Condoms vs Birth Control Pills: A Step Towards Knowing Contraceptive Methods Better
Birth control pills and condoms are two different types of contraceptive methods that are effective in preventing pregnancy.
According to the United Nations 2019 report, around 966 million people use some method of contraceptive, and approximately 151 million rely on birth control pills.
However, when searching for a convenient and reliable contraceptive method from various options- you may want to know which one is better.
Both condoms and birth control pills have their advantages and disadvantages that need to be addressed for proper use and preventing pregnancy.
As an example, where one has to remember to take their pills at the right time daily, the other one has to wear a rubber latex condom only during sexual activity.
This comprehensive article will elaborate on such differences and provide an understanding of condoms vs birth control pills.
Overview
The table below differentiates between condoms and birth control pills depending on their distinct characteristics.
| Aspect | Condoms | Birth control pills |
|---|---|---|
| Year of first manufacturing | 1855 | 1960 |
| Mode of usage | Worn on the penis or worn inside the vagina | Oral route |
| Available for | Men and women | Women only |
| Dosage | Used at a time of sexual intercourse | Pills is taken at a gap of 24 hours |
| Efficacy (approximately) | 98% effective at preventing pregnancy | 99.5% effective if taken correctly |
| When they fail | Heat, oils, and chemicals that can break condoms | If discontinued |
| Protection against STDs | These are the only contraceptives that protect against STDs | It does not protect against STDs |
| Side effects | No side effects | Mood swings, bleeding between periods, nausea and vomiting, headache |
| People who can use | All men and women can use condoms | People without a medical history of heart attack, high blood pressure |
| People who should not use | People allergic to latex rubber | People with a medical history of Uterine cancer, heart attack, high blood pressure, blood clots |
Condoms vs birth control pills
Condoms are effective barrier methods of contraception made from thin latex, plastic, or lambskin that can prevent pregnancy.
There are two types of condoms, i.e., condoms worn on the penis by men and condoms worn inside the vagina by women.
Condoms can prevent pregnancy by creating a physical barrier and preventing sperm from reaching the egg.
On the other hand, birth control pills, also called combination oral pills, are hormonal birth control methods used since 1960 to prevent pregnancy.
Birth control pills have hormones, such as Estrogen and Progestin, which are responsible for the menstrual cycle in women.
The other form of contraceptive pill, i.e., minipill, contains Progestin only.
Birth control pills prevent pregnancy in the following ways:
- Estrogen in birth control pills prevents ovaries from releasing an egg
- Progestin thickens the cervical mucus to make it harder for sperm to reach the egg
- Progestin results in the thinning of the uterine lining (endometrium) to prevent implantation
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YasminFemilonUsage method
Condoms are worn on the penis of the men or the vagina of the female.
On the other hand, birth control pills are taken orally daily at the same time.
Dosage and efficacy
Generally, condoms are used at the time of sexual intercourse.
In contrast, birth control pills are taken daily through the oral route.
There are different packs of birth control pills explained in the following ways:
- 21 days pack: This pack of birth control pills contains 21 tiny tablets that you take daily and then avoid any tablet for the fourth week
- 28 days pack: This birth control pill’s pack has 28 pills, 21 contain hormones, and the last 7 are placebo pills without hormones
- 91 days pack: The 91-day pack of pills for three months, followed by one week of placebo pills
When condom vs birth control pills fail
A condom may break, rip, or tear and become unusable.
The following factors can increase the chances of tearing the condom:
- Heat
- Oils
- Sun
- Chemicals
Condoms can be preserved by keeping them away from sunlight and chemicals. Also, be sure to check the expiration date of condoms before using them.
In contrast, birth control pills can fail due to human errors, such as missing dosage.
Protection against STDs
The male condom can protect against certain Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs).
As per the NCBI, condoms can protect against the following STDs:
- Gonorrhea: Up to 90%
- Chlamydia: Up to 50% to 90%
- HIV and Hepatitis B: Around 90%
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV): 50% to 90%
- Herpes Simplex Virus: Around 10% to 50%
On the other hand, birth control pills do not protect against STDs.
Pros
Some of the pros of condoms are as follows:
- Cost efficient and can be used without prescription
- Easily available and convenient to use
- Condoms are available in many textures, styles, and shapes
- It can even delay ejaculation
- Safe for oral, vaginal, and anal sex
- Condoms are effective against STDs
- It has no side effects
Some common pros of birth control pills include:
- It reduces period cramps and makes periods lighter and shorter
- Reduces the risk of endometrial, ovarian, and colon cancer
- Lowers the risk of Ectopic pregnancy
- It can prevent bone thinning, Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), and Anemia
- Reduce cyst formation in ovaries and breasts
Cons
Some common cons of condoms include:
- People must use a condom every time they are involved in sexual activity
- It needs to be correctly used
- Some people may take time to get used to it
- They are meant to be used once
Some common cons of birth control pills are as follows:
- People must remember to take them daily at the same time
- It can increase blood clots and heart problems
- It does not protect against STDs
- Bleeding in between periods
Side effects
Fortunately, condoms have no side effects, unlike other birth control methods.
Birth control pills may show the following side effects in people:
- Headaches
- Breast tenderness
- Bleeding between periods
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weight gain
- Mood swings
Who cannot use condoms vs birth control pills
Every man and woman can safely use condoms to prevent pregnancy. In a few cases, it may cause allergic reactions to latex rubber.
For birth control pills, the risk factors are higher for people who have:
- A history of heart problems and blood clots
- Crossed the age of 35
- High blood pressure, blood cholesterol level, or Diabetes
- A habit of smoking
- Have a history of Uterine cancer
People with these medical conditions or age factors must consult a healthcare practitioner before taking either birth control patches or pills.
Conclusion
Birth control pills and condoms are two types of contraceptive methods to prevent pregnancy and protect against STDs.
Condoms are made of thin latex, plastic, or lambskin and worn on either the penis or inside the vagina. In contrast, birth control pills are taken orally.
Further, pills are available in different packs for 21 days, 28 days, and 91 days.
There are certain pros of condoms, such as cost efficiency and ease of use. Moreover, the cons of birth control pills include reduced period cramps and the risk of Ovarian cancer.
However, they have certain cons, such as condom needs to be worn correctly, and birth control pills not protect against STDs.
Further, birth control pills may cause side effects, such as vomiting, nausea, and mood swings. In contrast, condoms show no such side effects.
Some people with high blood pressure should consult their healthcare practitioner before taking birth control pills. However, everyone can use condoms safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can pills replace condoms?
If used correctly, birth control pills can be 99.5% effective. They will prevent pregnancy even if you forget to use condoms while having sex. However, pills will not prevent the transmission of STDs, such as HIV, Gonorrhea, and Chlamydia. Therefore, it’s unlikely that pills can replace condoms.
Which is better, condoms or birth control pills?
Birth control pills, if used correctly, are 99.5% effective, whereas condoms are 98%. However, condoms can prevent the transmission of STDs, whereas birth control pills fail to provide a barrier against them. Further, pills have some side effects, such as vomiting and headache, and condoms have no side effects.
Can I use condoms instead of birth control pills?
You can use condoms instead of birth control pills to prevent pregnancy. Further, it can protect you against transmitting or acquiring STDs through sexual activity. However, there are chances when condoms can break due to heat, oils, and chemicals, increasing the risk of pregnancy.
Which is more effective, birth control pills or condoms?
Birth control pills and condoms are effective in preventing pregnancy. Condoms can also prevent STDs, whereas birth control does not protect against them. Further, birth control can also cause side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, or bleeding between periods, whereas condoms have no side effects.
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