Looking for long-term birth control options that require minimal maintenance? Discover alternatives to daily pills.
If you're tired of taking birth control pills every day, there are several long-term options available that require minimal effort. One popular choice is the intrauterine device (IUD), which is a small, T-shaped device inserted into your uterus by a doctor. Depending on the type, it can last from 3 to 10 years and is 20 times more effective than pills. There are hormonal IUDs that release progestin to prevent pregnancy and copper IUDs that don't use hormones. Another option is the implant, a tiny rod inserted into your arm, which releases progestin and works for up to 3 years. Both IUDs and implants are highly effective and can be removed if you decide to get pregnant. The birth control shot, taken every 3 months, is another alternative but may not be suitable for women at risk of osteoporosis. Other methods include the patch and the ring, which you use for 3 weeks and then take a week off. These options allow you to avoid daily pills while still effectively preventing pregnancy.