The right or best birth control method differs from person to person. The right birth control is the one that most fits into your lifestyle and most effectively prevents pregnancy for you

What should you consider?

There are several factors to consider when choosing the “right” birth control. Some of them include:

Degree on Effectiveness

More than 99% effective

• Contraceptive implants
• Hormonal and copper intrauterine device (IUD)
• Female sterilization
• Male sterilization

More than 99% effective if used correctly, but less than 95% effective with typical use

• Contraceptive injection
• Oral pills (either combined pill or progestin-only pill)
• Contraceptive patch
• Vaginal ring

98% effective if used correctly

• Male condom

95% effective if used correctly

• Female condom

92-96% effective if used correctly

• Diaphragm or cap

Frequency of use

Permanent

• Male sterilization
• Female sterilization

Long-acting

• Contraceptive implant (every three years)
• Hormonal IUD (every five years)
• Copper IUD (every 5 to 10 years)

Every 2 to 3 months

• Contraceptive implant

Every month

• Vaginal month

Every week

• Contraceptive patch

Daily basis

• Oral contraceptive pill (the combined pills can be taken every day for three weeks with a week off each month).

Every time you have sex

• Male condom
• Female condom
• Diaphragm or cap

 Will you need skilled help?

You will need a health professional to help you with the following birth control methods:

• Contraceptive implant
• Hormonal and copper IUD

Protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

If you want your birth control methods also to protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs), you may be looking at:

• Male and female condoms

Other things to consider include:

• Mode of action
• Your weight
• If you smoke
• Partner(s)’ preferences
• Cost
• Side-effects
• Future plans for a child

You can talk to your doctor or health provider to provide details on whatever concerns you have about choosing the right birth control.

The post What Birth Control is Right For You appeared first on Women's Health and Menopause Center.

It may not sound romantic but it is important to celebrate Valentine’s Day safely, with no unwanted STDs or unplanned pregnancies. If you or your partner have multiple partners and they are male, always make sure they use a condom, and if monogamous still use birth control. There are so many convenient options to suit your lifestyle, including oral contraception, patch, ring, or IUDs. Make an appointment with your Women’s Health gynecologist to see which is right for you.

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A photo of a newborn baby holding his mother’s intrauterine device (IUD) has been making its way around the internet. The photograph was staged by the mother as a joke (no, the baby was not born with the IUD in his hand). This brings up questions about how much most adults know about IUDs and their effectiveness as birth control.

What are IUDs?

An IUD is a small T-shaped device that is inserted into the uterus. Multiple types are available, each working a little differently.

• Mirena IUD

This IUD, the same type seen in the baby photo, releases low levels of progestin levonorgestrel over a five year period to stop pregnancy.

• ParaGard IUD

The ParaGard IUD is also known as the Copper T 380A. It is made of plastic wrapped in copper. This allows it to release small quantities of copper over 10 years to prevent pregnancy.

• Skyla IUD

Skyla is a mini IUD that’s similar to the Mirena model. This one works over a three year period.

• Kyleena IUD

The Kyleena IUD is the same size as Skyla but contains more progestin. It works for up to five years.

Benefits of Using IUDs for Birth Control

IUDs are very effective as birth control for several reasons. When properly implanted, the device can be over 99% effective. Other benefits include:

• IUDs are convenient and require no pills
• Hormonal IUDs can reduce the side effects of periods
• IUDs are reversible, so no permanent decision has to be made
• Available in non-hormonal copper version
• Copper IUD works as emergency birth control for up to 120 hours after intercourse

Risks of Using IUDs

IUDs do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. There is a low risk of perforation and embedding. Some women also experience side effects from the hormones in the Mirena IUD.

To learn more about IUD’s and to find the best birth control option(s) for you and your lifestyle, make an appointment with your Women’s Health and Menopause Center OBGYN.

The post Intrauterine Device (IUD) Benefits & Risks appeared first on Women's Health and Menopause Center.