Birth Control Specialist

How do I know which birth control method is right for me?

For some birth control methods, preventing pregnancy requires using the chosen birth control method correctly each and every time you have sexual intercourse. Other methods involve less rigorous daily management, such as an injection or a device implanted in your uterus.

The right birth control method for you is whichever option you can commit to using properly. There are several factors to consider when choosing a birth control method, including whether or not you desire children in the future, how many sexual partners you have, how frequently you engage in sexual intercourse, and the potential side effects of the chosen birth control method. 

It’s important to realize that no birth control method is 100% effective in preventing pregnancy, but choosing the right method for your individual needs significantly reduces your chances of unwanted pregnancies.

What are my birth control options?

There are many methods of birth control, each with varying levels of effectiveness. The two main types involve barrier methods and hormones. 

Barrier birth control methods 

A barrier birth control method creates a physical barrier to prevent sperm from reaching the egg. Barrier methods include: 

• Condoms
• Cervical caps
• Diaphragms

Barrier methods provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), but they’re generally not as effective at preventing pregnancy as hormonal birth control methods.

Hormonal birth control methods

Hormonal birth control uses synthetic hormones to create changes in your body that prevent pregnancy. Hormonal methods include: 

• Birth control pills 
• Skin patches
• Vaginal rings
• Hormonal IUD placements
• Implants 

Hormonal birth control methods offer superior protection against unwanted pregnancy compared to barrier methods, but they do not prevent STDs, so they are only recommended for monogamous relationships.

What is permanent birth control?

If you are sure you don’t want children, or that you don’t want to expand your family, you may consider permanent birth control options for female sterilization. Dr. Richards closes or prevents access to your fallopian tubes to prevent the eggs from entering your uterus and prevent sperm from fertilizing them. Female sterilization is highly effective in preventing unwanted pregnancies, with fewer than one in 100 women experiencing pregnancy after sterilization.

Does birth control have side effects?

Hormonal birth control options using synthetic hormones may cause side effects in some women, including bloating, irritability, spotting between periods, nausea, or breast tenderness. Most women experience fewer or less severe side effects after your body adjusts to taking birth control. 

If you need help deciding which birth control method is right for you, give the team at Darin Swainston, MD, FACOG, a call or use the online scheduling tool to book an appointment today.

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