Types of Birth Control: Which is Best for You?
Modern-day medicine gives women a plethora of birth control options to choose from – birth control pills, IUDs, patches, and vaginal rings are just a few. To choose which birth control option is best for you, it’s important to know how each one works and its effectiveness. Keep reading to learn about different types of birth control and how the team at Women’s Clinic of Atlanta can help.
Different Types of Birth Control
It’s important to note that birth control methods are not 100% effective to prevent pregnancy. But, they do have very high rates of effectiveness when used properly. Here are five of many different types of birth control:
Pill – Birth control pills must be taken every day around the same time to be effective. The pill will cause the mucus near your cervix to thicken, making it very difficult for the sperm to enter the cervix and fertilize an egg.
IUDs – Many women opt for an intrauterine device (IUD), so they don’t have to remember to take the pill every day at a certain time. An IUD is a t-shaped piece of plastic that goes inside your uterus. IUDs disrupt the insemination process by creating an overproduction of mucus near your cervix and blocking the sperm from reaching the eggs.
Patch – Another option for birth control is a patch that you put on your skin. This patch will release hormones into your body that make it difficult to become pregnant.
Vaginal Ring – A vaginal ring is a small, plastic, flexible ring that a woman inserts into her vagina and leaves it there for three weeks out of the month. The ring will release hormones to make it hard for sperm to fertilize an egg.
Condoms – Latex condoms are a good option for birth control if the woman does not want to alter her hormone levels. When used correctly and are not damaged, a condom will prevent semen from entering the vagina altogether.
The Women’s Clinic of Atlanta Team Can Help
Our team is happy to answer any questions you have about birth control or sexual health! If you’ve become pregnant and are unsure what to do, we would love to be a listening ear and discuss your options – parenting, abortion, or adoption.
You can make an appointment by calling our Decatur location (404-377-6640), Alpharetta location (404-937-3334) or texting us (678-764-0857).