Family planning is vital as it helps you decide on the number of children you want by helping avoid unwanted pregnancies. If you are considering using Memorial City birth control, it is essential to consult with your doctor and learn more about the different birth control methods and which one suits you best. Besides preventing unwanted pregnancies, hormonal birth control methods offer multiple benefits, including reduced cramping during periods, regulates your menstrual cycle, and reduces your risk of ovarian cysts. Below are examples of birth control methods.
Implant
The birth control implant is a tiny rod containing progestin hormone, which your health care provider inserts beneath the skin on your upper arm. The implant releases progestin for up to three years but can be removed earlier if you want to get pregnant or upon undesirable side effects, including irregular bleeding. The placement and removal of the implant can be done in your doctor’s office. After getting an implant, your doctor may advise you to use condoms for at least one week. This is one of the most effective birth control methods as it protects you from pregnancy and allows instant fertility after removal.
Injections
Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate or DMPA is an injectable contraceptive which your doctor administers deep into muscles in your upper arm or buttocks. This birth control method works by inhibiting the penetration of sperms by thickening the cervical mucus and preventing ovulation. The injection is given once every three months and prevents pregnancy immediately if you get the first dose during the first seven days of your menstrual periods. You may need to use a condom for at least seven days if you get your first dose after the seventh day of your period. Common side effects of DPA include spotting during the first few months and weight gain. Other times, your monthly periods may completely stop.
Pills
Birth control pills or oral contraceptives contain a combination of progestin and estrogen. Other pills may contain progestin-only and are effective for women who cannot take estrogen. Pills reduce your risk of pregnancy by preventing ovulation and thickening the cervical mucus, which inhibits sperm penetration. Birth control pills are highly effective when taken correctly. However, you may be at risk of getting pregnant if you forget to take your pills. Common side effects include mood swings, nausea, breast tenderness, and bloating within the first three months of taking the pill.
Vaginal ring
Like the pill, these flexible plastic rings contain estrogen and progestin hormones, which are slowly absorbed into your body. The ring is inserted in your vagina, and you may need to keep the ring for three weeks. You may remove the ring in the fourth week. Inserting or removing the ring is easy, and most people do not feel the ring inside the vagina. A ring is reusable for up to one year or may be replaced monthly. This depends on the type of ring you are using. It is essential to read the information that comes with your ring, as the directions may vary.
If you are considering using any of the hormonal birth control methods or would like to learn more about barrier methods, reserve a session with your health care provider at Memorial Women’s Specialists.
