Many types of birth control are available, and it can be hard to know what type is right for you. At the office of Diego Ramirez OBGYN PLLC, you receive counseling and education to help you make an informed decision. You can also get any prescriptions or implantation of contraceptive methods, if required. Women in El Paso, Texas, can call the office or book online to receive the information they need from Diego Ramirez, MD, to make a personal decision about birth control.
Of course, effectiveness may be first and foremost on your mind when you weigh your contraceptive options, but it’s not the only factor to consider. Also keep in mind issues such as:
Some birth control options also have additional benefits. For example, certain birth control pills and IUDs may result in lighter menstrual bleeding and less cramping. During contraception counseling, Dr. Ramirez reviews the pros and cons of each method with you to help you make your decision.
Birth control forms usually fall into one of five categories:
Hormonal methods include the pill, patch, and injections. These options prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from your ovaries) and/or change the lining of your uterus and cervical mucus so sperm can’t survive.
IUDs are small devices Dr. Ramirez implants into your uterus. Some, such as Mirena®, contain hormones that prevent pregnancy, and others, such as Paragard®, contain copper without hormones to repel sperm.
Barrier methods prevent the sperm and egg from meeting and include the sponge, condoms, and the diaphragm.
This form is irreversible and includes tubal ligation and male vasectomy.
This method includes cycle monitoring or cervical mucus observation. You avoid intercourse on what seem to be your most fertile days.
Which of these types of birth control is right for you depends on your lifestyle, moral beliefs, sexual habits, and health. Dr. Ramirez can help you weigh your options. For example, if you’re concerned about sexually transmitted diseases, you need to always use a condom as it’s the only method that protects you from STDs. However, condoms aren’t as reliable as other methods when it comes to preventing pregnancy, so you need another option as well.
IUDs and implants (such as Nexplanon®) tend to be the most reliable in preventing pregnancy and require very little effort on your part. The pill, ring, injections, and the patch are also up to 99% effective when used consistently and correctly. Sterilization is irreversible but is nearly 100% effective at preventing pregnancy.
Dr. Ramirez guides you in making important contraceptive choices with compassion and expertise. Call Diego Ramirez OBGYN PLLC, or book online for personal birth control guidance.