Are you bothered by the shape or contour of your vaginal area? Your labia, part of the exterior of your vulva, can cause problems for you if they are overly large. Read to learn more about treatment options like labiaplasty for this condition.
Birth control is a general term used for a variety of methods that prevent pregnancy. It’s also commonly called contraception. While no single birth control method is right for everyone, there are dozens of options to choose from to meet your specific needs.
At McDowell Mountain Gynecology in Scottsdale, Arizona, board-certified gynecologists Rachel Spieldoch, MD, and Kimberly Hartzfield, MD, are passionate about helping women with their health care and family planning needs. In this blog they answer some frequently asked questions about birth control.
In general, all of the birth control options are considered very safe. Whether or not you’re a candidate depends on the type of birth control you intend to use. Each type of contraception has its own considerations, side effects, advantages, and disadvantages. For instance, hormonal birth control doesn’t interfere with spontaneity, but it may cause headaches, nausea, or weight gain. Barrier methods don’t require you to alter your natural hormone function, but they aren’t always foolproof and don’t fully protect against sexually-transmitted diseases.
There are 5 main types of contraception to consider when you want to prevent pregnancy. They are:
Barrier methods block sperm from getting into your uterus. Examples include condoms, sponges, spermicides, diaphragms, and cervical caps.
Hormonal birth control methods halt the release of eggs from your ovaries so that sperm and egg can’t unite. Hormonal options include the pill, implants, shots, and patches.
If you choose to permanently prevent pregnancy, sterilization may be the best choice for you. Sterilization options include vasectomy for your male partner, tubal ligation, and sterilization implants.
This category includes intrauterine devices (IUDs), which our team places into your uterus during a regular office visit. IUDs can stay in place for months or years and typically fall into two categories:
When you’re ready to become pregnant or switch to another form of contraception, the IUD can easily be removed.
This is a last-resort method of preventing pregnancy if you’ve had unprotected sex. Emergency birth control includes morning after pills and the copper IUD, which can be inserted up to five days after intercourse.
To determine which of the many birth controls options is best for you, meet with one of our dedicated and knowledgeable doctors to discuss your health and medical history and sexual activity. Based on information gathered from your consultation, our team helps you select the best birth control for your current goals and future family planning needs.
With decades of experience, you can trust the care and guidance you’ll receive at McDowell Mountain Gynecology. Schedule an appointment today by calling our office or booking an appointment online.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Are you bothered by the shape or contour of your vaginal area? Your labia, part of the exterior of your vulva, can cause problems for you if they are overly large. Read to learn more about treatment options like labiaplasty for this condition.
Your lips are one element of your beautifully expressive face, but it may come as a shock to find them showing signs of age. Here’s what you need to know about aging lips and what you can do to slow the process.
If you experience pain during sex, reach out to a medical professional and discover the underlying cause of your pain. With the right support, you can find freedom from pain during sex. In short, you don’t have to live with pain during sex.
Menopause is a major milestone in a woman’s life, but the symptoms aren’t always passive. Here’s how long you can expect to feel the way you do as your menstrual cycle slows to a stop.
If you have abnormal menstrual bleeding, you may decide to undergo endometrial ablation to remove your uterine lining. Endometrial ablation is a simple, nonsurgical procedure. However, you should expect some changes and adjustments during your recovery.
Birth control pills first became available in the 1960s, and have changed the way that people plan to raise children. What’s great about birth control pills is that they have benefits beyond preventing pregnancy. Read on to learn more.