Birth control involves the use of artificial techniques to prevent pregnancy. It would help if you had birth control to plan for your family’s future. Many couples seek birth control to make wise financial decisions that will support their family and allow them the freedom to enjoy intimacy without worrying about getting a baby who comes with financial responsibilities they may not be ready to handle. The San Antonio aesthetics med spa team at LUNA MED SPA & WASHINGTON OB-GYN, P.A. offers multiple birth control options for their patients to consider depending on their preferences.
What are the different types of birth control?
The increasing demand for birth control has promoted the development of different options for patients to consider. The available birth control options on the market work differently and may cause varying side effects. It is critical to collaborate with a reproductive health clinician to discuss your concerns and thus get an appropriate birth control recommendation that will work for you. The following are the most popular birth control options available:
Male condom: This is a latex or polyurethane sheath that collects male sperms upon ejaculation, preventing them from entering a woman’s vagina. Male condoms also prevent the spread of STDs.
Female condom: Women insert this thin, flexible, plastic pouch into their vagina before sex. Female condoms also collect male sperm, preventing them from entering the uterus. An additional benefit of using female condoms is protection against STDs.
Contraceptive sponge: Your physician will insert this sponge into your vagina to block the entry leading to the uterus. This technique will interrupt the passage of sperm, thus preventing pregnancy. Moreover, the sponge may contain spermicide that kills sperm.
Spermicide: This is a specific substance, in jelly, cream, or suppository form, that kills sperm cells. You will put the substance in your vagina near the uterus. Spermicides can work alone or complement other birth control options like contraceptive sponges or diaphragms.
Diaphragm and cervical cap: Your doctor will place this cap in your vagina to prevent sperm entry into the vagina. This contraceptive option may involve spermicide for extra protection.
Oral contraceptive: This hormonal birth control method involves taking pills daily to prevent pregnancy. Oral contraceptive pills may contain progestin or progestin and estrogen.
Contraceptive patch: You will place this hormonal birth control method on your skin. Contraceptive patches release specific hormones into the bloodstream preventing pregnancy. You may need to replace the patch every week.
Vaginal ring: Women insert this flexible thin ring into their vagina. After that, the ring continuously releases hormones into the body for four weeks before the woman takes it out and places another.
Injectable birth control: Your doctor injects hormones into your bloodstream every three months to prevent pregnancy.
Implant: This hormonal birth control option involves a clinician inserting a thin rod into a woman’s upper left arm. The benefit of contraceptive implants is their long-lasting action lasting up to four years.
Intrauterine device: Your doctor may recommend a hormonal IUD or a Copper IUD depending on what you want. Placing this T-Shaped device into the uterus prevents pregnancy for up to a decade.
Tubal ligation: This surgical procedure involves tying up the fallopian tubes preventing ovaries from releasing eggs.
Vasectomy: This birth control option prevents men from getting women pregnant.
If you are not ready to have children, consider getting on a birth control plan. Contact LUNA MED SPA & WASHINGTON OB-GYN, P.A. to learn about the different types of birth control options available and determine the one that suits you.
