Birth control is any method used to prevent pregnancy. It includes both natural and artificial methods. Natural methods include using condoms, taking the pill, and using the rhythm method. Artificial methods include birth control pills, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and contraceptive injections. Memorial City birth control can be used by both men and women. However, it is most commonly used by women to prevent pregnancy.
Deciding to use birth control is a big one. There are many options out there, and it can be hard to figure out which one is right for you. The most important thing to remember when choosing a birth control method is that it’s unique to your body and lifestyle.
If you are trying to decide what kind of birth control might work best, here are some things to consider:
Your age
If you are under 18, you should not take hormonal birth control. The pill, patch, and ring contain estrogen and progestin, which can be harmful to your health. If you need help preventing pregnancy, condoms are the only method that can protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Your health
If you have high blood pressure or migraines with aura, taking birth control pills could put pressure on your heart and cause a stroke or heart attack. If you smoke and want to use hormonal birth control methods, talk to your doctor about the risks of smoking while taking this medication. Smoking doubles the risk of cardiovascular disease in women who use oral contraceptives compared to non-smokers who do not take these drugs.
Type of contraception
Hormonal contraception includes pills, shots, and patches that contain estrogen and progestin, the combination pill, and vaginal rings that contain just progestin. The copper IUD is hormone-free but can increase cramping during periods. Barrier methods include male latex condoms as well as female condoms made of thin plastic with a lubricant.
Possible health risks
Some methods increase your risk for medical complications, such as blood clots or strokes. For example, women who smoke are more likely to have an ectopic pregnancy if they use combined hormonal birth control pills than if they don’t use them. Other risks include depression and mood changes when using progestin-only injectables; weight gain with both combined and progestin-only injectables; and gallbladder disease with progestin-only pills.
Choose the type that fits your lifestyle
Some types of contraception require more effort than others do. Some require daily usage or regular doctor visits, while others don’t require any effort once they are in place (like IUDs). The method must work well with your schedule and lifestyle so you won’t give up on using it over time because it doesn’t fit into your daily routine.
Religious beliefs
If you have religious beliefs that restrict certain methods of contraception, it’s crucial that you use a method that doesn’t violate those beliefs. If you want to use the pill, but your religion forbids it, consider using an IUD or implant instead. The same goes for any other contraception. Besides, some religions are against using condoms. In this case, you can try another method instead.
Costs
Birth control can be expensive, especially over time, if you need to go to the doctor for regular checkups or replacements. The cost varies widely depending on what type of birth control method you choose, but there are ways to save money on some of them. When choosing birth control, remember that your choices are not limited to the pill, patch, ring, shot, or IUD. Any form of contraception can have side effects and risks associated with it. Before you decide on a method of birth control, the best thing to do is discuss the options with Memorial Women’s Specialists. They will listen to you and help you to make an informed choice that is right for you!
