Which Method of Contraception Would Suit Me?

Birth control is used to prevent the process of fertilization and pregnancy. Birth control can come in various forms, such as oral contraceptives, a patch, a vaginal ring, and an implant. While each type of birth control has a different success rate, the popular types boast a 99% effectiveness rate in preventing pregnancy. It’s important to remember that while birth control is highly effective at preventing pregnancy when used correctly, no method is 100% foolproof.

In addition, birth control can also be prescribed for various other reasons beyond preventing pregnancy. Some women are prescribed birth control to reduce menstrual cramps, alleviate frustrating symptoms, and regulate menstrual cycles. It’s important to keep in mind that while birth control offers various benefits, only barrier methods can protect you against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

If you’re interested in birth control, the first step is to schedule an appointment with a healthcare professional. During the visit, the doctor will determine which method is best for you and provide you with a prescription.

There are various birth control options available, such as:

• Short-term birth control – Oral contraceptives, contraceptive patches, and vaginal rings are some of the most popular kinds of short-term birth control. These forms of birth control need to be changed periodically. Oral contraceptives are taken daily, patches are changed weekly, and vaginal rings are left in for three-week intervals and removed for a week during menstruation.
• Long-term birth control – This type of birth control is offered as an intrauterine device (IUD) or an implant. These options are popular as they offer convenience by protecting for several years.
• One-time use birth control – Condoms and cervical caps are barrier methods of contraception that are intended for one-time use. These options prevent sperm from entering the uterus and protect against STIs.
• Emergency birth control – A common form of emergency birth control is the morning-after pill. These are pills that can be taken after unprotected intercourse to prevent pregnancy. Morning-after pills work by delaying ovulation and must be taken within a specific time frame after intercourse to be effective.
• Permanent birth control – There are various permanent birth control options, such as tubal ligation for women and vasectomy for men. These methods require a surgical approach.

Contraceptive implants are considered to be one of the most effective methods of birth control. These small, flexible rods are inserted under the skin of the upper arm by a healthcare provider and release hormones to prevent pregnancy. With perfect use, contraceptive implants offer an impressive 99% effectiveness rate in preventing pregnancies.

One of the many advantages of contraceptive implants is that they provide long-lasting protection against pregnancy, typically remaining effective for up to three years before requiring replacement. This makes them a great option for those who are seeking a low-maintenance yet highly reliable contraceptive method.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that while contraceptive implants offer excellent protection against pregnancy, they do not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Therefore, if you are at risk of STIs, you should also use condoms consistently and correctly in addition to getting a contraceptive implant.

If used correctly, birth control methods can be highly effective, but there is not a 100% guarantee that you won’t get pregnant. The only way to 100% prevent pregnancy is through practicing abstinence. That being said, birth control offers high levels of protection if used properly. For example, oral contraceptives are 99% effective with perfect use. However, as it’s easy to forget to take your pill, a more realistic success rate is 93%.

In addition, using a combination of methods, such as hormonal birth control along with barrier methods like condoms, provides the highest level of protection against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Overall, it’s important to choose a birth control method that works well for your lifestyle and your preferences. For more information, contact us today or book an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Arcadia, and Glendale, CA. We serve patients from Arcadia CA, Glendale CA, Monrovia CA, Pasadena CA, Los Angeles CA, Burbank CA, and surrounding areas.