Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Birth Control Method
If you are sexually active, you need birth control to prevent unwanted pregnancies. While many options for birth control are available, several factors might dictate what is best for you. You should consider choosing birth control Lake Mary after evaluating your preferences, health goals, and how soon after treatment you want to get pregnant.
You can seek birth control before having children when you want to space your children, and after having children. Your doctor can recommend permanent birth control options if you don’t want children.
Types of birth control
There are two significant types of birth control options, and they include hormonal and non-hormonal. Hormonal birth control methods use hormones like progesterone and estrogen, while non-hormonal do not contain hormones and include male and female condoms.
Common hormonal birth control methods include oral contraceptives or pills, birth control shots (Depo Provera), birth control patches, vaginal rings, birth control implants (Nexplanon), and intrauterine devices (IUDs).
What factors should you consider before choosing birth control?
The following are factors to keep in mind when choosing a birth control method:
Affordability and maintenance
The success of a birth control method will depend on whether you can afford and maintain it. For example, if you need daily pills, you must always have them and take them regularly. You should not miss a dosage because you don’t have it or forgot to take it. Missing your pills or shots can lead to pregnancy. If you are forgetful, set a reminder or an alarm.
Efficiency
When looking for a birth control method, you need an option that guarantees 100% efficiency. You don’t want to use birth control that might make you pregnant. For example, condoms can break during sexual intercourse and that is why you might need another option like the shot.
How long it will be needed
If you require a birth control option to last a long time, consider an intrauterine device (IUD), which can last for several years, or a birth control implant like NEXPLANON, which lasts up to three years. Short-term methods include oral pills, birth control shots, and patches. If you have regular sex, you might need a long-term birth control method than someone who has sex occasionally.
Reversibility
Before choosing a birth control method, you must ensure it is reversible if you plan to have children later. You can choose from various hormonal birth control options, including implants and shots. However, you might consider a hysterectomy if you don’t want to have children.
Potential side-effects
Potential side effects of hormonal birth control methods include headaches, breast tenderness, nausea, bleeding, and spotting. During your consultation, ask your doctor about the side effects and check whether the benefits outweigh the side effects.
Remember that birth control methods prevent unwanted pregnancies and not STDs. If you are using hormonal birth control methods, consider protecting yourself against sexually transmitted diseases through regular testing and using condoms.
If you engage in sexual activity, whether single or married, visit Christopher Quinsey, MD, for birth control options. Dr. Quinsey will discuss your medical history, preferences, and treatment goals before recommending the most suitable birth control method. Call or book your appointment online and prevent unwanted pregnancy.