IUD vs Birth Control Pills: A Comparative Guide

In 2020, there was a 4% drop in babies born compared to previous years. These new numbers show that the United States is at its lowest birth rate ever. 

Birth control has changed the dynamics of sexual health and reproduction, and more than ever, you can find various birth control options that prevent unwanted pregnancies. Yet, how can you decide between an IUD vs birth control pills? 

IUDs and birth control pills are two commonly used forms of contraception, and they each have their benefits and risks. To learn more about which option may be right for you, we have put together a complete guide comparing the two more in-depth. 

Are you still interested? Keep reading on for more information!

What Is Birth Control?

If you've heard the term contraception, it is an interchangeable term with birth control that essentially means preventing pregnancy. There are four main ways that people prevent pregnancy, including:

• Sperm to egg prevention (e.g., condoms, diaphragms)
• Preventing egg release (e.g., birth control pills, patches)
• Implanted devices (e.g., IUD)
• Sterilization

The most permanent form of contraception is sterilization, including vasectomy or tying off fallopian tubes. While nothing is ever a complete guarantee (unless the uterus is removed), there are several pros and cons when deciding if you should opt for an IUD or birth control pills.

Additionally, it is important to note that long-acting contraception such as IUDs or implants is reversible. You will need to discuss and follow up with your physician when considering pregnancy to have them removed.

What Is Emergency Contraception?

Emergency contraception is an oral contraceptive form that doesn't typically fall under the normal categories. It is a last-ditch resort after sexual intercourse with no protection and should not be used as a regular form of birth control. Emergency contraceptives have a 95% success rate of preventing pregnancies, but they can cause some unwanted side effects, such as:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Minimal vaginal bleeding
• Fatigue

It is relatively safe for most women and won't affect fertility in the future. 

Benefits of Birth Control

One of the apparent benefits of contraception is it can help avoid unwanted pregnancies. Yet, there are several other benefits that people often lose sight of when considering birth control options. Some of these are:

• Regulate periods or make them lighter
• Reduce painful cramps or other period symptoms
• Prevent ovarian cysts
• Help acne
• Help polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) symptoms
• Decrease cancer risks

Almost half of all pregnancies happen unintentionally, and birth control options can alleviate some debilitating menstrual symptoms and help reduce added stress and health risks. In many instances, unintended pregnancies occur in female teenagers between 15 to 19. Providing better access, education, and proper use of birth control options can help improve female and newborn babies' health. 

IUD vs Birth Control Pills

Before diving into the pros and cons of getting an IUD versus birth control pills, it helps to understand some key differences. An IUD is known as an intrauterine device. It is implanted in the uterus by a qualified health care clinician. 

Birth control pills are oral contraceptives that are typically taken daily at the same time. Both forms can prevent unwanted pregnancies at a high rate, but is one better than the other?

Types of IUDs

IUDs are flexible, plastic devices that insert into your uterus. It is small and shaped like a 'T,' so it fits snuggly in your uterus and prevents sperm from fertilizing through cervical mucus and uterine lining changes. There are two main types of IUDs:

• Hormone-releasing
• Copper

Hormone-releasing IUDs thicken cervical mucus, making it challenging for sperm to move and fertilize. They do this through small releases of progestin hormone, which is safe and does not affect fertility once removed.

A copper IUD blocks sperm through the copper lining of the IUD, which essentially makes the uterus inhabitable. Within these types of IUDs, there are different brands. 

Each type has different protocols on how long it should be left in and some safety precautions. The copper IUD is simple with just one type: ParaGuard. It can last for up to ten years before being replaced or removed. Hormone-releasing IUDs get a bit more complicated with five different popular options:

• Mirena
• Liletta
• Kyleena
• Skyla

Most hormonal IUDs last between five to six years, except for Skyla, which only lasts three years. 

IUD Pros and Cons

IUDs boast an impressive 99% effectiveness at preventing unwanted pregnancies. On the downside, IUDs have some immediate side effects.

For starters, you must schedule an appointment with a qualified healthcare clinician for an IUD. During the procedure, you may experience some mild discomfort, including:

• Abdominal pain 
• Cramping
• Nausea
• Lightheadedness

You can prep for an IUD with over-the-counter pain medication and use a heating pad once you get home. On the plus side, IUDs start working quickly. ParaGuard can begin working immediately, and hormonal IUDs may take up to a week. 

You may notice spotting for up to six months, but otherwise, side effects in the long-term are fairly minimal. Keep in mind - IUDs do not prevent sexually transmitted infections (STI) and shouldn't be used for people with cervical or uterine cancers and recent infections. 

The three most severe (and unlikely) risks with an IUD are infections, expulsion (IUD shifting out of place), and perforation. These chances are very low, and the benefit of an IUD is you don't need to worry about daily contraception, and it lasts for years to come!

Types of Birth Control Pills

Oral contraceptives contain hormones that either stop ovulation, stop eggs being released, or change uterine linings. Birth control packs typically come with a 28-day supply. You will usually take one pill daily around the same time for the best results. 

There are two types of birth control pills:

• Combination
• Progestin-only

Combination pills use progesterone and estrogen that help control your cycle. There are three main types of combination contraception pills:

• Monophasic
• Multiphasic
• Extended-cycle

Your healthcare clinician can help you decide which one is best for you, but one of the most significant differences is extended-cycle reduces how many times you have a period. If you can't take estrogen for health reasons, progestin-only pills are your best bet, and they can significantly help women with heavy bleeding. 

The entire cycle is active while taking progestin-only (or minipills), meaning you have a higher likelihood of not having a menstrual period while on it. 

Birth Control Pills Pros and Cons

Like IUDs, birth control pills can have 99% effectiveness in preventing pregnancy. Yet, it can have higher misuse than IUDs, such as forgetting to take it or taking it at different times. Combination pills, in particular, can have more whole-body benefits than IUDs, such as reducing your risk for:

• Osteoporosis
• Anemia
• Acne
• Ovarian cysts
• Painful intercourse
• Menstrual migraines

Birth control pills also work exceptionally well for women who bleed heavily during their periods and experience severe cramping. These pills also show a 50% effectiveness at reducing risks for endometrial cancer. On the flip side, it can increase chances of breast cancer, and there are some unpleasant side effects associated with it, such as:

• Headaches
• Breast tenderness
• Depression
• Libido changes
• Irregular spotting

One of the more severe risks and cons to birth control pills is blood clots. Not all women are at an increased risk for blood clots, but it is still helpful to talk with your clinician about your health concerns before starting. 

Your Sexual Health

Safe sex practices can help improve your health and ensure you feel comfortable with your sexual preferences. At Sync Health, we empower men and women with education on sexual health and safe sex practices. We can also help answer your reproductive and sexual health questions if you identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and more. 

Education on the benefits of contraception and STIs can help teens and adults understand their bodies better and practice safe sex. Almost 20% of the population in the United States has a sexually transmitted infection and costs the healthcare system approximately $16 billion. 

Teens and young adults account for most STI cases. Education, frequent screening, and access to appropriate contraception can help improve safe sex practices for STIs. Even with birth control pills and IUDs, you may need a condom or other barriers to reduce your risk of an STI. 

Empower Your Health Today

Have you considered the benefits and risks of IUD vs birth control pills? Contraception is an important part of your sexual and overall health. 

Each person is unique in their response to contraception, and you need something that aligns with your body and health. At Sync Health, we empower men and women about their sexual health and can help provide education on birth control options for you. 

Contact us today and set up an appointment to get started!The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.