With the pill, IUDs, shots, patches, and many other methods of contraception available today, how do you know which one to choose? We have good news! There’s a method that’s right for your lifestyle, and today we’ll help you find it.
Our board-certified OB/GYN Dr. Dee Hubbard (she answers to Dr. Dee) is an empathetic women’s health specialist. She explores your highly individual circumstances with you and makes personalized birth control recommendations. Some of the things we discuss to help you choose your contraception include:
What matters most to you?
Every contraceptive method has its own set of benefits and potential drawbacks. Deciding what’s most important to you is a good starting point for narrowing down the method that’s right for you.
What do you want and expect from your contraception? Some of the things that many women say are important to them include:
Convenience
Convenience is a big factor for many women. Are you looking for a set-it-and-forget-it type of birth control? A method like intrauterine device (IUD) can provide pregnancy protection for 3-10 years, depending on the specific brand and type (hormonal or copper). Birth control implants are approved for up to three years as well.
Are you willing and able to stick to a strict birth control schedule? This opens up other options, like injections (every three months), patches (change weekly), vaginal rings (change monthly), and birth control pills (take every day). There are also one-time use options, like condoms.
Effectiveness
Effectiveness is another big factor for most women. Do you want the smallest possible chance of pregnancy, or are you willing to sacrifice some effectiveness to have a method you prefer?
Although the only 100% effective birth control method is abstinence, several methods are more than 99% effective, including IUDs and implants. Tubal ligation, which permanently severs your fallopian tubes, is an extremely effective permanent method as well.
Some other popular methods are highly effective, like the pill, patches, injections, and rings. But, achieving perfect use isn’t very common. With average use, effectiveness drops to 93% (injections) and 91% for the patch, ring, and pill.
With condoms, perfect use is 98% effective, but the real-world average effectiveness is about 87%.
Family-building plans
Are you planning to have a baby sometime in the future? Maybe it’s just the opposite: You’re finished building your family or are certain you never want to have kids. Your family-building plans have a big impact on the birth control you choose.
Many women opt for reversible methods (virtually all birth control options) or one-time use (like condoms) because they want to preserve their fertility. However, if you’re definitely done having kids, tubal ligation could be a good option for you. Tubal ligation is a permanent procedure, so you need to be 100% sure about it.
Need help choosing?
We understand that your situation is unique. Alongside the factors we covered above, you might have other things to consider too, like cost, religious beliefs, and potential side effects.
Dr. Dee emphasizes patient empowerment, so she gives you all the information and personalized guidance you need to confidently choose what’s ideal for your lifestyle.
We’re happy to help you explore your contraception options and find the ideal one for you. To set up your appointment with Dr. Dee, call our office at 443-251-2996 or contact us online now.