Birth Control

What types of birth control are available?

There are a number of birth control options today, depending on your habits and preferences. Some are more effective, convenient, and comfortable than others. It’s a highly personal decision, as there are so many factors to consider. The major types include:

Barrier methods

These types of contraception prevent the sperm from meeting the egg, including condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps.

Hormonal methods

These types of contraception alter your hormones to prevent ovulation, including the pill, NuvaRing®, patch, and Depo-Provera® injections. Nexplanon® is a hormonal implant placed in the upper arm.

Intrauterine devices (IUDs)

IUDs change your cervical mucus or repel the sperm to make pregnancy unlikely to occur. Raveco Medical offers hormonal IUDs, like Mirena® and Skla®, and copper IUDs, likeParaGard®.

Natural methods

Natural methods of contraception, such as cervical mucus monitoring, have you avoid having intercourse on your most fertile days.

Permanent solutions to pregnancy are also available. Male vasectomy and female tubal ligation are options, but you must be sure your family is complete.

How effective are the various forms of birth control?

Methods such as the IUD and implants can be among the most reliable because they’re inserted into your body and do their job of preventing pregnancy without any extra work from you. These methods offer protection for 3-10 years, depending on the form.

Other forms are often less effective due to user error. For example, if you use birth control pills, you must remember to take a pill every day. Or, if you choose Depo-Provera injections, you need to schedule regular visits to your provider. 

What forms of birth control also protect against sexually transmitted diseases?

Male and female condoms are the only form of birth control that protect you from STDs. However, their reliability in preventing pregnancy is not as effective as other methods. 

If you are concerned about STDs and want to prevent pregnancy, it may be a better choice to use a condom every time you have sexual intercourse and use a more proven birth control method, such as the pill, as well.

What questions should I ask when considering a birth control method?

Your decision about birth control depends on your lifestyle, your medical history, and your partner (or partners.) Ask yourself the following questions to help you make your decision:

• When (if ever) do I want a family?
• What are the side effects of each method?
• How effective is each method?

The most important questions pertain to your own reliability: Can you count on yourself to take a pill every day? Are you willing to insert or apply birth control every time you have intercourse?

Also keep in mind convenience, your partner’s comfort, your number of partners, and your lifestyle. Your provider reviews these questions and others with you when helping you make a decision.

To help you decide on birth control and get protected, call Raveco Medical, or book an appointment using the online scheduler.