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What is Birth Control?

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  • Birth control refers to methods, medications, devices and behaviors  used to prevent pregnancy. Birth control not only empowers individuals to take charge of their reproductive health and actively participate in decisions about family planning but also in many cases, goes beyond contraception providing further health benefits and protections (Bansode, Sarao, & Cooper, 2023).

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  • Options include hormonal methods such as pills or patches and non-hormonal ones like condoms or copper IUDs, with choices ranging from short-term solutions such as daily pills to long-term solutions like IUDs or implants. It’s about finding what works best for you and your body!

How does Birth Control Work?

​Hormonal Birth Control

How They Work:

  • Suppresses ovulation preventing the release of an egg

  • Thickens cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to travel to the egg.

  • Thins the uterine lining, reducing the likelihood of implantation if fertilization occurs (Cleveland Clinic, n.d.)

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Example:

  • Birth control Pills, Patches, Vaginal rings, Hormonal IUDs, Implants, Injectable contraception

​Non-Hormonal Birth Control

How They Work:

  • Can act as physical barriers to block sperm from reaching the egg like condoms or diaphragms

  • Can use substances that kill or immobilize sperm like spermicides

  • Can also the environment in the uterus to prevent fertilization such as the copper IUDs do (Cleveland Clinic, n.d.)

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Example:

  • Male and female condoms, Diaphragms, Cervical caps, and Copper IUDs

Contraceptive Methods Comparison Chart

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“For me, and for many women like me, this is not only a reproductive issue; it’s a basic health issue. Before going on birth control to regulate my cycle, I became desperately ill every month with headaches, nausea, and fainting. Birth control makes it possible for me to remain healthy and function in my everyday life, and I need health care coverage that makes it available and affordable.”-Sarah D., Maine

Hear From Women On Their Experiences With BC

"“I’m a poor college student who’s learning to do a lot of good in this world! But I cannot do that if I can’t plan parenthood.”-Madeline G., Idaho

“Without birth control, I’d never be able to get through college. Also, it does more than prevent unwanted pregnancies. Without it, every month I would spend one entire week in severe pain. This not only regulates my period but helps me function in my everyday life.”-Jesse M., SC

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“Birth control is extremely important to my overall health. Birth control allows me to function by regulating my hormones; without it, I am literally unable to leave the bed. it is crucial that I have the ability to plan my life and function as I see fit; there is no alternative"-Rockyan, MO

References 

Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Birth control options. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11427-birth-control-options

Bansode, O. M., Sarao, M. S., & Cooper, D. B. (2023). Contraception. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK536949/

Mayo Clinic Staff. (Feb 2023). Birth Control Patch.  Mayo Clinic

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/birth-control-patch/about/pac-20384553

Planned Parenthood. IUD Birth Control. 

https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/iud

Nexplanon. 

https://www.nexplanon.com/

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Cleveland Clinic. Birth Control Pills. 

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/3977-birth-control-the-pill

Planned Parenthood, (n.d.)

https://www.plannedparenthoodaction.org/issues/birth-control/birth-control-stories#california

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