Choosing the Right Birth Control for Your Lifestyle
Fewer things have enhanced women’s health more than the development of safe and effective birth control. But with so many options available, determining which one fits your unique needs may feel overwhelming. To make things easier, our team at Novel OBGYN, led by Lorena Tinoco, MD, and Madelyn Gonzalez, MD, offers guidance below on how to choose the best birth control for your lifestyle.
Condoms work best for women with multiple partners
If you have more than one partner, your birth control method should not only prevent unwanted pregnancy but also protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The only options that do both are male and female condoms, also called external and internal condoms.
Condoms create a barrier between sperm and egg. When worn properly, male condoms fit tightly over the surface of the penis during penetration, while female condoms cover a portion of the external genitalia and extend inside the vagina.
Condoms are also a good option if you don’t have sex regularly. You can try different brands or styles and use them as needed, instead of having to take a daily pill or use a long-term method that alters your hormonal balance.
Birth control sponges and diaphragms protect against pregnancy, but not STIs. You can increase the effectiveness of all these methods by also using spermicide.
Birth control pills are time-tested and can help with acne or heavy bleeding
Birth control pills come with a long history of clinical trials and development. Many types exist, catering to a wide range of needs. Adjusting to a daily pill schedule takes time, but the process eventually becomes part of your routine.
Even better, birth control pills can help regulate menstrual bleeding, providing relief for women who have heavy periods or severe cramping. Some options can also reduce acne breakouts or help manage conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Your gynecologist can help determine the right pill for you, and you can switch to a different one if side effects occur.
To maintain effectiveness, take the pill around the same time every day. If you miss a pill, use a backup barrier method like condoms or a birth control sponge. This birth control method works best if your lifestyle and habits align with daily compliance.
Looking for a more hands-off birth control option?
If you want to prevent pregnancy without having to remember to take a daily pill or use barrier methods, you might consider the following options instead.
Birth control injections
Injections like Depo-Provera® provide 11-13 weeks of pregnancy prevention with a quick office visit and injection in your hip. You’ll have to stay on top of your appointments for continued prevention, but otherwise, it’s a low-maintenance option.
Intrauterine devices (IUDs)
For something more long-term, many women rely on IUDs. To prevent fertilization, hormonal IUDs change your ovulation and thicken cervical mucus, while copper IUDs reduce sperm cell mobility.
Some women report a brief period of pain while having their IUD placed, while others find the process to be virtually painless. Depending on the type of IUD, you can expect 3-12 years of hands-off protection. You can have the IUD removed if you decide you want to get pregnant.
Birth control implants
Birth control implants protect you from unwanted pregnancy with little effort. A simple in-office procedure places the small, flexible implant beneath the skin in your upper arm. The device releases a slow stream of hormones that change your ovulation and thicken cervical mucus to prevent fertilization.
Implants can last up to five years before they need to be removed or replaced. But just like IUDs, you can have them removed at any time before that, should you want to conceive.
Ready to explore the possibilities?
These are just a few of the safe and effective birth control options that are available. When you’re ready to learn more, call our office or schedule an appointment online.
You deserve to choose when and how to build your family, and today’s birth control options offer a wide range of protection to fit your plans and lifestyle. Come in soon to sit down and talk about what will work best for you.