Birth Control
A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Your Options
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Birth Control Q&A
When it comes to effective birth control, you have many options. At Womens Health Care, PC, Rehana Sajjad, MD, FACOG, and her team of OB/GYN and integrative medicine providers help women of all ages in Richmond Hill and Elmhurst, New York, and the nearby areas, decide on the best type of birth control for their lifestyles. Whether you choose from long-acting birth control to prevent pregnancy or a more temporary option, the team at Womens Health Care, PC, educates you about the available options. Call to schedule a consultation or book an appointment online.
What types of birth control are available?
Women and men have several different options for birth control, and most of them fall into one of the following categories:
- Barrier methods
- Hormonal ovulation prevention
- Egg implantation prevention
- Female sterilization (tubal ligation)
- Male sterilization (vasectomy)
Barrier methods, such as condoms and diaphragms, prevent sperm from reaching an egg. Birth control pills contain hormones that prevent ovulation, so your body doesn’t release an egg each month.
Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are small T-shaped devices that prevent pregnancy by making it hard for sperm to fertilize an egg and for an egg to implant itself into the uterine lining.
When used properly, many birth control methods are more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. Female and male sterilization are surgical birth control methods that are typically chosen when you’re done having children.
How should I choose a birth control method?
Choosing a birth control method that works best for you and your partner is a personal decision. Your OB/GYN can counsel you regarding options based on your lifestyle, overall health, and contraception goals. To help your doctor understand what’s important to you when it comes to birth control methods, consider the following:
- How often you have sex
- Potential side effects
- Your comfort level with each method
- Effectiveness of each method
It’s also important to think about whether you’re planning a pregnancy in the near future or several years down the road. That may influence whether or not an IUD is the best option for you at this time.
How does an IUD prevent pregnancy?
If you know you don’t want to become pregnant for three years or longer, an IUD may be an ideal method of contraception. IUDs prevent pregnancy in one of two ways: with hormones or copper.
- Hormonal IUDs release the hormone progestin, which thickens cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to fertilize an egg.
- Copper IUDs interfere with the sperm’s movement, making it difficult for them to reach an egg.
Most IUDs are effective for 3-10 years. Additionally, some IUDs may help relieve painful and heavy periods or other menstrual symptoms.
The best way to learn which birth control method is right for you is to schedule a consultation at Womens Health Care, PC. Your doctor will take the time to answer all your questions and recommend birth control options that you’re comfortable using.
Call the office that’s most convenient to your home or office, or request an appointment online today.