Family planning is a personal matter of choice, and Judson Shelnutt M.D., a Birth Control Specialist in Athens, Georgia, believes in giving his patients options. When a woman is ready to discuss her choices with her doctor, she can book an appointment online or over the phone. Making time to see your OB/GYN helps clear up any questions you have concerning birth control, your medical history, and the possibility of having children in the future. It allows you to see which options await you, too, so you’re able to decide which is right for you.
Types of Birth Control Widely Available Through a Medical Doctor
Contraceptives fall into two categories. They are either hormonal or barrier. Hormonal changes the body’s chemistry so that it’s less favorable for getting pregnant. Barrier provides a layer of protection that keeps the sperm and egg from uniting. There are multiple choices in both categories that are suitable for women. We’ve opted to mention the most popular choices.
Five birth control options for your consideration include:
- Oral Contraceptives, aka Birth Control Pills. Among the most popular options for females to use, the ‘pill’ is taken by mouth on schedule to prevent pregnancy. The hormonal birth control option stops ovulation, making eggs impossible to fertilize. There are many brands of birth control pills to choose from at the moment. A woman’s OB/GYN will make a few suggestions and allow her to pick the type she feels is best for her.
- Birth Control Sponges. Known as a barrier form of contraceptive, the sponge prevents sperm from entering a woman’s body and fertilizing eggs. It’s a less popular option because of the frequency in which the sponge needs replacing. The gynecologist provides birth control sponges. They come in different sizes to fit a woman’s body.
- Male and Female Condoms. Available without a prescription, condoms also prevent STDs. There is no other form of birth control that a woman can use that keeps her from getting pregnant or contracting a sexually transmitted disease. The barrier form of the contraceptive can contain spermicide, which kills sperms in the event the condom breaks. Sexually active women should be insistent that their partners wear condoms to keep from contracting STDs.
- Intrauterine Device (IUD). Another barrier birth control option, the device keeps sperm from reaching the eggs. It is copper or hormone-based and disrupts the ovulation cycle. IUDs should be removed by a medical professional. They are easily reversible if a woman decides that she wants to give birth.
- Birth Control Patches. Like birth control pills, this type of hormonal contraceptive is effective in preventing pregnancy. Full of estrogen and progestin, it is attached to the skin where its hormones can be absorbed. A new patch is applied every week for three weeks.
If none of these options seem right for you, discuss alternatives solutions with your OB/GYN. There are many contraceptives to choose from currently. This short list highlights a few of the more mainstream options.
Every Woman’s Needs Differ Which is Why So Many Birth Control Options Exist
Choosing the method of birth control that works best for you is a decision that you shouldn’t take lightly. Working with your gynecologist to discover which of the five listed here is most beneficial for your body and lifestyle is highly recommended. It helps you understand how it prevents pregnancy, as well as any potential side effects that may occur while taking it.