BIRTH CONTROL RISKS AND BENEFITS: EDUCATION, OPTIONS, AND CARE

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO DISCUSS BIRTH CONTROL RISKS, CHOICES AND MORE WITH A GYNECOLOGIST

If you use birth control, or if you are interested in beginning to use birth control, you probably want to know about birth control risks and what your options are. At our practice, we regularly consult with our patients on the many available choices for birth control, and can prescribe the birth control method of their choice. Learn about the benefits and risks of some popular options below. Then, book an appointment to discuss these and many other forms of birth control, birth control risks and benefits, and more with a gynecologist at Dr.s’ Sasser & DeLeon Obstetrics and Gynecology!

BIRTH CONTROL RISKS AND BENEFITS: CONDOMS

Condoms are one of the most widely used forms of birth control, and one of the only forms that protects against pregnancy AND sexually transmitted infection. For this reason, we recommend you use condoms in combination with other forms of birth control if you are having sex with a new partner, or if you and/or your partner have not recently been tested for sexually transmitted infections.

Risks of using condoms include the possibility of the condom breaking or slipping off during sexual activity. Most condoms available in stores are made of latex, so if you have a latex allergy, be sure to seek out an alternative, such as those made from polyurethane or polyisoprene. Also, condoms come in different sizes. Using the wrong size of condom could result in discomfort, and increases the likelihood of the condom breaking or slipping off while in use. Additional benefits of using condoms include their wide availability in convenience stores – no prescription needed!

Learn more about condoms and other forms of birth control:

BIRTH CONTROL RISKS AND BENEFITS: THE PILL

The pill is a type of hormonal birth control that one takes daily in pill form. For the best protection from pregnancy, the pill should be taken at the same time every day, for as long as you want to protect yourself against getting pregnant. When used perfectly, the pill is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy!

Risks of using this form of birth control include an increased risk of pregnancy if you forget to take the pill, or forget to refill your prescription. For these reasons, if you choose to use the pill to prevent pregnancy, it is a good idea to have a backup birth control method on hand, such as condoms or Plan B (the Morning After Pill). Also, certain types of medication can make birth control pills work less effectively. They may also be less effective if your BMI is above 27. Benefits of using the pill include shorter, lighter, more regular periods; the pill can also help with acne.

There are many different versions of birth control pills available, containing different quantities of hormones. Schedule an appointment with a gynecologist at Dr.s’ Sasser & DeLeon Obstetrics and Gynecology to discuss your needs, and which variety of birth control pill may be best for you!

Sources for This Article:

Birth Control Pill – Planned Parenthood