Many people are unaware of how visiting a contraception specialist is significant. They may not realize that this visit is necessary to get their birth control prescription, which will help them avoid unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. Another reason for making an appointment with your local family planning clinic is if you need emergency contraception or STD testing. These specialists take you through the different options of contraceptives. The Suncoast Women’s Care team guides you on what family planning methods entail. Here are some critical options regarding contraception techniques.
The Barrier Methods of Birth Control
The first being male condoms and the second being female condoms. It helps prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases by blocking semen from entering a woman’s body. The other method is the use of IUDs. IUDs or Intrauterine Devices are T-shaped devices inserted and fitted inside the uterus.
Other barrier devices include the vaginal ring, sponge, diaphragm, vaginal ring, and cervical cap. The goal in all these is to create a physical barrier between the male and female reproductive cells, preventing conception.
Hormonal Birth Control Techniques
One of the most common methods is hormonal contraceptives. These are pills, patches, vaginal rings, and contraceptive implants, which involve hormones that suppress eggs production in the ovaries. They prevent pregnancy by altering periods and disabling sperm movement or production.
This method relies on the female hormone estrogen to prevent ovulation. Birth control pills are one form of hormonal contraception. Another option is Depo-Provera, an injection containing progestin-only birth control.
Depo-Provera is a powerful injectible that is given every three months. This method is most suitable for sexually active women. It is also popular among women who are breastfeeding since the hormones may affect the milk supply.
The effectiveness of this drug lasts up longer than other hormonal forms of birth control, which can reduce the length of time in between doctor visits.
Depo-Provera becomes effective about two weeks after it has been administered. It is recommended to continue with another form of protection for 12 weeks. Waiting up to 12 weeks is also the guideline before trying to conceive again.
How Do You Know Which Type of Contraception Method to Use?
Women who do not want to get pregnant for at least a year should consider birth control or other long-term methods of contraception such as an IUD. Women who use the pill as their method of birth control need to take note that this is not 100% effective.
Contraception specialists may recommend you follow specific guidelines based on your general health and lifestyle. For example, if you are a smoker above 35 years old, you should not opt for birth control pills and try another type of contraception. The doctor goes through your medical history and current reproductive health before suggesting any method.
The contraception specialists are experts in counseling women on which birth control will work best for them. They have a thorough understanding of the various methods. They can determine the most effective based on your lifestyle, medical history, age, or other factors that may impact your fertility. You’ll get help in figuring out if hormonal contraceptives like Depo-Provera would be suitable for you by going over the pros and cons with you during an initial consultation appointment.
