Whether you’re waiting to start a family or think your family is the perfect size now, selecting the right birth control method puts you in charge of your future. At Greensboro OB-GYN Associates, the board-certified physicians help you navigate the range of birth control options in a supportive setting. The team even provides longer-term solutions, such as the Nexplanon® implant. Get birth control that fits your life by calling the practice in Greensboro, North Carolina, today or booking a consultation online.
What are my birth control options?
When it comes to birth control, there’s no ideal option. Instead, you’ll want to choose a method after consulting with your gynecologist at Greensboro OB-GYN Associates.
Here are some common types of birth control, listed from most effective to least effective.
Permanent contraception
Lasting birth control is available with implantable devices or with a surgery called tubal ligation. These options are most effective, and advisable if you’re certain you don’t want children.
Long-acting reversible contraceptives
These options include hormonal implants (Nexplanon®) and intrauterine devices. These methods are very effective and last for 3-10 years.
Hormonal methods
These methods include the pill and injections (Depo-Provera). With the pill, the effectiveness will depend on whether you’re good about remembering to take a daily pill.
Barrier methods
Condoms, diaphragms, and the sponge are common barrier methods. These work by blocking sperm from reaching an egg, but you have to remember to use one each time you have sex.
Natural rhythm method
This method requires you to pay close attention to your cycle and avoid sex on the days when you’re most likely to become pregnant. It’s not as effective at preventing pregnancy compared to other options.
How do I find birth control that’s right for me?
Your choice of birth control depends on your lifestyle, health, whether you’d like to have children in the next few years, and other factors. Your Greensboro OB-GYN Associates gynecologist will ask you a series of questions to help you decide which method is right for you.
Some things to consider include:
- If or when you plan to have kids
- The failure rate of each method
- Possible side effects
- Your overall health, including whether you smoke
- Number of sexual partners
It’s also good to think about whether you’ll be comfortable with the method you choose. For example:
- Would it be easy for you to remember to take a pill every day?
- Would you prefer an option you don’t have to remember?
- Will your partner support your choice?
It’s also a good idea to discuss your risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections. Because most methods don’t prevent STDs, condoms are the best option to avoid disease.
If you’ve been thinking about going on birth control, or are dissatisfied with your current method, call Greensboro OB-GYN Associates or schedule an appointment online.