Birth Control is a Journey

Did you know that on average, women in the United States use five different birth control methods throughout the course of their lives? Birth control, like many other aspects of life, is a journey. 

While the pill is still one of the most popular forms of birth control, there are many options out there for every body and every lifestyle. Folks can choose from 18 categories of FDA-approved birth control methods, but not all methods are right for everyone all the time. All people deserve unfettered access to the method of birth control that they and their trusted medical provider determines is right for them at that time. And with so many different birth control methods out there, there’s something for everyone.

There are a variety of factors to consider when choosing a contraceptive method, including (but not limited to) potential side effects, control over the method, non-contraceptive benefits, and cost. It may take some time to figure out what birth control method works best with your body and that’s okay! Just because you don’t like the first (or second, or third) method you try doesn’t mean you have to give up. 

There’s no such thing as the perfect method, and there is no hierarchy of birth control based on effectiveness or longevity. What matters most is how you feel about how your method meets your expectations for your lifestyle and your body. As your life evolves, so too may your health care needs. What has worked for you in the past may not be the best option for you in the present or future. It’s important to take the time to check in with yourself and reassess your needs. Consider asking yourself the following questions:

• Are you happy with the side effects?
• Is your period situation working for you?
• Are you struggling to remember your method’s schedule?
• Are you nervous about pregnancy or STI prevention?
• Have your reproductive goals and/or needs changed?

The list goes on. Speak up if your method isn’t working out for you! 

Also be sure to keep your eyes open! You can always look forward to advances in reproductive technology that allow for even more choices when it comes to birth control. Two recent additions to the world of contraception include Phexxi, a hormone-free, user-controlled prescription birth control gel and Annovera, a new type of hormonal birth control ring that you don’t have to replace monthly. New research also suggests that the Liletta IUD could be used as effective emergency contraception. 

Unfortunately, more than 19 million women in the United States are living in areas without reasonable access to the full range of birth control methods—and that’s not including those whose access has been impacted by COVID-19. Our Contraceptive Access Fund is working to bring access to those who need it most. Donate today and help ensure that we all have the power to decide. You can also find out what your state is doing to expand access by visiting our Advancing Contraceptive Access toolkit.