of your body and future. It’s important to consider your lifestyle, budget, sexual habits, and contraceptive goals.

Browse our other health-related articles for more tips and tricks to living your best healthy life.