You have many different options when it comes to birth control, from condoms and diaphragms to birth control pills, IUDs, and hormonal implants. In fact, you have more birth control choices today than ever before.
All birth control methods have the same goal – to give you the freedom to decide whether and when to have children. But various methods differ in their advantages, effectiveness, and potential side effects. That’s why you need a trusted health care provider to help you choose the best birth control method for you.
Here at Associates in Women’s Health in Cincinnati, our team of care providers has extensive experience helping women learn about their birth control options. Our providers would like to share some insights into the factors we take into account when working with you to make the best birth control choice for you.
Preventing pregnancy is the primary reason to use birth control. But various types of birth control may offer other advantages as well. For example, some birth control methods help with other health-related issues, such as the following:
When you meet with your care provider to discuss birth control options, your provider asks you about your health history. Be sure to mention any medical conditions or symptoms you may have.
Birth control methods vary in their effectiveness. To compare their effectiveness, the US Department of Health and Human Services (USHHS) uses a comparison concept known as “the number of pregnancies per 100 women within their first year of typical use.”
This effectiveness scale makes it easy to understand the dependability of various types of birth control. According to this scoring scale, effectiveness rates are as follows:
Various birth control methods have a range of potential side effects. For example, birth control pills have a small risk of blood clots, heart attack, and stroke, so they are usually not recommended for women who smoke.
Some types of birth control, such as implantable rods, birth control pills, and other hormone-based methods, may cause headaches, so they might not be the best choice for women who experience migraines.
When considering birth control options, your provider takes into account how all potential side effects could impact you.
When recommending a birth control method, our providers consider your family planning goals, your health history, and your sexual activity. To schedule an appointment for a birth control consultation or a well-woman exam with one of our providers, call our office at 513-794-1500, or request an appointment today.
