Beyond the Basics — 5 Innovative Birth Control Methods for Modern Women

Birth control used to be a huge headache, both literally and figuratively. You had to go out of your way to visit a doctor and undergo a pelvic exam to get it. And older contraceptive pills had much higher doses of hormones than modern pills, so side effects — including headaches — could be much worse.

But times have changed, and there is now a huge range of options on the market. Read on to learn more about some of the latest birth control methods. You may find one that’s just right for you.

1. The NuvaRing

The NuvaRing is a small, flexible plastic birth control ring that’s inserted into the vagina to prevent pregnancy. You insert a new one each month, leave it there for three weeks, and remove it for one week. You’ll likely experience period-like bleeding during this time. 

The NuvaRing releases small amounts of the hormones estrogen and progestin. These hormones are absorbed into your bloodstream via the vaginal lining. The hormones work to stop ovulation and alter cervical mucus.

The NuvaRing is a great, innovative option for birth control because it’s over 99% effective if you use it correctly. Unlike the pill, you don’t have to remember to take it every day. The side effects are similar to those of birth control pills, including potential nausea, headaches, spotting, and breast tenderness.

It is also possible to use the NuvaRing to skip a period for a special event. After double-checking with a healthcare provider, you can leave the ring in for an extra week or two. Women with blood clotting disorders should not use the NuvaRing, nor should smokers over age 35.

2. The Shot

The birth control shot is an injection of the hormone progestin, which stops your ovaries from releasing an egg. It is administered once every 11 to 13 weeks (or up to 14) and is 94%-99% effective at preventing pregnancy. 

There are two main types of birth control shot: Depo-Provera and the variant Depo-SubQ Provera 104. Depo-Provera gets injected deeply into the muscle tissue and must be administered by a medical professional. Depo SubQ is injected into the skin and can be self-administered by a patient.

While the birth control shot has been around for a long time, it recently became more convenient than ever. In the past, you’d go to a clinic or make an appointment with your doctor to get a shot every three months. With SubQ Depo, you can get a prescription online, have your medication delivered, and give yourself shots at home. You can do it in total privacy and only have to think about it once every three months.

Because the shot doesn’t contain estrogen, it’s a safer choice for many women than other hormonal methods. Women who are breastfeeding or have heart or blood pressure issues can safely use the shot. However, women who have osteoporosis should not use the shot because it can decrease bone density.

3. The Patch

The birth control patch is like a little Band-Aid full of hormones. You stick it to your skin, and it releases estrogen and progestin into the bloodstream. You wear the patch for seven days and can go about your normal activities, including swimming and showering.

On the seventh day, you replace the patch with a new one. You can use patches continuously for up to three months without having a period. The patch is between 91% and 99% effective, depending on how well the user sticks to usage instructions.

Be aware that the patch isn’t for everyone. The patch may not be as safe for smokers over 35 or women with heart issues or high blood pressure. It also carries a higher risk of venous thromboembolism than some other hormonal birth control methods. 

The patch is less effective in women over 198 pounds and may not work at all for women with a BMI over 30. It also shouldn’t be used by women who are breastfeeding. On the upside, unlike the birth control shot, the patch may reduce the risk of bone thinning.

4. New and Improved Emergency Contraception

The “morning after pill” was approved by the Food & Drug Administration in the late 1990s, but you still needed a prescription to get it. It’s only since 2006 that progestin-only emergency contraception has been available over-the-counter. 

But even though EC is easier to obtain, it can still be expensive, and your insurance may not cover it. In some states, your pharmacist can still refuse to fill a prescription. Furthermore, many people don’t realize that standard, progestin-only EC pills don’t work as well for women over 165 pounds.

The good news is, there are now more EC options than ever. Plan B, the most common pill, typically costs about $40-50. But New Day, a generic for Plan B, is available for less than $15 online. If you weigh over 165 pounds, you can get a prescription for ella, which is more effective for higher-weight women.

Online healthcare models make it easier than ever to stock up on EC. You can get pills online and keep your cabinet stocked, just in case you have a slip-up. Telehealth appointments and overnight delivery ensure privacy — and no more tricky conversations with judgmental providers or pharmacists.

5. Phexxi

Phexxi is a new, non-hormonal birth control gel that is inserted in the vagina no more than an hour before intercourse. The process is done with a plastic applicator, similar to inserting a tampon. 

Phexxi works by lowering your vaginal pH (making it more acidic) and therefore killing or immobilizing sperm. The ingredients in Phexxi are nontoxic and can commonly be found in food products. Phexxi is different from regular spermicide gels, which contain nonoxynol-9, a harsh chemical sometimes found in floor cleaner. 

Phexxi is about 86% percent effective at preventing pregnancy and doesn’t contain any hormones. Common side effects include itching or burning sensations or a more frequent urge to urinate. Even if you don’t experience side effects, your partner could still get them from contact with the product. Rarely, Phexxi users have experienced bladder or kidney infections.

Phexxi is quite expensive — to the tune of $20 a dose or more without insurance. And because there’s no generic, you could get stuck paying brand name prices. Still, it can be a solid choice for women who prefer not to use hormonal birth control.

Making the Right Choice

We live in an era with an abundance of convenient birth control options. And there are so many ways to get them easily, cheaply, and privately. Sometimes, the most difficult part of getting birth control is choosing the right method for you. If you’re in doubt, read up on the side effects and consider your medical history and lifestyle habits. Or schedule a quick online consultation to see what makes the most sense for your body and your routine.