One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to birth control — what works for your sister, your mom, or your friends may not be the best fit for you, and that’s normal. With so many methods available, however, finding the right one can sometimes feel like a guessing game.
Cynthia McNally, MD, and the Evergreen Women’s Health team are here to help you navigate those choices with confidence. We provide comprehensive family planning and counseling services — including a wide range of birth control options — in a positive, judgement-free environment.
Whether you’re new to birth control or you’re considering a change, choosing the right method is an important decision. Here are five factors to consider as you explore your options.
When you’re choosing your birth control, its effectiveness is likely one of your main concerns. While no method — except abstinence — offers complete protection against pregnancy, some are more effective than others.
Take condoms, for example: Under ideal conditions, they’re about 98% successful at preventing pregnancy. But real life isn’t perfect, and accidents sometimes happen, bringing the actual effectiveness to around 87%.
For reliable, longer-term birth control, intrauterine devices (IUDs) and contraceptive implants are over 99% effective. However, pregnancy can still occur in rare cases.
Life gets hectic, and birth control isn’t always going to be at the top of your mind, so it’s essential to consider how well your potential contraceptive method meshes with your lifestyle and routine.
Are you comfortable with a daily pill, best taken at the same time every day, or would you prefer something that you don’t have to think about as often? Do you travel a lot, making it more challenging to refill a prescription?
Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) are effective when taken daily, but missing even a single pill increases your chances of becoming pregnant. Implants, patches, and IUDs can provide protection for years so you don’t have to worry about taking a pill every day.
As with any medication, hormonal birth control can sometimes come with side effects. While many women use these methods with no issues, others may notice certain changes, such as:
If you’re worried about potential side effects or if you experience any unpleasant ones, talk to our team. We can discuss possible solutions or alternative options, if necessary.
Your plans for growing your family — or not — are a major part of this decision. If you’re thinking about having kids soon, you probably want a method that’s easy to stop when the time is right.
Options like condoms, birth control pills, and IUDs are easily reversible, and your fertility typically returns quickly. If starting a family is further off in your future, or you’re not sure about your plans, you may consider longer-acting (but still reversible) solutions like an implant.
If you’re certain you don’t want any — or any more — children, permanent birth control methods, such as tubal ligation, are available.
Preventing pregnancy is generally the main focus, but certain types of birth control can offer a variety of added benefits. For instance, some hormonal birth control methods can help manage issues like heavy menstrual bleeding, cramping, and acne.
In some cases, certain birth control options can even lower your risk of cancer.
Your reproductive health journey is unique, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Request a consultation online or by phone to meet with the team at Evergreen Women’s Health in Vancouver, Washington, and learn more about your options.
