Also known as contraception, birth control is an essential tool in the family planning process. It empowers individuals to determine when they’re ready to begin having a family or allows them to live a child-free life. This is essential to a healthy relationship with sexuality and reproductive health. Some forms of birth control only prevent pregnancy, while others can also help prevent STDs. Knowing which form of birth control is right for you is essential to family planning.
What To Consider When Considering Birth Control
Selecting the right birth control for you can be a challenging prospect. There is a wide array of options available to men and women today. Each form of contraception includes its benefits and drawbacks. Considering these important factors will allow you to make the right choice for your lifestyle and family planning goals.
- Life Goals: Are you planning on starting a family? If so, when?
- Health Status: Do you live with any health conditions influencing your contraceptive choices?
- Sexual Lifestyle: Do you frequently engage in sexual activity? Do you have multiple partners? Is your sexual circle open or closed? Is there a risk of pregnancy?
- STD Protection: Does this method account for protecting against STDS such as HIV?
- Effectiveness: How well does this method prevent pregnancy? For how long?
- Side-Effects: What are the potential side-effects of this method?
- Proper Use: Is the method easy to use? Do you understand how to use it? Can you correctly use it each time?
There are multiple types of birth control, and each works in a specific way. These differences allow these approaches to cater to various preferences and needs. The available options include:
- Intrauterine Devices (IUD): These small, t-shaped devices are physically implanted into the uterus. Some contain copper that prevents sperm from fertilizing an egg and can last as long as ten years. Hormonal IUDs prevent pregnancy for 3-6 years. They are very effective, but they do not protect against STDs.
- Hormonal Methods: Hormonal approaches prevent ovulation and can induce other changes that limit the chance of pregnancy. Examples are IUDs, implants, shots, patches, birth control pills, and rings.
- Barrier Methods: These include dental dams, condoms, sponges, spermicide, and cervical caps. Male condoms are the most effective form of birth control for the prevention of STDs.
- Fertility Awareness Methods (FAMs): This is a form of natural family planning. This method involves keeping track of your menstrual cycle to be aware of your most fertile days and avoid intercourse at these times. This provides no STD protection.
- Sterilization: This is a permanent form of birth control and involves severing or blocking the tubes that carry semen or eggs. This is an excellent option for those committed to living a child-free life, as it’s virtually impossible to get pregnant or get someone pregnant with this approach.
Call Capital Women’s Care Rockville To Make Informed Choices
You can stop by our Rockville, CO, office to speak with our staff. They’ll work with you to help you determine the most effective form of birth control for your chosen lifestyle and family planning goals. You can also call (301) 762-5501 to speak to a staff member and schedule an appointment today!
