Many types of birth control are available, so choosing the right type for your family planning goals, health, and sexual activity can be confusing. At Physicians for Women El Paso, women who live in El Paso, Texas, and the surrounding area can get information and access to many effective types of contraception. Call the office or book an appointment online for more details on birth control.
Many types of birth control are available that offer different levels of effectiveness, convenience, and side effects. In general, you can choose from:
Sterilization, such as tubal ligation, is also a possibility for permanent birth control.
Consider a number of factors when you’re determining which birth control method to use. Issues to think about include:
Some methods require more work on your part, such as inserting a sponge each time you have intercourse or taking a pill daily. Other methods, such as IUDs, are implanted, so you don’t have to think about them, but they keep you from getting pregnant for several years.
The only type of birth control that offers some protection from STDs are male and female condoms. If you have multiple partners or have a partner that is not monogamous to you, condoms are important in protecting your sexual health.
Condoms, however, aren’t the most effective protection against pregnancy. For the best protection against pregnancy and STDs, use dual protection, such as a condom and the pill or an IUD.
If you decide you want a prescription for oral contraceptives or access to the patch, a diaphragm, injections, or the vaginal ring, Physicians for Women El Paso can help.
IUDs and hormonal implants are also only available in a doctor’s office and are administered in a simple procedure.
Condoms, spermicides, and sponges are available in drug stores without a prescription. Emergency contraception pills are also available over-the-counter, but aren’t as effective as other forms of birth control and should only be used when your regular method fails.
To learn more about your options for birth control, call Physicians for Women El Paso or book an appointment online.