Your options for contraception could be bewildering. You have more than a dozen Phoenix birth control alternatives to choose from, each having advantages and downsides. Nonetheless, the most effective type of contraception is the one that suits your unique needs and concerns, including lifestyle, health, and more. Continue reading to discover the key considerations when selecting your birth control alternatives.
1. Family Planning
If you intend to establish a family soon, you will need a solution that can be quickly discontinued, including condoms or birth control tablets.
Conversely, if you do not expect to have children soon, lasting and reversible methods, such as a birth control implant in the arm or an intrauterine device (IUD), could be more effective and convenient. These techniques could last several years before needing replacement.
If you do not want children, you can use permanent contraception. Women can get a tubal ligation, while men can undergo a vasectomy.
2. Breastfeeding
If you are breastfeeding, your likelihood of becoming pregnant reduces, but you will still require contraception. You must also ensure that the alternative you select will not affect your breast milk.
3. Timing and Ease of Use
Choose a birth control method that you can use more effectively. With contraception pills, you should remember to take them daily at a specific time, while patches require replacements weekly.
Moreover, if you use condoms, you should always have them with you anytime you engage in intercourse. Likewise, you must place spermicide in the vagina about an hour before sexual activity, and it must remain there for up to eight hours thereafter.
There are additional approaches that require less interaction. These contraceptive forms reduce the likelihood of human error. However, they are longer-lasting and frequently necessitate a doctor’s visit. Consider how each option fits your lifestyle and degree of comfort.
4. Protection From Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
Condoms are the sole contraception method that could also prevent STDs. If the risk of contracting STDs is an issue, you must wear a condom every time you have intercourse, regardless of whether you also use another method of contraception.
5. Menstrual Periods
Some forms of contraception include an added benefit as they prevent or significantly reduce menstruation. If this is a significant factor for you, see your physician about which solutions provide this advantage.
6. Adverse Reactions and Safety
Some forms of contraception have adverse effects or increase the risk of developing health concerns. Some types might not be suitable for those with a certain medical condition or who use a particular medication. Based on your health and any hereditary conditions, your physician should clarify what treatments are least likely to trigger undesired side effects and what is safe for you.
7. Cost
The cost of birth control varies significantly. Some methods, like condoms, are cheap compared to the more costly techniques like sterilization. You should consider what you can afford. If you use health insurance, determine which forms of contraception are covered to help you make a well-informed decision.
With a plethora of birth control alternatives available, it can be difficult to choose the appropriate one. However, it does not need to be! Regardless of the birth control method you are considering, these tips could help you make the best decision.