Posted: January 20, 2023 Contributor: Maddie Quinn
How to Find Which Birth Control is Right For You
It’s no secret that birth control is a hot topic these days, and for good reason. In addition to helping prevent unwanted pregnancies, the pill can help treat other conditions like endometriosis, PMS symptoms, and acne. But with so many options on the market—from pills to patches, IUDs to implants—it can be hard to know where to begin your search for the best form of protection. In this post, we’ll break down all of your options by type and explain how each one works and why they’re effective (or not). Then we’ll get into how to find which option is right for you based on your personal needs and goals!
Why you might think about using birth control
→ You want to prevent pregnancy.
→ You have acne, endometriosis, or heavy periods.
→ You’re at risk of ovarian and endometrial cancer.
→ Your doctor has diagnosed you with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
How does birth control work?
Birth control is a form of contraception that prevents pregnancy. There are many different types of birth control, but they all work in similar ways:
→ Hormonal birth control prevents ovulation by stopping the release of eggs from your ovaries.
→ Non-hormonal methods prevent sperm from reaching an egg by changing the quality or quantity of cervical mucus (the substance produced by cells lining your cervix). This makes it difficult for sperm to travel through the uterus and into an egg. Spermicides are a common non-hormonal option for this purpose and can be used with condoms or diaphragms as well.
Types of birth control and how effective they are
There are many types of birth control, and each one has its own pros and cons. One type might be right for you, but not another. To choose the best method for your needs, it’s important to consider:
→ How effective is this birth control?
→ What are the side effects?
→ How easy is it to use consistently?
→ Will my insurance cover this method (or any other methods)?
Non-hormonal options
→ Condoms: Condoms are a barrier method of birth control, and they can be used to prevent both pregnancy and STIs. Condoms are available in a variety of materials, shapes, and sizes. They come in latex or polyurethane (a type of plastic), male or female varieties, and some are lubricated for better comfort during sex.
→ Diaphragm/cervical cap: These barrier methods go inside the vagina to cover the cervix before intercourse so that sperm cannot get into your body.
→ Spermicide: A chemical substance that kills sperm when it comes into contact with them.
→ Fertility awareness method (FAM): FAM is a form of birth control based on knowing when you’re ovulating so that you can avoid having sex at that time if you don’t want to get pregnant.
→ Copper IUDs: An intrauterine device (IUD) placed inside the uterus by a health care provider (HCP) who then threads strings through each side of your cervix so she can remove it later if desired.
Hormonal options
Hormonal birth control is one of the most common forms of contraception and works by stopping ovulation. There are many types of hormonal birth control, including the pill (combined or progestin-only), patch, and ring. At PRJKT RUBY, we offer the pill as well as emergency contraception.
Your doctor will help you choose a type of hormonal method that’s right for you by asking about your health history and lifestyle choices when deciding which form of contraception is best suited to your needs. If you have certain medical conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes, it’s important that they know before prescribing a certain type of birth control method because some medications may not be suitable for use with specific forms of contraception due to their interactions with other medications taken at different times throughout the day (e.g. antibiotics).
Finding the best option for you
When choosing the right birth control, it’s important to consider your lifestyle, health history, and preferences. Here are some things to keep in mind:
→ Talk with your doctor or schedule a free visit with a healthcare professional through PRJKT RUBY. Your doctor can help you figure out which options are best for you based on your needs and preferences.
→ Do your research online or read up on different types of birth control before making any big decisions about which one is right for you—and remember that not all methods work for everyone!
The choice of birth control is very personal and should be based on your own needs and goals
The choice of birth control is very personal and should be based on your own needs and goals. Before you start looking into the different types of birth control, it’s important to know that there are many options available! The first step in finding the right one for you will be looking at all your options so that you can narrow down what kind of birth control might work for both yourself and your partner.
If this sounds like an overwhelming task, don’t worry—it doesn’t have to be! At PRJKT RUBY, we’ll walk you through how to find which type of contraception works best for each person individually.
Getting started
Regardless of which birth control method you choose, it’s important to remember that the decision is yours and yours alone. Birth control is a personal choice that should be made after thoughtful consideration of all available options. If you’re ready to talk to a healthcare professional about birth control, get started here. Feel free to contact us with any questions as well!