IUD vs. the Pill: Which Birth Control Is Right for You?

Birth control has been hailed as one of the biggest public health achievements because it allows women to plan family building (or not). And millions of women take advantage of this ability — more than 65% of American women between the ages of 15 and 49 use contraception.

If you’re trying to prevent an unplanned pregnancy, we’ve got some good news — you’re not without options. In fact, the sheer number of choices can leave many women confused about where to start, so we thought we’d help with a comparison of two of the most popular methods — intrauterine devices (IUDs) and the birth control pill.

Here at North Atlanta OB/GYN, our team of board-certified women’s healthcare providers offers contraceptive services to our clients to make sure they have the right birth control for their goals. 

So, with that in mind, let’s explore IUDs and birth control to help you figure out which one would work best for your needs.

First up, the birth control pill

When something gets recognized by the simple name The Pill, you know it’s a popular option. By the numbers, slightly more than 11% of women who are using birth control in the United States are relying on the pill, which makes sense given its advantages:

Birth control pill is effective

When it comes to doing the job well, the birth control pill checks this box and has an efficacy rating of about 93%. 

Birth control pills work with your hormones to prevent ovulation, and they can also thicken the mucus around your cervix so sperm can’t get through.

The birth control pill for period regulation

Many women like the birth control pill because it can better regulate their menstrual cycles and even lighten them. As well, the pill can also help women with moderate to severe cramps.

Disadvantages of the birth control pill

The main reason why the pill doesn't have a higher efficacy rating is due to missing and skipping pills. To keep your protection in place, you have to remember to take the pills as prescribed because, when you miss pills, your pregnancy protection decreases.

As well, birth control pills do not protect against sexually transmitted infections — only condoms and abstinence can accomplish that.

Now let’s look at IUDs

IUDs are small devices that we place inside your uterus, and there are two types:

Hormonal — This type of IUD releases hormones that offer three-tiered protection: They interfere with ovulation, thicken the mucus around your cervix to prevent sperm from getting through, and thin the lining of your uterus to discourage implantation.

Copper — This type of IUD is wrapped in copper, which is a natural sperm repellent.

IUDs are very effective

A big reason why IUDs are so popular is that, whichever version you choose, IUDs offer an impressive 99% efficacy rating.

IUDs are easy to use

Another reason why patients opt for an IUD is that they’re so easy to use. Once we insert the IUD, there’s nothing more that you need to do.

IUDs are long-lasting

Another great benefit of IUDs is that they’re long-lasting, reversible contraceptives that provide pregnancy protection for 3-12 years, depending upon the type. And when you want to restore your fertility, you visit one of our offices to have the IUD removed.

IUDs can regulate periods

Like the birth control pill, hormonal IUDs can better regulate, and even end, periods.

Disadvantages of IUDs

As with the birth control pill, IUDs do not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

Choosing the option that is right for you

Ultimately, choosing the right form of birth control is only a decision you can make, and we’re here to provide you with guidance. If you have questions or you’d like to discuss birth control pills and IUDs further, we invite you to contact us by phone or online today at one of our offices in Atlanta, Alpharetta, or Marietta, Georgia.