What is birth control, and how does it work?
Birth control is a way for women to prevent their pregnancy. Women can choose between different birth control methods, non-hormonal or hormonal contraception (the pill, the vaginal ring, and the patch). You can schedule your counseling appointment at our clinic, so you will have the opportunity to discuss different contraception options with our doctors. Beyond pregnancy prevention, hormonal contraception has a range of benefits such as:
- Makes periods less painful
- Regulates menstrual cycles
- Helps to tame hormonal acne
- Reduces risks of ovarian cysts
- Relieves PMS symptoms
- Helps to manage endometriosis
Birth Control Pills
These pills are taken orally to prevent pregnancy. Taken correctly, it can be up to almost 100% effective. It will prevent you from pregnancy 24/7. Besides just preventing pregnancy, the pill also has many health benefits, but it will not protect you against sexually transmitted diseases, only a condom will help you prevent this kind of diseases. It’s estimated that around 16% of women aged from 15 to 44 in the United States use pills.
Birth Control Ring
The birth control ring is another safe and convenient contraception method that works great when used correctly. Like the pills, it also contains the hormones estrogen and progestin, similar to the hormones which the body makes naturally. This ring that goes into your vagina will release hormones into your body and prevent pregnancy. After the ring is placed in a woman’s vagina, it’s recommended for couples to use another method of contraception for seven days.
Birth Control Patch
The contraceptive patch is hormonal contraception, which is safe and effective if you use it correctly. You will wear the patch on certain parts of your body, and it will prevent your pregnancy by releasing hormones through your skin. When used correctly, it’s 99% effective. The better you pay attention to change it on time, the better it will work. Another great thing about using a contraceptive patch is that, if you want kids, you can get pregnant very soon after you stop using it.
Conclusion
Women nowadays have access to a wide variety of safe and affordable contraception methods and options, but it’s your personal decision on which type of birth control you are going to use. Aastra Women’s Center offers free counseling services. The counselor will provide you with information about different forms of birth control. Consider which kind of contraception would be the best for you before your appointment.
