Methods of Birth Control
Oral Contraceptives (The Pill)
Birth control pills are taken daily to prevent ovulation and make it harder for sperm to reach an egg. Some pills contain both estrogen and progestin, while others contain only progestin. When taken consistently at the same time each day, the pill is highly effective and can also improve menstrual symptoms such as heavy bleeding, cramping, or acne.
However, because it requires a daily routine, it may not be ideal for women who struggle to remember medication or stick to a schedule. As with anything that adds synthetic hormones to your body, there can be side effects such as nausea or breast tenderness, and not everyone is medically eligible to use hormonal contraception.
Oral contraceptive referrals are available to women 18 years or older during a required in-clinic consultation with a Nurse Practitioner to determine whether this method is safe and appropriate for you.
Injections
The contraceptive injection is a hormonal shot administered every three months. Because there is no daily pill to remember, it can be a convenient option for many women. Some notice their periods become lighter or even stop altogether while using the injection. However, it does require returning on schedule every 12–13 weeks to remain protected.
Certain women may experience side effects, including weight changes or mood shifts, and fertility can take several months to return after discontinuing the shot.
Hope Clinic does not provide contraceptive injections but can offer referrals and education to help you make an informed decision.
Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)
An intrauterine device, or IUD, is a small, T-shaped device placed inside the uterus during a short procedure at a clinic. Hormonal IUDs release a low dose of progestin, while copper IUDs are hormone-free and work by preventing sperm from fertilizing an egg.
IUDs provide long-term protection, lasting anywhere from three to ten years depending on the type. Some women experience mild cramping or irregular spotting after insertion, and a trained medical provider must remove the device if you decide to discontinue it.
Hope Clinic does not place or remove IUDs but can provide education and referrals for these services.
Barrier Methods
Barrier methods work by preventing sperm from reaching an egg. Options include external condoms, internal condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, and spermicides. Many barrier methods can be purchased over the counter and provide a hormone-free option for those who prefer it.
Condoms are also the only birth control method that helps reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). To be effective, barrier methods must be used correctly and consistently every time sexual activity occurs. They generally offer less pregnancy protection than hormonal or long-acting methods when used on their own, but may be combined with other approaches for greater effectiveness.
Fertility Awareness-Based Methods (FABMs)
Fertility awareness involves tracking your menstrual cycle to identify the days when you are most likely to become pregnant and avoiding sex or using protection during that window. This can be done by monitoring basal body temperature, cervical mucus changes, and cycle patterns.
Fertility awareness does not involve hormones and can help women better understand their reproductive health. Because no special equipment is required, FABMs can be completely free depending on the method chosen. However, fertility awareness methods require education and consistent tracking.
Even if a woman does not choose to use this method as a form of birth control, it is always recommended to track her cycle for valuable medical insights and to help detect a missed or late period.
Understanding Birth Control Effectiveness
No birth control method is 100% effective, and pregnancy is always possible. If you’ve recently had sex, whether it was protected or unprotected, and think you might be pregnant, it’s important to schedule a pregnancy testing appointment to confirm or rule out a pregnancy.
If you have questions about birth control methods, feel free to call the Hope Clinic at 615.321.0005 or text 866.805.3674 to set up a call or appointment with one of our medical professionals.