5 Tips to Maximize the Effectiveness of Your Chosen Contraception

There are many types of contraception to choose from to prevent pregnancy, including:

  • Hormonal birth control (examples include pills, implants, patches, and shots)
  • Barriers (examples include male condoms, female condoms, and diaphragms)
  • IUDs
  • Spermicides
  • Emergency contraception (examples include morning-after pills and copper-T IUDs)

No matter which method you prefer, it’s essential to follow these five tips to maximize the effectiveness of your chosen contraception:

1. Choose the Contraception That’s Right for YOU

With so many options available, it’s wise to know which form of contraception will work best for your body, schedule, or circumstance.

For example, most contraceptive pills require you to take medication every day at the same time for ultimate effectiveness. If you are diligent with your medication regimens, oral contraception will likely work for you. A hormonal implant or IUD may be a more viable option if you struggle to take your pills daily or at the same time each day.

You know yourself best, and knowing the right options for you will help improve the effectiveness of your chosen contraception. Our team offers several contraception services so you can receive beneficial information and guidance toward your best method—text 404-777-4771 to schedule an appointment.

2. Know the Expiration Date

Other than permanent contraception (i.e., vasectomy or tubal ligation), all forms of birth control have an expiration date. Condoms become easily breakable over time. Birth control pills lose their effectiveness if not taken in the right timeframe. You must replace your IUD or implants after a certain period. Know the expiration date of the contraception method you choose so you are always protected.

3. Follow Directions Carefully

There are instructions or guidelines for nearly every contraception method available. Condoms and diaphragms must be applied a certain way, while oral contraception must be taken every day at the same time within a 2-hour timeframe for the best protection against pregnancy. Understand the directions of the contraception method you choose and follow them properly.

4. Store Your Contraception Correctly

You don’t have to worry about storing your implants and IUDs properly, but you do need to store any non-implanted contraception correctly for it to maintain its quality. Cool, dry environments work best for storage, like a linen closet or medicine cabinet. Do not leave your contraception in a hot car or poorly ventilated area.

5. Have a Backup Option

As careful as you are with your contraception, accidents can happen. Whether the condom breaks or you forget to take a couple of pills within the month, it’s wise to have access to emergency birth control or have a plan of action to receive emergency birth control just in case.

Text “appointment” to 404-777-4771 to learn more about your contraception options and receive the right protection from Women’s Clinic of Atlanta.

Every woman is different, and not all birth control options are viable for each woman’s body or cycle. Our team will help you determine the right contraception solution for you so that you can have confidence in your protection against unwanted pregnancy.

Women’s Clinic of Atlanta is HIPAA compliant and AAAHC accredited.