6 Important Questions to Ask Your Doctor Before Choosing a Birth Control Method

Selecting the best birth control option has a significant impact on your lifestyle, plans, and general health. With so many alternatives available, from implants and natural techniques to hormonal tablets and IUDs, it’s critical to make an informed decision. The most effective approach for each person depends on their lifestyle, personal preferences, and health concerns.

By speaking with a healthcare professional, you may be sure that the method you choose aligns with your body’s requirements, your reproductive objectives, and any potential health hazards. By asking the appropriate questions, you will be able to make an informed and self-assured choice regarding your reproductive health.

Read More: How to Choose the Right Birth Control Method: A Comprehensive Guide

Health History and Lifestyle Considerations

1. What Birth Control Options Are Suitable for Me?

Your lifestyle, future reproductive objectives, and medical history are all important considerations when choosing a birth control technique. There isn’t a single birth control method that works for everyone. Every birth control method has some advantages and disadvantages.

When selecting a birth control technique, keep the following points in mind:

• Do you hope to have kids in the future? How soon?
• Do you suffer from any illnesses?
• Do you have sex frequently?
• Do you also require protection against STIs and HIV?
• What is the effectiveness of the birth control method?

The above points will determine the type of birth control you select. Birth control methods vary in how they function. Birth control types:

Intrauterine devices, or IUDs: A doctor inserts an IUD—a tiny, T-shaped piece of plastic containing copper or a hormone—into the uterus. IUDs are an excellent way to avoid getting pregnant. When the IUD is in place, you don’t feel it; there’s nothing to do once it’s there.

Barrier Techniques: These consist of a cervical cap, the diaphragm, male and female condoms, and the contraceptive sponge.

Hormonal Short-Acting Techniques: These consist of the contraceptive injection (Depo-Provera), skin patches (Xulane, Twirla), vaginal rings (NuvaRing, Annovera, and others), and birth control pills. Depending on the type, you have to take these short-acting medications every day, every week, or every month.

Speaking with your doctor about your lifestyle and medical history will help you select a birth control technique that complements your reproductive goals and general well-being.

2. What Are the Potential Side Effects and Risks?

Before choosing a birth control technique, it’s essential to talk to your doctor about the risks and possible adverse effects of each one.

• Some people may experience cramps, irregular bleeding between periods, and more painful and heavy periods as a result of using copper IUDs.
• The adverse effects of hormonal IUDs are comparable to those of other progestin-only birth control options. Additionally, you can experience mood swings, headaches, sensitive breasts, and acne. You may experience light or irregular bleeding, followed by no bleeding.
• One type of progestin is Depo-Provera. A healthcare provider injects this type of birth control into your arm or butt. Each dose protects you against pregnancy for 12 to 15 weeks. After using this strategy for over a year, almost half of the participants will no longer get their periods. Additionally, you can observe erratic bleeding, particularly in the first year.
• Men cover their erect penis with these thin, rubbery condoms. Male condoms are around 98% effective when used correctly. Nevertheless, due to inappropriate use, 18% of women will still become pregnant each year using condoms.

Being aware of any adverse effects can also help you to be ready for any changes your body might require as it adjusts to a new method of birth control.

Read More: Myths and Facts About Birth Control: Debunking Common Misconceptions

Effectiveness and Convenience

3. How Effective Is the Chosen Method?

Since effectiveness affects how successfully a birth control technique prevents conception, it is an important consideration when choosing a method. The success rates of any contraceptive method vary depending on whether it is used ideally (as directed) or typically (how most people use it).

• Since you don’t need to use IUDs and implants daily, they have a 99% effectiveness rate.
• Birth control pills, patches, and vaginal ring are 91% effective, depending on how consistently you use them.
• When used commonly, barrier techniques like condoms are only approximately 85% effective, which means that human error causes a greater failure rate.
• The effectiveness of emergency contraception varies depending on when you take it, but it is 95% effective if used within the first 24 hours.

A crucial factor is how well you can follow a method’s instructions. A long-acting approach can be a better option if you have trouble with daily activities. By talking about these aspects with your physician, you can also ensure that your choice will be one that you can utilize correctly and regularly.

4. Is the Method Convenient for My Lifestyle?

The efficiency of a birth control technique is only as essential as how well it matches your lifestyle. A method’s effectiveness in preventing pregnancy may decrease if you find it difficult to apply consistently.

• People with hectic schedules can choose a low-maintenance solution, such as an IUD or implant, which lasts for years without daily care.
• Those who value flexibility and control can choose birth control pills, which you must take daily but can stop quickly if necessary.
• If you travel a lot, the patch or injection can be more handy than tablets that must be taken simultaneously daily.

Other things to consider are how the approach affects day-to-day living—does it necessitate regular medical visits? Will intimacy be hampered? Does it fit with your religious or personal beliefs? These factors will help guarantee that the strategy you select successfully avoids pregnancy and fits into your daily schedule.

Read More: Here’s Why Birth Control Could Fail, New Study Suggests

Cost and Accessibility

5. What Are the Costs Involved?

Birth control costs might vary greatly depending on the technique selected, insurance coverage, and available financial aid programs. While some solutions, like spermicide and condoms, are over-the-counter and reasonably priced, others, like IUDs or implants, are more expensive upfront but provide longer-term protection.

Your description provides a general overview of various contraceptive methods, but there are some inaccuracies regarding costs and availability. Here’s a revised version with updated information:

Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs):

• Implants and Intrauterine Devices (IUDs): Healthcare providers insert implants into the arm and IUDs into the uterus. IUDs are available in two types: non-hormonal (copper) and hormonal. Both require clinical approval and administration.
• Cost: Without insurance, LARCs can cost up to $1,000, making them less accessible for some individuals.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Birth Control Pills:

• Opill: Recently, Opill, a progestin-only daily birth control pill, became available over the counter, enhancing contraceptive accessibility.
• Cost: The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for Opill is $19.99 for a one-month supply, $49.99 for a three-month supply, and $89.99 for a six-month supply.
• Effectiveness: When used as directed, Opill is 98% effective at preventing pregnancy. citeturn0search1

Vaginal Ring:

• Description: The vaginal ring is a self-inserted device that releases hormones (estrogen and progestin) to prevent pregnancy, functioning similarly to birth control pills.
• Cost and Insurance Coverage: Many insurance plans fully cover the vaginal ring, often resulting in no out-of-pocket expenses. If cost-sharing is required, the average annual out-of-pocket cost is approximately $87.

Note: Insurance coverage for contraceptives varies. The Affordable Care Act requires most insurance plans to cover FDA-approved contraceptive methods without cost-sharing; however, coverage details can differ. It’s advisable to consult your insurance provider for specific information.

Additionally, recent proposals aim to require insurers to cover over-the-counter birth control methods, potentially reducing out-of-pocket costs for products like Opill. For the most accurate and personalized information, consult with a healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Follow-Up and Monitoring

6. What Follow-Up Care Is Required?

Follow-up care is crucial after selecting a birth control method to ensure its continued effectiveness and meeting your needs. Your healthcare provider can address any concerns, monitor for side effects, and make required modifications with routine check-ups. The approach used determines the type and frequency of follow-up care.

• For example, your doctor could advise an initial follow-up appointment a few months after you begin using birth control pills, the patch, or the ring to see how your body is reacting.
• IUD and implant users usually need a check-up following insertion to guarantee correct placement. Over time, they could also require periodic monitoring.
• The next injection dose (Depo-Provera) should be administered at follow-up appointments every three months.

Frequent check-ups also provide you the chance to talk about any changes in your lifestyle, new drugs, or medical issues that might affect the safety or efficacy of your birth control. Your healthcare practitioner can help you find a better alternative if you want to change methods or have ongoing adverse effects.

Read More: How To Use Birth Control Pills Effectively

Conclusion

Selecting the best birth control technique is a personal choice that a comprehensive evaluation of follow-up care, cost, convenience, effectiveness, and health should support. Making an informed decision is ensured by asking essential questions, such as which options fit your medical history, what side effects to anticipate, how successful each approach is, and what financial factors apply.

You can discuss openly with your healthcare practitioner which form of birth control is appropriate for your particular needs and way of life. Being proactive about your reproductive health allows you to make choices that support your long-term objectives and general well-being.