Using birth control can be confusing. First, you need to decide if birth control is right for you. Then, if you decide to use birth control, you’re going to have to figure out which specific kind is best given your needs, health, and other factors. Fortunately, Dr. Eric Bentolila and Dr. Jacqueline Saitta can help you which form may be best. If you live in or near Bayonne or Ridgewood, NJ, and have questions about birth control, feel free to contact us. For now, let's cover some key considerations and concepts.

Using Birth Control To Prevent Unwanted Pregnancies

The principal purpose of birth control is to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Raising a child is a major commitment and even if you want to start a family, right now might not be the ideal time. Further, you may already have children but might want to limit the size of your family. Or perhaps kids simply aren’t for you, and you’d rather not be a parent.

Whatever the reason, if you do not want to get pregnant but are going to be sexually active, you need to use birth control. That said, there are many different types of birth control, including condoms, patches, pills, and implants. Condoms can both prevent pregnancies and provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases. However, using them can be difficult and requires discipline.

Many women will find using pills, implants, shots, patches, and the like easier and more effective. These contraceptives cause biological changes that make getting pregnant much less likely. Later, if you should decide to start a family, you can stop taking birth control.

Permanent Birth Control

Some women (and men) decide that they want to take pregnancy off the table. If a woman undergoes tubal ligation, AKA has her tubes tied, it greatly reduces the chances of her getting pregnant. While it is sometimes possible to reverse the treatment, if you want to get pregnant in the future, it’s generally advised that you not undergo tubal ligation. If you'd like to further explore the pros and cons of permanent birth control and live near Bayonne or Ridgewood, NJ, Dr. Bentolila and Dr. Saitta can help.

Other Birth Control Uses

Preventing pregnancies is the chief reason people take birth control. That said, some birth control medications have other uses, including:

• Treating acne
• Regulating periods
• Reducing the discomfort of menstruation
• Addressing iron deficiencies
• Encouraging bone health

The above list is not exhaustive. Further, different birth control methods will have different effects. It’s wise to speak with a doctor about the many applications of birth control. Need help? Contact Dr. Bentolila and Dr. Saitta if you reside near Bayonne or Ridgewood, NJ, and need help with birth control. Call (201) 447 0467 or (201) 447 1700 to get started.