In the United States, 99 percent of women who have been sexually active report having used some form of contraception at some point in their lives. As a result, birth control is championed as a groundbreaking innovation that provides women with reproductive freedom to prevent pregnancy or manage period symptoms. But with the Supreme Court's recent decision to overturn Roe vs.
Wade, the landscape for reproductive liberties has shifted. If you are hoping to delay pregnancy for a few more years or avoid it altogether, it's vital to understand your choices to find the best contraceptive method for your needs. So, here is a complete guide to safe and effective contraceptive methods with and without hormones.
When used consistently and correctly, contraception prevents unwanted pregnancy and gives you control over your fertility. There are many different types; some work better than others at preventing pregnancy.
The best contraception method for you is the one that complements your lifestyle. Generally, birth control poses few severe health risks, but each method has pros and cons. Hormonal birth control prevents your ovaries from releasing eggs or thickens your cervical mucus so sperm can't get through.
Non-hormonal methods don't affect your hormones but prevent pregnancy by creating physical barriers or hostile environments so the fertilized egg can't implant into the lining of your uterus. Hormonal contraceptives mimic the naturally-occurring hormones produced in your body.
