Choosing the Right Birth Control for You

Birth control can help prevent an unintended pregnancy or manage conditions like endometriosis. But there are so many options. How do you know what’s best for your needs and lifestyle?

Millions of women use birth control to prevent unintended pregnancy, regulate their periods, or treat medical issues, such as heavy cramping and acne. But because there are many different types, choosing the birth control method that meets your needs can be overwhelming.

We can help you make an informed decision. At Ample Health in Carmichael and Sacramento, California, our board-certified internists and women’s health providers regularly help our patients with this important decision.

Keep reading to learn more about the types of birth control, factors to consider when making a choice, and important health information.

Understand your birth control goals

Your first step is determining what you plan to use birth control for. While all birth control is designed to prevent unintended pregnancy, methods vary, and certain types can also manage menstrual symptoms or other medical issues.

All birth control falls into two main categories:

Hormonal birth control

This type of birth control uses lab-made hormones, like estrogen and progestin, to prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation, thickening the cervical mucus, and thinning the uterine lining.

Non-hormonal birth control

This type of birth control doesn’t use hormones and works in different ways, like creating a barrier to block sperm or changing the environment of the uterus to prevent fertilization.

Types of birth control

We offer several types of hormonal and non-hormonal birth control, including:

Birth control pills
Birth control patches
Vaginal rings
Hormonal and copper intrauterine devices (IUDs)
Depo-Provera, also known as the Depo shot
Diaphragms
Condoms

If you choose non-hormonal methods, such as condoms or diaphragms, you can combine them with fertility awareness-based methods (FABMs), which track daily fertility signs so you can avoid intercourse on highly fertile days.

Getting birth control: What to expect

If you’re sexually active and don’t want to start a family right now, using birth control offers peace of mind. Certain types of birth control can also help you manage heavy menstrual bleeding, acne, or symptoms of uterine fibroids.

Despite these benefits, birth control isn’t right for everyone. Tell us if you smoke or have a history of blood clots, high blood pressure, or uncontrolled diabetes, as birth control may increase the risk of complications.

Also, let us know if you’ve been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis, since some birth control methods may help manage these conditions.

After reviewing your health history, discussing your goals and lifestyle, and completing a physical exam and any necessary testing, we can make birth control recommendations.

Birth control that supports your lifestyle and wellness goals

Choosing a birth control method can be intimidating, but you don’t have to do it alone. We can assist you by providing education and non-judgmental support.

Contact us at Ample Health in Carmichael or Sacramento, California, to schedule a birth control consultation. Call our office or book your appointment online. Telehealth appointments are also available, but some evaluations require an in-person visit.