Birth Control Counseling Specialist
-
- Tweet
Associated Obstetrics and Gynecology
Gynecologists & Obstetricians located in Clarkston, MI & Bloomfield Hills, MI
Are you thinking about trying a new form of birth control? The team at Associated Obstetrics & Gynecology in Bloomfield Hills and Clarkston, Michigan, offers one-on-one birth control counseling to help you find the method that’s right for you. Schedule an appointment today to explore the available options. You can set up your visit online any time of day or night, or call to speak with a member of the administrative staff.
Birth Control Counseling Q & A
What types of birth control are available?
Women have never had more choices when it comes to family planning tools, but that choice can also feel overwhelming as you try to navigate the pros and cons of available options. One way to think about birth control is to group the options into two categories: hormonal methods and barrier methods.
Hormonal birth control
These options reduce the chances of becoming pregnant by preventing ovulation and/or by thickening your cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching an egg. Hormonal birth control methods include:
- Birth control pills
- Patches
- Vaginal rings
- Injections
- Implants
- Intrauterine devices
Barrier birth control
These options reduce the chances of becoming pregnant by placing a physical barrier that prevents sperm from reaching an egg. Barrier birth control methods include:
- Condoms, male and female
- Sponges
- Diaphragm
- Cervical cap
Incorporating spermicide with barrier methods further decreases the chances of pregnancy.
What about the rhythm method?
The rhythm method, also called fertility awareness, is not a good method of birth control. The practice involves timing sex to avoid especially fertile days.
While it’s possible to track your fertility cycle and gain insight into which days you are more likely to conceive, this approach is far less effective than any of the other methods mentioned here. The rhythm method should only be used when a resulting pregnancy would be an acceptable outcome.
How do I know which birth control method is right for me?
Finding the right method can be challenging. At Associated Obstetrics & Gynecology, your specialist offers personalized birth control counseling to explain the pros and cons of all available options.
For example, a young woman heading off to college might benefit from a birth control implant, which offers excellent protection for as long as four years without the need to remember to take a daily pill or schedule appointments for injections. Using latex condoms can prevent sexually transmitted disease.
A woman nearing menopause has a different set of needs. She might benefit from a low-dose estrogen birth control pill that can also help treat menopause symptoms.
Your best birth control is one that aligns well with your existing health, your lifestyle, and your plans for future pregnancy. Rest assured that there’s a method that will meet your needs. Book an appointment today to get started. You can set up a visit online or by phone.
