What is the Right Contraceptive Method for me?

Medical writer: Judith Ewere Ojerahi RN, RM, RPHN, BNSC

 Medical Reviewer: Oke Ikpekpe, MSc (PH)

)Highlights

• Contraception helps prevent pregnancy and supports informed family planning.
• There are different contraceptive methods, each with its own benefits and considerations.
• The best contraceptive method for you depends on your health and future pregnancy plans.
• Speak with a healthcare professional before starting any contraceptive method to ensure it is safe and suitable for you.
• Making informed contraceptive choices can help you achieve your reproductive health and family planning goals.

Introduction 

Choosing a contraceptive method is not as simple as selecting the one that is most commonly used or the one a friend recommends. The right contraceptive method is different for everyone and depends on several factors, including your overall health and plans for having children.

Choosing a contraceptive is not only about preventing pregnancy. It also involves considering how effective the method is, how safe it is for you, how convenient it is to use, its possible side effects, and whether you need protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

 There are many contraceptive options available, from pills to implants to condoms and even natural methods. This is why it is important to understand each contraceptive method and how it works, so that you can work with your healthcare provider to decide which method suits you best.

In this article, you'll understand the factors you should consider when choosing a contraceptive method so that you can find the option that best supports your health, lifestyle, and reproductive goals.

What is Contraception?

Contraception, also known as birth control, is a medication, device or behaviour that helps prevent pregnancy, especially if you are not ready to have children yet. Contraception allows women to take control of their reproductive health, making them active participants in family planning [1].

Why Is Choosing the Right Method Important?

It is important to choose the right method of contraception because it provides so many benefits. Some of these benefits include:

• Prevention of unplanned pregnancies 

• Reducing the rate of abortion

• The barrier method of contraception is known for reducing the risk of getting Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) [1].

The right contraception method depends on the individual. When choosing a contraceptive method, your past reproductive health history, current reproductive stage, which methods are safe for you, personal preferences and your lifestyle are taken into consideration. This is because the effectiveness of a contraceptive method differs from person to person and should be individualised [2].

What Types of Contraceptives Are Available?

There are two different classes of contraceptives. They include:

• Temporary contraception

• Permanent contraception

      Temporary Contraception

• Natural contraception 

This type of contraceptive method does not involve hormones. This method is good for people who cannot or do not want to use hormonal therapy. Examples of natural contraceptives are:

1. Withdrawal method: 

This involves pulling the penis out of the vagina before ejaculation during sexual intercourse [3].

2. Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM): 

This method is best used when the woman is breastfeeding. Breastfeeding causes a delay in menstruation and ovulation. This method is effective if the baby is less than six months old, is on exclusive or nearly exclusive breastfeeding and if menstruation has not returned [3].

3. Billings Ovulation Method: 

This method involves knowing when you are fertile through cervical mucus changes. It involves avoiding sexual intercourse during ovulation period [3].

4. Calendar Method: 

This method calculates days you are fertile during your menstrual cycle [3].

5. Basal body temperature method:

After ovulation, your body temperature rises slightly. With this method, when you measure your body temperature after ovulation and it is a little bit above the normal baseline temperature, you can resume your sexual activities [3].

6. Symptothermal Method: 

This method combines tracking changes in your menstrual cycle, body temperature, and cervical mucus to identify fertile days. People using this method avoid unprotected sex during the fertile period [3].

Natural methods of contraception usually have a high failure rate and require a lot of training before you can use them. Also, not every woman can use them due to irregular menstrual cycles, and the fertility period differs from one woman to another [3].

• Barrier Method of Contraception: 

This method involves blocking the sperm from getting to the egg in the woman. This method also protects against sexually transmitted infections. Examples include:

• Condoms
•  Diaphragm
• Cervical caps
• Spermicides [4].

• Hormonal Method of Contraception: 

This method makes use of artificial hormones to stop ovulation and fertilisation of the egg by the sperm. It also thickens the mucus in your cervix and thins the inner lining of the uterus (endometrium), which in turn prevents you from getting pregnant. They come in many forms, like:

• Daily oral pills
• Implants
• Hormonal intrauterine devices (IUD)
• Injections given every two or three months, and weekly patches.

All these contain hormones like progesterone and estrogen.

• Emergency Contraceptives: 

This is a combination of both hormonal and non-hormonal methods. This type of contraception is usually used after unprotected sex, sexual assault or when you miss your oral contraceptive pills. Emergency contraception is available in the form of oral pills or as intrauterine devices (IUDs) 

1. Emergency oral contraceptive pills: 

These pills delay or prevent ovulation. They are effective even after 5 days of unprotected sex. Examples include oral levonorgestrel and ulipristal acetate.

2. Intrauterine device:  

The copper IUD is very effective and recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an emergency contraceptive. It works by preventing fertilisation from occurring [5]

Hormonal methods are commonly used and are generally safe with some health benefits. They include:

• Reduces the risk of ovarian, endometrial and colorectal cancers.

• Improves bone health

• Makes periods less painful.

However, there are some side effects that accompany the use of this method. They include:

• Weight gain

• Acne

• A reduced sexual desire

• Abnormal menstrual bleeding

• Physical discomfort

• Mood changes

It is important to note that these side effects vary for different women, and most women do not experience all these side effects. Most times, these side effects improve after the first few months [6].

• Permanent Contraception: 

Also known as sterilisation is a type of contraception usually done through surgery and for those who are certain they do not want future pregnancies. 

Some of them include:

1. Tubal ligation: 

This is a surgical procedure done to block, seal or cut the fallopian tubes. It prevents the egg from moving from the ovaries through the tubes to the uterus.

2.  Vasectomy:

 This procedure is done in men. It involves cutting or sealing off the tube that carries the sperm (vas deferens).

What Factors Should I Consider When Choosing a Contraceptive?

When choosing the right contraceptive, consider the following factors. 

• Your age

• Your past and present health status 

• Your future pregnancy plans 

• Your religious and cultural beliefs 

• Effectiveness of birth control method

• Affordability of contraceptive methods 

Which Contraceptive Method Is Best for Different Life Stages?

There is no best contraceptive method. The goal is to find what method works best for you. However, for the different stages of life, it is recommended that:

• For adolescents, they can use both the barrier method and the hormonal method of contraceptives. This is because the barrier method will help in preventing sexually transmitted diseases while still preventing pregnancy alongside the hormonal contraceptives. Hormonal contraceptives like contraceptive implants and intrauterine contraceptives provide long-lasting protection [7].

• Women aged 25 and above should choose contraceptive methods that can be reversed in cases where they wish to have children. You can use monthly injections, implants (Implanon), intrauterine devices (Copper T) [8].

• Women aged 40 and above should use contraceptives that are estrogen-free and reversible in case you want to give birth later. You can use a copper Intrauterine device, implants, progestin only injections. Permanent contraception may also be a good option, especially if the family size is complete.

Common Myths About Contraception

According to a recent study, it was found that myths surrounding contraception were very high. Some of the myths about contraception were that:

• It can cause permanent fertility issues in the future when you decide to give birth

• Contraceptives can burn the ovaries and harm them permanently 

• Oral contraceptive pills cause cancer

• IUDs can move from the uterus to the heart

• Using contraceptives makes it difficult to get pregnant when you stop using them

• Contraceptives can only be used by older women 

• Women who use contraceptives have a risk of  abnormalities in the baby [9]

It is important to note that all these myths are false. Modern contraceptive methods are safe and effective. Although some methods may have side effects, it can be managed with proper guidance from your doctor or nurse. 

If you've heard conflicting information, don't let myths make your decision for you. Speak with a qualified healthcare professional, ask questions, and choose the method that best suits your health, lifestyle, and reproductive goals. Informed decisions lead to better health outcomes.

When Should I See a Healthcare Professional?

You should see a healthcare professional before you decide on which contraceptive method you plan on using. They would help you pick the right one and answer any questions you may have. 

Conclusion

Choosing the right contraceptive method is a personal decision that should be based on your health, lifestyle, reproductive goals, and personal preferences. Since no single method is ideal for everyone, taking the time to understand the available options and discussing them with a qualified healthcare professional can help you make an informed choice.

 Remember that your contraceptive needs may change over time due to factors such as age, relationships, medical conditions, or future pregnancy plans. By selecting a method that fits your current circumstances and reviewing your choice regularly with your healthcare provider, you can achieve effective pregnancy prevention while supporting your overall reproductive health and well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do contraceptives protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?

Barrier contraceptives are the only contraceptive method that protects against sexually transmitted infections. 

2. Can I get pregnant while using contraception?

No contraceptive method is 100% effective except complete abstinence. Pregnancy can occur if a method is not used correctly or fails.

3. Does contraception cause infertility?

No. Most contraceptive methods do not affect long-term fertility. Fertility usually returns after stopping the method, although it may take several months after discontinuing injectable contraception.

4. Can teenagers use contraception?

Yes. Most adolescents can safely use contraception after assessment by a healthcare professional. The best method depends on their health, preferences, and need for STI protection.

References 

1. Bansode OM, Sarao MS, Cooper DB. Contraception. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan–. Updated 2023 Jul 24. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK536949/

2. Mason E, Black K. Update on long- and short-acting contraceptive methods. Aust Prescr. 2025;48(3):72-81. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12187473/

3. Genazzani AR, Fidecicchi T, Arduini D, Giannini A, Simoncini T. Hormonal and natural contraceptives: a review on efficacy and risks of different methods for an informed choice. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2023;39(1).  Available from: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09513590.2023.2247093#abstract

4. Boadiwaa Asante N, Anim J, Koray R. Barrier Methods of Contraception [Internet]. Obstetrics and Gynecology. IntechOpen; 2024. Available from: https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.111767

5. Govender I, Adeleke OA, Govender LL, Omole OB. Emergency contraception in primary health care. S Afr Fam Pract. 2025;67(1):e1-e6. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12224121/

6. Mengelkoch S, Afshar K, Slavich GM. Hormonal contraceptive use and affective disorders: an updated review. Open Access J Contracept. 2025;16:1-29. Available from: https://www.dovepress.com/hormonal-contraceptive-use-and-affective-disorders-an-updated-review-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-OAJC

7. Todd N, Black A. Contraception for adolescents. J Clin Res Pediatr Endocrinol. 2020;12(Suppl 1):28-40. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7053440/

8. Emerson M, Polyakov A. Contraception for women over 40: a comprehensive guide. Aust J Gen Pract. 2024;53(10):746-750. Available from: https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2024/october/contraception-for-women-over-40

9. Eshak E. Myths about modern and traditional contraceptives held by women in Minia, Upper Egypt. East Mediterr Health J. 2020;26(4):417-425. Available from: https://iris.who.int/server/api/core/bitstreams/11a4897a-50e9-4870-b88b-f707320016de/content

10. Govender I, Adeleke OA, Govender LL, Omole OB. Emergency contraception in primary health care. S Afr Fam Pract. 2025;67(1):e1-e6. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12224121/

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this website is for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Published July 31, 2026