The ability to choose if and when to have children is a fundamental aspect of reproductive health, and birth control provides you with the means to exercise this choice. The wide range of gynecology prospect Lefferts Gardens contraceptive options available enables you to select the method that best suits your needs and preferences. The following are factors you should consider when choosing a birth control method:
Side effects
When choosing a form of birth control, you must consider the potential side effects. For example, some hormonal contraceptives may cause weight gain, nausea, headaches, mood swings, or decreased libido. It is crucial to discuss any existing medical conditions or allergies with your provider before choosing a method of birth control. The side effects of certain methods may worsen pre-existing conditions or lead to adverse reactions.
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Protection against STIs
You need to remember that not all birth control methods protect against STIs. For instance, birth control pills, patches, and intrauterine devices (IUDs) only offer protection against pregnancy and do not protect against STIs. Therefore, you may need to use additional barrier methods, like condoms, to prevent the spread of STIs.
Family planning
When selecting a form of birth control, you must consider your family planning goals, including limiting the number of children, having children at specific intervals, or having no children. Choosing the right form of birth control is crucial for successful family planning. Effective birth control methods, such as hormonal contraceptives, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and sterilization, offer reliable protection against unintended pregnancies. If you plan to have children soon, you can choose methods that allow you to conceive quickly after discontinuing use, such as barrier or fertility awareness-based methods. On the other hand, if you do not want children or have completed your family, you may opt for permanent birth control methods, such as sterilization.
Ease and effectiveness of use
When evaluating ease of use, it is important to consider factors such as the frequency of use, the level of user involvement, and the simplicity of administration. For example, methods such as the contraceptive pill require daily use and can be more difficult to remember. In contrast, other methods, such as an IUD, only require insertion and can provide long-term protection. Additionally, user involvement can vary between methods, with some requiring active participation during sexual activity while others don’t require ongoing involvement. Choosing a method with a high effectiveness rate can help prevent unplanned.
Overall health
Your health condition can significantly impact your choice of bir th con trol. For instance, if you have a history of blood clots or stroke, your provider may advise you to avoid hormonal contraceptives such as the pill, patch, or ring, as these methods increase your risk of blood clots. In contrast, non-hormonal options such as copper intrauterine devices (IUDs) or condoms may be safer alternatives. In addition, pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or liver disease can affect the effectiveness of some birth control methods or increase your risk of complications.
For more information about control, call the LaSante Health Center or book an appointment online.