Birth control is essential, as it helps prevent unwanted and unplanned pregnancies that can cause severe health issues to both the mother and the baby. There are various types of birth control, from condoms to emergency contraception. That said, some prefer using a more stable method of contraception like the pill or the shot. For those wondering which method suits them best, here’s a detailed comparison of the birth control pill and the birth control shot.

Birth control pills
Taking birth control pills is an effective way of preventing pregnancy, and they work by altering the hormone levels in a woman’s body. Over the years, the pills have become commonplace, as they are affordable and effective if taken correctly.

The pills affect the hormones that control ovulation, so they work by stopping the egg from descending. This means there’s no egg for the sperm to fertilize. They also work toward thickening the mucous in the cervix, which blocks the sperm from reaching the egg.

While the pill is 99 percent effective, there are a whole lot of rules that need to be followed to ensure its effectiveness. For example, they need to be taken at the same time every day, and one cannot skip a pill. To ensure that one doesn’t forget to take it on time every day, they can set an alarm and keep their pill pack on them at all times. Not to mention, one can request their partner or another family member who is also on the pill to remind them to take it until it becomes a part of their routine.

Unfortunately, birth control pills do not offer protection against Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs).

Birth control shots

The birth control shot is another common method of birth control that many have adopted. Known as the Depo-Provera injection, the birth control shot needs to be taken every 3 months. It is a very effective mode of preventing unwanted pregnancy, not to mention a convenient one.

The shot contains the progestin hormone that prevents ovulation, which means there is no egg in the tube to be fertilized. Much like the birth control pill, the shot makes the mucus in the cervix thicker and does not allow the sperm to swim to and fertilize the egg.

Birth control shots are expensive as compared to the pill. While almost 100 percent effective in ideal cases, they are 94% effective most times as people often forget to get them on time. Unlike the pill, the birth control shot needs to be taken once every 3 months (12-13 weeks) and can be administered at the clinic by a medical professional or by oneself at home.

When comparing the birth control pill and the shot, birth control shots are also not effective in protecting against STDs.