Birth Control: Understanding Your Options

Access to birth control is an important issue in women’s lives, so when it comes to choosing the type of birth control for you, you need to know that you have plenty of options. Since every woman’s body and situations are different, there is no one size fits all birth control option. What works well for one woman may not be ideal for the next. This is why there are so many options available. If you aren’t sure what kind of birth control would fit your life the best, you can always talk to your doctor about your options, and he or she can tell you which one might work best for you. Your ob-gyn will have a great understanding of what types of birth control are available, as well as side effects and other essential tidbits that you might not think about!

Below are a few forms of birth control. Again, not every type of birth control is fitting for every woman, so be sure to talk to your ob-gyn to find out which one is the best for you.

Hormonal Birth Control Methods

Hormonal birth control options are very popular and are often prescribed by ob-gyn doctors more than any other type of birth control method. There are a few different choices that fall into this category, but they all work by using hormones to thin out the uterine lining, thicken cervical mucus, or delay ovulation. These types of birth control are often the most reliable.

Birth Control Pills

These are one of the most popular forms of birth control. Birth control pills usually contain estrogen, but they can also contain progestin or a mixture of both of these hormones. While this form is often the most opted for, it is not suitable for some women, depending on age, lifestyle choices, and medical conditions.

IUDs

IUDs, or intrauterine devices, are small devices that are T-shaped. They are placed into the uterus and can usually prevent pregnancy for up to three years. These devices work by preventing ovulation. IUDs are easily removable if you decide to try to get pregnant.

Injections

Injections are another popular form of birth control. Injections, such as Depo-Provera, work to prevent pregnancy by thickening up cervical mucus and stopping ovulation. If you receive the injections according to a set schedule by your ob-gyn, and you are consistent with getting the injections, it can be up to 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. However, some women find it inconvenient to have to stick to a schedule.

Implants

Implants, such as Implanon, are small devices, usually rod-shaped, that are placed into your body, such as your arm. These devices release hormones to help prevent pregnancy and can usually last a few years before needing to be replaced.

Vaginal Ring

The vaginal ring is a small ring that is inserted monthly into the vagina. This ring, once inserted, releases hormones to help prevent pregnancy. While this ring is useful for many women, as it can be changed in the comfort of your own home, many women also do not like having to follow a strict schedule.

Birth Control Patch

The birth control patch is a patch that is prescribed by your ob-gyn. This patch goes on your body, usually around the hip or abdomen, and releases hormones into the bloodstream.

Non-Hormonal Birth Control Methods

Non-hormonal birth control methods are methods such as condoms, which work to prevent pregnancy without the use of medications like hormone birth control methods. Some women, however, cannot use hormonal birth control for a variety of reasons, so non-hormonal birth control methods are also available.

Barrier Methods

Barrier methods are methods such as male and female condoms and diaphragms, which work to create a barrier between the vagina and sperm. These forms of birth control can be reliable when used correctly, but it is worth noting that even with perfect use, there is a chance for them to fail.

Copper IUDs

Copper IUDs are often used like regular, hormonal IUDs. However, they contain no hormones. Instead, these devices rely on copper in the construction to act as a natural spermicide.

Get Birth Control with David Ghozland

If you would like to learn more about birth control options or to speak to a doctor about what type of birth control would be ideal for you, call the office of Dr. Ghozland today at 310-393-9359.