The most effective birth control options for young women
Our Grapevine and Fort Worth obgyns believe it’s important for sexually active teens and women in their twenties to understand birth control options for young women. While a young woman can choose any form of birth control, the effectiveness of each method varies.
The most effective birth control options for young women
Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) offers the most reliable birth control options for young women. Our Grapevine and Fort Worth obgyns often refer to LARC methods, including IUDs and birth control implants, as “set it and forget it birth control.” Once our obgyns insert such a device, it is effective for three to 10 years. LARC contraceptives can be removed at any time, allowing a woman to become pregnant after removal. With IUDs and birth control implants, women experience less than one pregnancy per 100 women in a year.*
Many contraceptives prevent six to 12 pregnancies per 100 women annually*
Some of the most popular birth control options for young women are less effective than long-acting reversible contraception, but more effective than certain barrier methods and spermicides. Hormonal birth control methods, including the pill, patch, injection and vaginal ring must be taken or changed at certain times, ranging from every day to every three months. The diaphragm, a non-hormonal, barrier method, must be inserted each time a woman has sexual intercourse.
The least effective methods prevent 18 or more pregnancies out of 100 each year*
Barrier birth control methods are among the least effective birth control options for young women. These contraceptives include male and female condoms, the cervical cap and the sponge. It’s essential to know that male and female condoms are the only birth control methods that prevent HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Young women should use condoms every time they have oral, anal or vaginal intercourse, even if they are also using another contraceptive.
Young women should consult our obgyns to get answers about birth control
If a teenager or a woman in her 20’s is planning to become or is already sexually active, it’s time to talk about birth control options for young women. She may want to ask our Grapevine and Fort Worth obgyns how each method works, how to use it and talk about its effectiveness. An appointment gives a young woman an opportunity to learn more about birth control and become comfortable with her choice. The most effective birth control is the one that a woman uses regularly and properly. For advice about birth control options for young women, contact us for an appointment.
*Effectiveness rates provided by The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Birth-Control-Especially-for-Teens