Birth control can be confusing, and at Modern OBGYN Care, we understand why. Almost every method out there offers reliable pregnancy protection when used correctly, so choosing the right option is really all about your health, life, and individual wishes.
Our dedicated OB/GYNs, Dr. Marcela Torres and Dr. Miguel Torres, can help you explore all the options and find what’s best for you. We often tell patients that there are several main factors to think about when choosing birth control, and in today’s blog, we’re talking about three of the most important.
One of the most important factors to consider when selecting birth control is your future family planning goals.
Do you already have kids and are certain you don’t want more? Maybe you don’t have kids and feel positive you never want them. In these situations, you can choose any birth control option, including permanent sterilization procedures like tubal ligation.
Or, maybe you just aren’t sure if you want kids in the future. Many women want to keep their reproductive options open. In situations like that, you need to keep your eyes on the long term and avoid procedures like tubal ligation because they aren't usually reversible.
Birth control pills, intrauterine devices (IUDs), patches, and other methods are easy to stop if and when you decide to have a baby in the future.
Your daily routine and lifestyle is a crucial thing to consider when choosing birth control. Think about your history with sticking to a strict schedule and consider whether you’re willing to do that for your birth control.
Birth control pills require a strict daily schedule. Patches and vaginal rings are similar, requiring replacement at specific intervals to get the maximum pregnancy prevention benefits. Small slip-ups, like missing a day or two of taking the pill, have a major impact on effectiveness.
For example, with perfect use (taking pills every day at the same time) birth control pills are about 99% effective. That drops to 91% with average use, which means that most people miss a day or two here and there.
If keeping up with a strict schedule doesn’t sound convenient or feasible for your life, don’t worry: There are “set it and forget it” options, too. We offer implants, which can last up to three years, and IUDs, which can last up to 10 years. Both are more than 99% effective, with no action required from you.
Your medical history is another important factor in finding the right birth control. Our team carefully evaluates your full medical background to check for problems that may influence your birth control options.
For example, women with a history of blood clots should not use estrogen-based options. We can recommend alternatives that can prevent pregnancy while keeping you safe, such as non-estrogen IUDs or birth control implants.
We guide you through the pros and cons of each option and help you find a birth control method that you’re comfortable using and makes sense for your life.
Ready to explore your options? Call 754-217-4181 to schedule an appointment in our Pembroke Pines, Florida, office now.
