A Closer Look at Your Birth Control Options

The ability to choose when you have children, how many, and when — family planning — has been hailed as one of the biggest public health achievements of the 20th century. 

Today, nearly 65% of women in the United States between the ages of 15 and 49 rely on contraception to prevent an unplanned pregnancy. Now, you’re at a stage where you want to join these numbers, but you’re unsure where to start.

You’ve come to the right place. At our women’s health practice, Dr. Karen F. Brodman and the team offer comprehensive contraception services to help you find the right match for your needs.

As part of that effort, we break down the many options below.

Hormonal birth control options

One of the most effective ways to prevent pregnancy is to manipulate ovulation through hormonal birth control. These types of birth control are highly effective when used correctly. The choice is in how you want the hormones to be delivered. 

For example, hormone birth control options come in:

• Daily oral pills
• Patches
• Implants
• Injections
• Intrauterine devices (IUDs)
• Vaginal rings

Choosing the option that is best for you depends upon your lifestyle. 

For example, if you want long-term protection that you don’t have to think about, consider an IUD. Once in position, it can protect you from pregnancy for years or until we remove the device.

Alternatively, you can take your hormones via a daily pill. However, its efficacy rate decreases if you skip pills.

Barrier birth controls

If you’d prefer not to rely on hormones for birth control, consider barrier options, including the following:

• Condoms
  
  
• Diaphragms
  
  
• Cervical caps
  
  
• Spermicide
  
  
• IUDs

All of the options on this list, except for IUDs, are methods that you use on the spot and need to be put in place before intercourse. The upside to barrier birth control is that condoms are the only birth control method that can protect you from sexually transmitted infections.

When it comes to the IUD option, this copper device interferes with sperm transport and fertilization.This type of IUD can last up to 12 years.

Natural birth control methods

If you prefer to take a more natural approach to your family planning, you can try:

• Outercourse
• Withdrawal method
• Fertility awareness planning
• Abstinence

Except for abstinence, these methods require vigilance on your part, as there’s plenty of room for error.

Sterilization

If you’re sure you don’t want to have children, sterilization is also an option. This includes a vasectomy for men or a tubal ligation for women.

Making a choice that’s right for you

Our goal is to simplify the often confusing world of birth control. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your wishes, lifestyle, and goals.

The good news is that, given the sheer number of choices, there’s likely a birth control method that will me

et your specific goals.

If you need help figuring out which birth control method would work best for you, we’re happy to help. Or, if you know what you want, we can get you set up. 

For either objective, simply schedule an appointment with Dr. Brodman at our office on the Upper West Side of New York City today.