The Ins and Outs of Birth Control

There are many different types of birth control. Different types are taken by certain individuals because they yield specific results, have fewer side effects, are more effective, and so on. Choosing the right type of birth control for your needs is important; you should talk to a health-care provider in order to make sure the option you choose will be effective for your individual situation.

What Is Birth Control?

Birth control is a type of preventative tool that prevents pregnancy. Different types of birth control can prevent pregnancy with different levels of effectiveness. According to the [National Library of Medicine], a person may also use the term contraception when referring to birth control. The term birth control does not include methods of behavior that are unscientific, such as the rhythm method.

How Many Types of Birth Control Are There?

There are four main types of birth control ([National Institute of Child Health and Human Development]). These include long-acting reversible contraception like IUDs and implants; hormonal contraception like the pill, the patch, and the vaginal ring; barrier methods like male and female condoms, spermicides, diaphragms, and sponges; and sterilization like tubal ligation and vasectomies. There is also another form of contraception meant for emergencies where intercourse has already occurred. This includes the morning-after pill and copper IUDs.

How Do I Know Which Type of Birth Control Is Right for Me?

As the [Office of Women’s Health] states, there is no one method of birth control that is best for all individuals. People have all kinds of different needs and different factors affecting their lives. These specifics can affect the type of birth control that will best suit you personally. For example, if you don’t want children now but you know you’ll want them later, a tubal ligation is probably not the best choice for you. However, if you are certain you will not want children, it could be the perfect decision.

Many individuals capable of becoming pregnant take the birth control pill, but there are other popular options as well. Certain options cause side effects that others don’t, and some require things of the user, like remembering to take a pill each day. Thinking about these factors will help you better determine if a certain choice is right for you.

Will I Need to Talk to a Doctor About Birth Control?

Often, yes. Most types of birth control require at least one visit with a doctor so you can get a prescription and so your doctor can help you determine if you are a good candidate for this option. You might need to see your doctor more than once to make sure you can keep receiving the birth control of your choice. In some cases, you might have to visit the doctor to have the birth control inserted, like in the case of an IUD. Surgery is necessary as well if you choose to get a tubal ligation or a vasectomy.

It can help immensely to talk to your doctor about your choice of birth control and to ensure that you know all the possible effects and factors associated with the option you choose. Make sure your doctor listens and is helpful when you have questions. Birth control is a very personal choice, so think about what will be best for you and ask your health-care provider to help you as you make your decisions.

Contact us at CareCube today so we can assist you with your birth control needs.