Birth Control Specialist

What should I consider when weighing birth control options?

Effectiveness is just one aspect to consider when examining your birth control options. Other factors that influence your decision include:

• Convenience
• Your plans for a family
• Comfort for you and your partner
• Frequency of sex and number of partners
• Possible side effects
• Reversibility

You may also consider whether the type you choose offers other protection, such as from sexually transmitted diseases, or provides additional benefits, such as lighter bleeding during your periods.

What birth control options are available?

Numerous birth control options are available to you. They generally fall into the categories of:

• Barrier method, which blocks sperm from reaching the egg and includes condoms, the sponge, and the diaphragm
• Hormonal method, which prevents ovulation or changes the lining of your uterus or cervical mucus so you can’t get pregnant and includes the pill, implants, the patch, and the Depo-Provera® shot
• IUDs, which are devices implanted in your uterus that contain either copper or hormones to prevent pregnancy
• Sterilization, such as tubal ligation for women or vasectomy for men
• Natural family planning, which involves monitoring of your cycle and avoiding intercourse on your fertile days

Each method has different levels of convenience and effectiveness in preventing pregnancy. You may like a pill you take daily or you might rather have an IUD that can protect you from getting pregnant for 3-12 years without any daily maintenance on your part.

What birth control protects against sexually transmitted disease?

Only male and female condoms offer some protection against sexually transmitted diseases. If you have multiple partners, or your partner has multiple partners, condoms used in conjunction with a more reliable birth control method — such as the pill or an IUD — prevent pregnancy and help protect you from an STD.

Which birth control methods are most effective in preventing pregnancy?

Methods of birth control such as IUDs, implants, and sterilization tend to be the most effective in preventing pregnancy. The pill, patch, and ring are also up to 99% effective when used consistently and correctly. Methods that require the insertion or application of contraception, such as a condom or diaphragm, are less effective. The least effective are family planning methods.

Call The Women’s Center today to discuss your birth control options or book an appointment using the online tool.