Birth Control

There are so many types of birth control available it’s hard to decide which one to use. Using the right contraception for your lifestyle is incredibly important. For permanent solutions, you might choose a vasectomy or tubal ligation. For less permanent fertility control, IUDs are effective. If you want a temporary fix condoms and diaphragms are best. You may also opt for pharmaceuticals. For the optimists, withdrawal and spermicides are the least effective methods. No matter what method you use, make sure to check in with your doctor periodically to make sure your sexual health is good.

Frequently Asked Questions ( 7 )   Add a Question

  1. What is the least invasive birth control method?
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    Condoms require no forethought and can be used at any time. They don't change your body or chemistry in any way. However, they are not as effective as some of the more invasive methods.
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  2. What is hormonal contraceptives?
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    Hormonal contraceptives are anything that changes the body chemistry. This type of birth control can include pills, patches and IUDs. For now, this option is almost exclusively for women. There are pills in the works for men but have not yet passed into the market.
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  3. Are there health risks with hormonal contraceptives?
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    Anything that changes the body's chemistry has the potential to be dangerous. The most common issues include arterial blood clots. There have been studies showing increased chances of ovarian, breast and endometrial cancer linked to oral contraceptives. Mood swings are common.
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  4. What is an IUD?
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    These small, t-shaped devices are inserted into the uterus. They disrupt sperm motility, making it impossible for the sperm to join with the egg. IUD, or coil, are one of the most effective contraceptive methods with only 0.08% failure rates. There are risks of increased menstrual bleeding and pelvic inflammation. 
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  5. What if I want a birth control permanent solution?
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    If you are prepared to permanently prohibit pregnancy, there are options for both male and female patients. Women can opt for a tubal ligation and men may have a vasectomy. Surgical sterilization, for either sex, has no long-term side-effects. In some cases it even lowers risk of certain types of reproductive system cancers. 
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  6. Are there natural birth control methods?
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    Natural birth control methods have very low success rates. The most common natural, or behavioral, methods include fertility awareness - monitoring menstrual cycles for lowest point of fertility- and withdrawal. The practice of "pulling out" is less than 60% effective as birth control.


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  7. Can I get pregnant right after having a baby?
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    If you are breastfeeding regularly, the chances of getting pregnant are 7% during the first year. Pumping or less regularly nursing increases your chances to 13%. Once periods return, chances of pregnancy continue to increase. If you aren't breastfeeding, you may be fertile within 4 weeks after birth.
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