Deliberately planning when to have a baby is one of the best decisions you can make. As a result, there are more contraception San Antonio options than ever before. However, with so many options comes uncertainty. Which is the best and safest birth control method suitable for you? This post comes in handy when choosing a contraceptive with the fewest risks to help you take control of your future.
What Types of Contraceptives Are Available?
When you step into a fertility clinic or hospital, you will likely encounter the contraceptive options outlined. It is wise to understand the types, associated risks, and efficacy.
Barrier Method
Barrier contraceptives are birth control options that prevent sperm from reaching the ovum. Generally, the main barrier methods include condoms, a cervical cap, the vaginal diaphragm, and a contraceptive sponge. A male condom is the most effective of the barrier methods. It has 84% efficacy in preventing pregnancies.
Contraceptive sponges have special chemicals that soak up and kill the sperm. Since barrier methods are non-hormonal birth control options, they have minor side effects. For example, a condom may tear or roll off during sex. Buy latex condoms with good ratings to increase protection against STIs and prevent unwanted pregnancies.
Short-term Acting Hormonal Contraceptives
Vaginal rings, progesterone patches, birth control pills, and birth control shots influence your reproductive hormones in the short term to prevent pregnancies. Generally, short-term contraceptives are the least effective, and their effectiveness declines within 72 hours to over a month.
The patches and rings contain progestin-only or a blend of other hormones to prevent ovulation. You may get lighter periods using short-term contraceptives. However, methods such as sponges may cause vaginal discharge and discomfort. Also, when on the pill, you must remember to take it religiously. Skipping a day or two may cause pregnancy during intercourse.
Long-term Acting Hormonal Methods
Gynecologists recommend long-acting hormonal contraceptives such as intrauterine devices (IUD) and contraceptive implants if you want to cool your conception jets for at least three years. Copper IUDs have up to 99.8% effectiveness when used alone. They last for about three to 10 years. The cons associated with IUDs are that they may cause irregular periods.
Choosing the Best Method for You
Before choosing which contraceptive you want, you must consider your lifestyle. But above all, effectiveness. The best solutions are copper IUDs with the highest efficacy. However, if you want to control birth in the short term, a male condom paired with another short-term contraceptive is the best solution.
You must also consider the side effects. Depending on your current health conditions, you can talk to your doctor and discuss the option’s manageable side effects. In a similar light, consider the option if there are side benefits, such as lighter periods and reduced cramps. Lastly, how affordable is the birth control method? Long-term hormonal plans typically cost more than short-term methods.
Choosing the best and safest contraceptive for you involves lots of careful considerations. When in doubt, it is best to talk to a reputable gynecologist or fertility expert. Ultimately, you are the best doctor for you; listen to your body before making the final decision.