Birth Control

What should I consider when choosing birth control?

Effectiveness in preventing pregnancy is an important factor to consider when weighing birth control methods, but it isn’t the only factor. Also, think about:

• If you and when want to have children
• Your religious and cultural beliefs
• Any mitigating health concerns
• Side effects of different measures
• Convenience and reversibility
• Comfort for you and your sexual partner

If you are also concerned about sexually transmitted disease, you should also take that into consideration when choosing a method of birth control.

What are the types of birth control?

Birth control works to prevent pregnancy in different ways. These include:

• Barrier methods that prevent the sperm from meeting the egg, such as male and female condoms or the diaphragm
• Hormonal birth control that suppresses ovulation, such as the pill or implants, such as Implanon
• IUDs, or intrauterine devices that are placed in the uterus
• Sterilization, such as tubal ligation
• Natural family planning, including the rhythm method or abstinence

Which of these types is best for you depends on your personal family and health goals as well as your level of sexual activity.

Why might I choose an IUD?

IUDs release hormones, which thicken the cervical mucus so sperm can’t pass through, preventing you from releasing eggs each month, and making it hard for sperm to swim in the direction of the egg. A copper IUD, known as Paragard, makes the uterus a hostile environment for sperm.

An IUD is 99% effective and can protect you from three to 10 years, depending on the type you choose. Your doctor inserts an IUD during a simple in-office procedure, and it is effective immediately. It’s also easily reversed. As soon as an IUD is removed, you can get pregnant.

What are the benefits of hormonal birth control?

Hormonal implants, like Implanon, are placed in your arm and release progestin to prevent you from becoming pregnant. Other hormonal birth control may need more frequent doses to prevent pregnancy. The pill, for example, requires a daily dose. The shot requires you to come into the office every few months to receive the hormones.

Hormonal birth control can offer benefits if you suffer from irregular menstrual bleeding or pelvic pain by reducing the severity of your menstrual cycles.

To learn more about your birth control options, call OB/GYN Specialists, or book an appointment online.