Birth control (contraception) is any method, medicine, or device used to prevent pregnancy.
In the past, birth control options for women were very limited and often unsafe. Today, women can now choose from many different types of birth control. Some work better than others at preventing pregnancy. The type of birth control you choose to use depends on your health, your desire to have children now or in the future, and your need to prevent sexually transmitted infections. it also depends on what type of birth control fits well into your lifestyle.
Birth Control Considerations and Lifestyle
Choosing a birth control also depends on what can fit well into your lifestyle as well as how comfortable you feel with the form physically. These considerations are important to think about when choosing a birth control method. Below are some brief considerations:
Condoms:
Condoms should be consistently used to protect against sexually transmitted infections regardless of what type of birth control you choose. However, condoms themselves, are not as reliable or effective in preventing pregnancy even with perfect use. They must be used consistently and correctly. Self discipline and being prepared prior to intercourse is essential when using condoms.
Birth control pills:
Can you consistently commit to taking a pill everyday? Are you a good "Pill-Taker"? Do you remember to take other medications and vitamins on time regularly? Work shifts, children, travel and other lifestyle factors can affect how consistent you might be in taking medications. Remember, you must take your birth control pill everyday and at the same time.
Concerns regarding weight gain and hormonal changes are some of the aspects of pill use that some patients have when considering a birth control pill. These concerns will be covered in supplemental posts.
Intravaginal Birth Control:
Intravaginal forms of birth control include the birth control ring, sponges, female condoms and the diaphragm.
Do you feel comfortable self-inserting or removing one of these forms? As a women's healthcare provider it is common for me to instruct women on the insertion and removal of these. Most women, after being instructed on how to use these methods, become very comfortable with them. They are more simple to use than women expect. The vaginal ring has similar hormones to birth control and is a concern for some patients. The effects of these hormones will be covered in a future post. The diaphragms and female condoms have no hormonal implications and concerns about health safety are minimal, however diaphragms must be fitted appropriately, and using these forms of birth control, is very dependent of the woman's correct and consistent use.
Intrauterine Devices:
These T-shaped devices are inserted into the uterus by a healthcare provider and one of the most effective methods of birth control.
The IUD is an out of sight , out of mind method. My IUD patients do not need to address any daily or monthly concerns once inserted. There are both hormonal and non-hormonal forms of IUD. However, healthy lifestyle choices related intercourse and safe sex practices are essential when using an IUD to prevent medical complications. These complications, although not common, can lead to serious and long term health problems such as chronic pain and infertility.
Aside from these most commonly used methods, there are several more birth control options which will be covered in future posts. These include buy not limited to:
Depo-provera injections
Birth control patches
Nexplanon implants
Your healthcare provider can help you decide which type is best for you right now.
So What is the best method of birth control?
So as we've discussed, There is no "best" method of birth control for every woman. The birth control method that is right for you and your partner depends on many things, and may change over time. Before choosing a birth control method, talk to your healthcare provider about:
Whether you want to get pregnant soon, in a few years, or never
How well each method works to prevent pregnancy
Possible side effects
How often you have sex
The number of sex partners you have
Your overall health
How comfortable you are with using the method (For example, can you remember to take a pill every day? Will you have to ask your partner to put on a condom each time?)
Learn more about types of birth control that you or your partner can use to prevent pregnancy by subscribing to our blog page. Keep in mind that even the most effective birth control methods can fail. But your chances of getting pregnant are lower if you use the method you choose consistently as well as correctly.
Let me know if you would like more information about specific types of birth control or other related topics.
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