Are you wondering which birth control option is the best choice for you?
There are many factors that play into which type of contraception is right for you. One option isn’t going to work for everyone, which is why our Bowie, Greenbelt, and North Bethesda MD, OBGYN offices offer a variety of contraceptive options that fit your needs and lifestyle.
What features are most important to you?
- It can also prevent STDs
- It is extremely effective at preventing pregnancy
- It can alleviate symptoms associated with heavy or painful periods
- It is easy to use
- It offers little to no hormones (which often means fewer side effects, for some women)
If you want birth control that’s low maintenance and easy to use then you may want to consider:
- An intrauterine device (IUD): This device is 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancies and is placed into the uterus where it can last up to 12 years. Some IUDs release localized hormones into the body to prevent pregnancy while other IUDs are completely non-hormonal.
- An implant: The birth control implant is surgically placed in the arm, directly under the skin. This small device can prevent pregnancy for up to five years. If you are looking for a simple birth control option that doesn’t require you to take a pill at the same time every day, then a birth control implant may be right for you.
If you want a birth control with a high success rate of preventing pregnancy then you may want to consider:
- The shot: Every three months you will come into our office, where our Bowie, MD, OBGYN will administer a birth control shot, which is up to 94 percent effective at preventing pregnancy.
- The vaginal ring: This flexible ring is placed into the vagina where it is removed every three weeks and then replaced with a new ring every month. This option is 91 percent effective at preventing pregnancy.
- The patch: The birth control patch is applied to the skin where it stays for one week before being replaced. To achieve the best effectiveness, it’s best to replace your patch on time, every time.
- The pill: As long as you take the pill at the same time each day, oral contraception is up to 91 percent effective at preventing pregnancy.
The IUD (99 % and birth control implant (99 %) are also highly effective at preventing pregnancy.
Other Factors to Consider
If hormonal birth control has caused adverse reactions in the past, you may be looking for options that contain little to no hormones. These options include,
- Birth control implant: only releases progestin, no estrogen
- IUD: the copper IUD contain no hormones
- Shot: only contains progestin
- Condoms, diaphragm, birth control sponge, and cervical caps: these one-time use contraceptives are completely non-hormonal
Birth control options that may also help ease heavy menstrual cycles and cramping include:
- IUD
- Implant
- Shot
- Vaginal ring
- Patch
- Pill
If you would like to sit down with our OBGYN in Bowie, MD, then call us today at (301) 249-4090. With offices in Bowie, Greenbelt, and North Bethesda, MD, Capital Women’s Care makes it easier for women to get the care they need.