Whether you’re looking for birth control for the first time in your life, or whether you’ve been using it for a while, you have a lot of options. How do you choose from all the different types of methods and feel confident that you’ve made the right choice?
Your birth control needs may evolve as you do. You can always change methods when you realize your present methods aren’t the best fit anymore.
Our expert and knowledgeable OB/GYN, Rafiq Mian, MD, helps you sort through your best options for contraception. At Mian OB/GYN & Associates in Silver Spring, Maryland, he and our team are here to answer all of your questions about family planning.
Here are some signs that you’ve chosen your ideal birth control method.
It’s ready when you are
The best type of birth control varies depending on how frequently you need it. If you’re in a monogamous, committed relationship, you may need to have round-the-clock protection. In such cases, hormonal birth control like the pill or an implant might be the best choice. Or, if you don’t want hormones, choose a non-hormonal intrauterine device (IUD).
In contrast, if you’re single or only have sex infrequently, you may prefer a portable method that doesn’t flood your body with hormones. In such cases, you may want a diaphragm, birth control sponge, or cervical cap. Be sure to also use condoms to protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
It protects you from STDs
The only type of birth control that protects against STDs is a condom. Unless you’re 100% certain that you’re in a monogamous, committed relationship, you should always use a condom, no matter what other type of birth control you choose.
You can opt for a male condom, which fits over the man’s penis. Or, you can use a female condom, which fits into the woman’s vagina. Please note that some STDs, such as herpes and human papillomavirus (HPV), can be transmitted through intimate touch alone.
It’s effective against pregnancy
Of course, the most important part of birth control is that it protects you from an unwanted pregnancy. Following is a breakdown of the least to most effective types of contraception:
- Cervical cap with spermicide, 71-86% effective
- Birth control sponge, 78-86%
- Spermicide alone, 79-86%
- Female condom, 79%
- Male condom, 85%
- Diaphragm with spermicide, 87%
- Vaginal ring, 93%
- Birth control pill, 93%
- Birth control patch, 93%
- Birth control shot, 96%
- Birth control implant, 99%
- IUD, 99%
Using a condom with another method not only protects from most STDs but also from pregnancy.
It’s reversible
Just because you don’t want a baby now doesn’t mean you won’t want one in the future. All forms of birth control are reversible, except for sterilization.
Most of the time, you simply discontinue your method when you want to become pregnant. For instance, you stop using a barrier method or don’t renew a hormonal method.
However, certain types of birth control must be inserted by a doctor and removed by them, too. Birth control implants and IUDs, for instance, require medical assistance to discontinue use.
It matches your health needs
You may have a medical condition that wouldn’t make hormonal birth control a safe option for you. When helping you decide which type of contraception is best for you, we conduct a physical examination and blood tests if you are considering hormonal birth control.
In other cases, hormonal birth control may actually boost your health. For instance, if you have heavy periods or painful periods, birth control that releases hormones can reduce these unpleasant symptoms.
Are you ready for birth control and want to be sure you choose the right type? Contact us via phone or online form for your perfect match today.