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IUD vs. the Pill: Which Birth Control Is Right for You?
One of the first things you may want to do when thinking about being sexually active or after having a baby is getting on birth control. Another advantage of contraceptives can include clearing up skin breakouts or making your periods less painful and messy.
There are so many options to choose from, it can be mystifying when you start checking them out. Of all the different varieties of contraception on the market, the birth control pill and an intrauterine device (IUD) are two of the most popular.
At Women’s Health Care Center of Houston, our team of women’s health and reproduction specialists are here for you, with suggestions and advice on birth control and how to choose what’s right for you. Here’s a quick look at IUDs vs. “the pill.”
What an IUD and the pill have in common
When choosing between an IUD and the pill, you need to know the facts. Here’s what’s similar about the two choices:
Both are equally effective when used properly
High efficacy is important when it comes to birth control. Originately, both of these options have a good track record and they are about even when it comes to pregnancy prevention as long as you follow directions.
Both can benefit from the addition of a barrier method
Nothing is 100% when it comes to birth control. Adding a barrier method, such as a diaphragm or condom, can improve protection from pregnancy and add protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as well, which neither the pill nor an IUD can deliver.
How the pill and an IUD are different
Let’s also look at some differences between the pill and an IUD as birth control methods:
IUDs
IUDs are internal. They are placed inside the uterus and can work for anywhere from 3-10 years before needing replacement. Your provider will help you choose between a copper or a hormone-based IUD.
IUDs are great for people who have trouble remembering to take a pill at the same time every day or who have bad reactions to oral contraceptives. It’s also not affected by rifampin, an antibiotic that can make the pill less effective.
Pills
The pill is perfect if you’re more worried about stopping acne or relieving period pain than preventing pregnancy. Your provider can also easily adjust the type or dosage of your pills if you have side effects.
Pills are also easier for people who know they will want to start trying for a pregnancy soon. You can simply stop taking the contraceptive and begin having unprotected sex with no procedure to take out an IUD required.
A consultation with our team in Houston, Texas, can help you choose the contraceptive method that’s right for you. Call Women’s Health Care Center of Houston at 713-365-2900 or visit our contact page to schedule your consultation with our caring, compassionate professionals today.
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