Which birth control is right for me?
Birth control methods allow you to take charge of your fertility by avoiding pregnancy until you’re ready to start a family, or to expand your current family. That's why it’s essential that your birth control method reflects your lifestyle, medical history, current health, and goals.
With so many birth control products available today, you'll want to discuss the choices with Dr. Davda at Davda Medical Group. She helps you navigate your options to reach a decision about the optimal method for you.
What birth control methods are available?
Birth control is generally categorized as hormonal and nonhormonal. Your options for nonhormonal methods include, but aren’t limited to:
- Male condoms
- Female condoms
- Diaphragm
- Cervical cap
Some fertility apps available today also are advertised to work as birth control, but it’s best to discuss this method, along with others, with Dr. Davda. She’s here to help you make sense of the benefits and risks of various contraceptive methods.
What are my options for hormonal birth control?
Hormonal methods include:
Birth control pills
Birth control pills contain the hormones estrogen and progestin, or just progestin. This method is around 97% effective at preventing pregnancy if you’re very good about taking your pill daily.
Birth control shot
The hormonal shot Depo-Provera® is almost 100% effective as birth control. You get this shot every three months at Davda Medical Group.
Vaginal ring
As the name suggests, the ring is a flexible plastic device that's 97% effective in preventing pregnancy. You insert and leave the ring in your vagina for 21 days. Then you remove it and insert a new ring seven days later.
IUDs
IUDs are almost 100% effective at preventing pregnancy. Once inserted, the device works by preventing sperm from fertilizing the egg, thinning the uterine lining, and making cervical mucus unfriendly to sperm.
What are my choices for permanent birth control?
If you're interested in permanent birth control, Dr. Davda may recommend tubal ligation. This is a sterilization surgery that works by closing off or cutting your fallopian tubes. Tubal ligation is highly effective. Dr. Davda performs it as an outpatient procedure.
For expert guidance in selecting a birth control method, call or book an appointment online with Dr. Davda at Davda Medical Group.
