Navigating birth control options can be overwhelming. There seems to be an endless amount of options, and they all come with different risks and side effects to consider. The only thing that’s certain is there’s no method of birth control that fits everyone.

Birth control isn’t just for sexually active individuals. Some methods are prescribed to combat acne or help with cramping. Knowing the different birth control options can help users make informed decisions with their choice.

Birth control has been around longer than most probably realize. Condoms are thought to have been around since 1000 B.C., although during that time they were made of linen sheath. The rubber condoms most people know today came around in the 1800s and have been popular ever since their debut, according to a Planned Parenthood report.

Hormonal options like the pill didn’t become available until 1957 and were only prescribed to women with severe menstrual issues. Since then, a lot of changes have been made to contraceptives, and innovations are still being made today.

So, how do you know what option is right for you? Mary Raman, nurse at Thielen Student Health Center, said sometimes it takes trial and error.

“I really try to tailor it to the individual. The best method is the one that the patient feels comfortable using, and uses properly,” Raman said.

Megan Wallace, junior in child, adult and family services, is currently using an implant.

“My overall experience has been great,” she said. “My favorite thing about this form of birth control is not having to worry about it at all. I forget that it’s there all the time.”

Raman split the different options based on effectiveness and usage. Generally, her suggestion is the less someone has to think about their birth control, the more effective it is in preventing pregnancy.

The two most effective options offered are an implant and an intrauterine device (IUD). Both offer 99 percent effectiveness in preventing pregnancy. An IUD is a small “T”-shaped device inserted into the uterus and an implant is a small rod inserted in the upper arm. Both options can last several years depending on the method chosen.

An injection, pill, patch and ring are still effective, but individuals have to remember to listen to their doctor’s instructions and use the different methods properly in order for them to work.

Allison Martz, junior in elementary education, takes an injection every two to three months. “It’s really convenient for me,” she said. “It takes like ten minutes and then you leave. I’d totally recommend it.”

Finally, there are barrier methods such as condoms and diaphragms. These are the least effective but are still of importance because they protect against sexually transmitted infections, while the other methods don’t.

“There are advantages to condoms in that there aren’t any hormones, you don’t need to see a healthcare provider to get them, and they’re cost-effective,” Raman said.

Another way to separate these methods is hormonal versus non-hormonal.

“Hormones are interesting because it really depends on who you ask,” Raman. “For some women, hormones are great because they can help us with acne, with periods, PMS and they can have really significant benefits. We also know that the hormones in birth control reduce your risk of ovarian cancer and uterine cancer.”

On the other hand, hormones can be harmful to some women.

“Women may attribute hormones to weight gain, and they can cause some period irregularities as well,” Raman said. “There’s definitely pros and cons to using hormones.”

Most birth control methods use hormones, but if you want to use a method without hormones, a copper IUD, condoms or diaphragms are the way to go.

Raman recommends having strong communication with your doctor and not being afraid to speak up if you want to try something different. None of these options are permanent, so if something doesn’t feel right, look into other options available.

“I don’t want women to feel like they need to know right away what’s right for them,” Raman said. “If it’s not a good fit for you we’ll try something else, and sometimes it does take a while.”

It’s not uncommon for people to try out a few options before they find the right birth control for them — whether it’s a different brand or a different form altogether.

Plan B, or emergency contraception, is another option. Plan B is an over-the-counter pill that should be taken within three days after having unprotected sex.

Raman suggests looking into more long-term contraceptive options instead of relying on Plan B.

“I think it’s a fairly safe and effective backup method,” Raman said. “The disadvantage of Plan B is that it’s not very cost-effective, and it’s not as effective as a long-term option. It’s not an abortion pill. It doesn’t disrupt a pregnancy. It only disrupts ovulation.”

If you’re still unsure what option is best for you, talk to your healthcare provider about what fits your lifestyle best.