How to Decide on the Best Birth Control Option for You
- Posted on: Jan 5 2023
Are you a woman and don’t know where to start when choosing the birth control that would be best suited for you? You are not alone in your struggle. There are several different types of birth control methods available today and it can get confusing quickly. Your medical history and personal preferences also play a role in choosing which birth control is best for you.
The number one resource you can use to help you find the best birth control option for you is your gynecological health care provider. If you like, you can put some time into researching and educating yourself about the different types of birth control options available before speaking with your healthcare provider. It can be helpful to go into the conversion with your healthcare provider with some information, knowing your preferences, and keeping your medical history in mind. Currently, there are several birth control methods available on the market, including:
Copper IUD
IUD stands for intrauterine device. This device is placed into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. The copper IUD has copper wrapped around it and it is a non-hormonal birth control option. Sperm does not like copper and it changes the way that they move so that they cannot get to an egg.
Hormonal IUD
A hormonal IUD releases a small amount of the hormone progestin that helps prevent pregnancy.
Birth Control Implant
A birth control implant is a tiny rod inserted underneath the skin of the upper arm and releases hormones into the body to prevent pregnancy.
Sterilization
Sterilization is a permanent method to prevent pregnancy. Men and women can have sterilization completed via a medical procedure performed by a doctor.
Birth Control Shots
The birth control shot is an intramuscular injection that uses progestin to prevent pregnancy from occurring for up to three months at a time.
Birth Control Pills
Birth control pills consist of a daily pill to be taken that contains hormones to prevent pregnancy.
Birth Control Patch
The birth control patch is a small patch that looks similar to a band-aid that is placed on the skin every week and releases hormones to prevent pregnancy.
Birth Control Rings
A birth control ring is a flexible ring that is placed into the vagina every month and releases hormones to prevent pregnancy.
Diaphragm, cervical cap, sponge
A diaphragm, cervical cap, and sponge are devices that are placed in the vagina to block sperm from getting into the cervix.
Condoms
There are male and female condoms that provide a barrier during sex to prevent sperm from getting to the egg and causing pregnancy.
Spermicide
Spermicide is a chemical that you put into the vagina before sex that kills sperm.
Each birth control method has pros, cons, time considerations, effectiveness, health history considerations, and possible side effects that must be considered. Most of these methods require a prescription, while a few, such as condoms and spermicide, are available over the counter without a prescription. Talk with your gynecological healthcare provider and discuss which birth control option is best for you.
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Posted in: Birth Control, Women's Health