So, you’re pretty sure you want a highly effective birth control method.

Highly effective birth control methods work super well to prevent pregnancy, need little to no day-to-day maintenance, can provide long-lasting coverage, are private, and offer a quick return to fertility after stopping.

But now comes the question: which highly effective option fits your preferences best? Let’s review some of the basics of these methods.

The hormonal IUD 

The hormonal IUD (brand names Mirena, Liletta, Kyleena, and Skyla) is a flexible, plastic, t-shaped device that is placed in the uterus that prevents pregnancy for 3-8 years depending on which brand you get. 

People with a hormonal IUD can have:

• lighter or no periods
• less cramping spotting at first that usually resolves within a few months

Some things to consider are that the hormonal IUD

• requires an in-office placement procedure that can be uncomfortable (though there are different pain management options to help with this)
• often causes irregular spotting in the first few months 

The hormonal IUD might be for you if you want a low-maintenance option with relief from monthly periods.

The non-hormonal IUD

The non-hormonal copper IUD (brand name Paragard) is a flexible, plastic, t-shaped device wrapped in a small amount of copper that is placed in the uterus. It contains no hormones and can prevent pregnancy for up to 12 years. Because it is hormone-free, many people like that their natural cycle continues. 

People with a nonhormonal IUD can have:

• heavier periods
• increased cramping, especially during the first several months

Something to consider are that the non-hormonal IUD, like the hormonal IUD, requires an in-office procedure for insertion and removal. 

The copper IUD might be a good fit for you if you want highly effective, long-term birth control without hormones.

The Implant

The implant (brand name Nexplanon) is a thin, flexible rod placed under the skin of the upper arm. It can prevent pregnancy for up to five years. It works super well to prevent pregnancy and is very discreet once inserted. Many people like that there is nothing to remember day to day and that your ability to get pregnant returns quickly after removal.

People who use the implant can have:

• bleeding that can come and go and be hard to predict
• lighter or no periods
• spotting 

The implant might be for you if you want a highly effective method and like the idea of something you don’t need a pelvic exam to place.

The Shot

Another method to consider is the birth control shot (brand name Depo-Provera). It is an injection that is given every 12 to 15 weeks. While not quite as effective as IUDs or implants, it does provide more effective pregnancy protection than daily or weekly methods. 

People who use the shot can have:

• bleeding that can come and go and be hard to predict, especially during the first 3-6 months
• no periods

Some things to consider are that the shot:

• requires appointments every 12-15 weeks
• can make it take longer to get pregnant after stopping. It can take up to 12 months after the last injection to get pregnant after stopping the shot, so it may not be for someone who wants to immediately conceive after stopping a method. 

The shot could be a good option if you want a highly effective method and don’t feel like an IUD or implant are right for you at this time.

It can feel hard to choose a method of birth control, but the good news is you don’t have to do it by yourself. Make an appointment to talk to a provider and learn more about the methods described above, and don’t forget that you can get each of them for free or at a low-cost at your nearest The Right Time health center.