How to Decide on the Best Contraception for You

With so many choices for contraceptives on the market today, it can be difficult to decide which one to use. At The Guirguis Obstetrics & Gynecology Group, we regularly help women decide on the best birth control method for them.

In this blog, we discuss the different kinds of birth control and the factors you should consider when deciding on one.

4 factors to consider when choosing contraception

Here are four factors you should consider when deciding on what kind of contraception method you should use:

1. Your family planning needs

If you’re looking for long-term protection, you might be a candidate for an intrauterine device (IUD). An IUD is an implantable device that prevents eggs from meeting up with sperm for fertilization. There are hormonal and nonhormonal IUDs available to meet your needs, with each providing up to 10 years of pregnancy protection.

If you’re looking to start your family soon but aren’t ready just yet, you might benefit from using a birth control pill to prevent ovulation each month or a contraceptive implant, such as Nexplanon®. Nexplanon delivers a steady stream of hormones to prevent pregnancy and can last up to three years.

2. Your medical history and age

If you’re over age 35, have a history of blood clots, or have other underlying medical conditions that can cause an intolerance to hormones, you might need a nonhormonal IUD that uses copper to prevent pregnancy.

Copper IUDs work by causing an inflammatory reaction that is toxic to eggs and sperm to prevent fertilization. You can also use barrier methods, such as condoms, sponges, or a diaphragm if you can’t tolerate hormonal birth control.

3. Your lifestyle

It’s important to note that only condoms and safe-sex practices can protect you from both pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

If you have more than one sexual partner, our providers may recommend that you use condoms every time you have sex. They can also recommend birth control pills, an IUD, or another form of birth control as extra protection against unintended pregnancies.

4. Your convenience preference

If you’re not able to reliably remember to take a pill each day, or if you find inserting a diaphragm disruptive in the heat of the moment, you may benefit from the Nexplanon implant or an IUD to prevent pregnancy.

Plan for the family you want

Our team at The Guirguis Obstetrics & Gynecology Group will discuss your preference for the most effective, safe, and convenient form of contraception during your initial consultation. They can also recommend alternative birth control methods to the one you’re using if you’re not happy with it for any reason.

In addition to monitoring your progress and success with a specific method of birth control, our gynecologists can provide guidance when the time is right to start planning your family. They can help you safely stop using contraception, so you can conceive a healthy, viable pregnancy when the time is right.

To get help choosing the right type of birth control, book an appointment online or over the phone with The Guirguis Obstetrics & Gynecology Group today.