Which contraception method is right for me?
With all of the contraception methods available these days, it’s normal to have questions or feel overwhelmed by your options. Each woman has unique needs, and the right birth control should support your health, your lifestyle, and your sexual practices.
Dr. Aldabbagh can help you make an informed, educated decision and give you all of the information you need to feel confident in your contraception plan.
When choosing a contraceptive method, it’s helpful to consider questions like:
- Do I want to have children soon or in the distant future?
- How will my body tolerate hormones?
- What type of birth control is best for my lifestyle and my sexual habits?
- What would I do if my contraception method failed?
Dr. Aldabbagh can help you navigate questions or concerns you may have about birth control, ensuring you make the best decision for your health.
What are common contraception methods?
There are several contraception methods available, including:
- Oral contraception (the pill): a daily pill that prevents pregnancy through the release of the hormones estrogen, progesterone, or both
- Birth control patch: a patch that delivers hormones to your bloodstream to prevent ovulation
- Male and female condoms: a barrier method that prevents sperm from fertilizing an egg
- Diaphragm: a small cup-like device that sits over the cervix to prevent sperm from reaching the uterus; can be used with spermicide
- IUD (intrauterine device): a small device your physician implants into your uterus that prevents egg fertilization
- Implants: small flexible rods that are inserted underneath the skin in your upper arm to provide long-lasting and effective contraception
- Vaginal ring: a small, removable ring you insert into your vagina that delivers localized hormones to prevent pregnancy.
- Abortion pill: “Abortion pill” is the common name for using two different medicines to end a pregnancy: mifepristone and misoprostol. state of florida requires 24 hour waiting period and face to face consultation with a provider with ultrasound and counseling befroe recieving the abortion pill, so tow in person visit are required.
- First, you take a pill called mifepristone. Pregnancy needs a hormone called progesterone to grow normally. Mifepristone blocks your body’s own progesterone, stopping the pregnancy from growing. Then you take the second medicine, misoprostol, either right away or up to 48 hours later. This medicine causes cramping and bleeding to empty your uterus. It’s kind of like having a really heavy, crampy period, and the process is very similar to an early miscarriage. If you don’t have any bleeding within 24 hours after taking misoprostol, call your nurse or doctor. Your doctor or nurse may give you both medicines at the health center.
- Your doctor will give you detailed directions about where, when, and how to take the medicines. And they’ll talk with you about medicines to manage side effects, like cramp pain and nausea.
- How effective is the abortion pill? The abortion pill is very effective. If you’re taking mifepristone and misoprostol, it depends on how far along the pregnancy is, and how many doses of medicine you take: At 8 weeks pregnant or less, it works about 94-98% of the time. At 8-9 weeks pregnant, it works about 94-96% of the time. At 9-10 weeks pregnant, it works about 91-93% of the time. If you take an extra dose of misoprostol, it works about 99% of the time. At 10-11 weeks pregnant, it works about 87% of the time. If you take an extra dose of misoprostol, it works about 98% of the time. In general, taking both mifepristone and misoprostol works a bit better than taking misoprostol only. Taking misoprostol alone works to end the pregnancy about 85-95% of the time — depending on how far along the pregnancy is and how you take the medicine. The abortion pill usually works, but if it doesn’t, you can take more medicine or have a surgical abortion
- When can I take the abortion pill? In general, you can have a medication abortion up to 77 days (11 weeks) after the first day of your last period. If it’s been 78 days or more since the first day of your last period, you can have a surgical abortion to end your pregnancy. Why do people choose the abortion pill? Which kind of abortion you choose all depends on your personal preference and situation. With medication abortion, some people like that you don’t need to have a procedure in a doctor’s office.
- You can have your medication abortion on your own schedule, at home or in another comfortable place that you choose. You get to decide who you want to be with during your abortion, or you can go it alone. Because medication abortion is similar to a miscarriage, many people feel like it’s more “natural” and less invasive. And some people may not have an in-clinic abortion provider close by, so abortion pills are more available to them. Your doctor can help you decide which kind of abortion is best for you.
What can I expect after I start a contraception method?
If you opt for a hormonal method of birth control, sometimes it can take a while for your body to get used to the influx of hormones. You may experience some side effects, like bloating, mood swings, or changes in your menstrual cycle. With hormonal birth control, you usually need to wait at least a week after starting it to have unprotected sex.
If you’re using a barrier method of birth control, these are effective right away. Barrier methods may be less effective than hormonal contraception, so it’s important to understand the risks and to use a backup method if necessary.
If you decide you want to switch contraception methods at any time, just let Dr. Aldabbagh know, and he can help you find a form of birth control that works for you.
To schedule a contraceptive appointment at Trusted Women’s Health Center, call the nearest office or request an appointment online today.
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