Choosing the right contraception method is a personal decision that can significantly impact a woman's reproductive health, lifestyle, and future plans. With a wide range of contraception options available, finding the method that best suits your needs and preferences is essential. It’s important you have an understanding of what contraception options are available to you so that you can make the best choice for your lifestyle.

Understanding Your Contraceptive Options

Hormonal contraception methods use hormones, such as estrogen and progestin, to prevent pregnancy. Common hormonal contraception options include:

• Birth control pills: Oral contraceptives are taken daily to prevent ovulation and thicken cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to reach the egg.
• Patch: A thin, adhesive patch worn on the skin that releases hormones to prevent ovulation.
• Vaginal ring: A flexible ring inserted into the vagina that releases hormones to prevent ovulation.

Hormonal contraception can be highly effective when used correctly but may not be suitable for everyone. Side effects may include nausea, headaches, breast tenderness, and changes in menstrual bleeding patterns.

If you’re looking for contraceptive options that are long-lasting and provide protection with minimal effort from you, you may want to consider long-acting reversible contraception. This could include an IUD which is inserted into the uterus or an implant that is inserted into the skin of the upper arm. A copper IUD can also be used as a non-hormonal contraceptive option. Some options can provide protection for several years before they need to be replaced.

Other options include using a condom or diaphragm to help physically block sperm from reaching the egg.

Contact Our OBGYN Today

Make sure you know what your options are and what the best choice for you and your lifestyle might be. Contact your OBGYN to learn more about contraceptive options and what could work best for you.