Family planning helps couples and sexually active individuals avoid unintended pregnancy. It involves different forms of birth control to protect against pregnancy. Choosing the right contraceptive can be challenging since you need to consider various factors such as convenience, efficiency, privacy concerns, and type and frequency of side effects. For this reason, you should seek the help of your doctor, who can guide you to select a suitable Desert Star Family Planning contraceptive for you. Below are different hormonal birth control methods your specialist may recommend.
The implant
A birth control implant is a small rod containing the hormone progestin, which your healthcare provider inserts under the skin in your upper arm. It is effective for at least three years, but the good news is that you can always get your doctor to remove it once you decide to get pregnant. You don’t have to worry about long periods of infertility as it returns rapidly after removing the rod. The insertion is a straightforward process that can be done at your doctor’s office. Once your healthcare provider inserts the implant, you may or may not need to use a backup form of contraceptive such as a condom. Whether or not you use backup birth control depends on when the doctor places the implant during the menstrual cycle. Most women with the implant have reported irregular bleeding.
Oral contraceptives
Most oral contraceptives contain both estrogen and progestin hormones, and they are commonly known as the pill. The combined pill reduces your risk of pregnancy by thickening the cervical mucus, inhibiting sperm penetration. Pills also prevent ovulation and keep the lining of the uterus thin. Other additional benefits include making menstrual bleeding regular and lighter. Pills also reduce your risk of iron-deficiency anemia and cancers of the ovary and uterus. Women who use pills have also reported a reduction in acne and menstrual cramps.
One downside of the pill is that you have to take it every day, ideally at the same time to maximize efficacy. Most people find this inconvenient because you can forget to take your pill for one reason or the other. Skipping pills increases your risk of unintended pregnancy. But when taken properly, birth control pills are a highly effective contraception method. Common side effects of the combined pills include bloating, breast tenderness, mood changes, and nausea which improve within the first two to three months without treatment.
Vaginal ring
A vaginal ring is made of flexible plastic and contains estrogen and progestin hormones like the combined pill. Its action method also resembles the combined pills since it thickens cervical mucus, prevents ovulation, and thins the uterus lining. A vaginal ring is inserted inside your vagina, and the positioning is not essential as long as it remains inside and feels comfortable. Your healthcare provider may require that you keep the ring inside your vagina for three weeks and leave it out for a week, during which you will bleed. Depending on the type of vaginal ring you use, you may or may not need to replace it each month.
If you need to choose the proper birth control for you, consult your healthcare provider today at Desert Star Family Planning.
