9 Things You Should Think About When Choosing a Birth Control Method
Nurx™ makes it easy for all customers to access affordable birth control. But with so many methods available on the market, how do you know which one is right for you? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, so here are some things to consider as you examine your options.
Unplanned Pregnancies
Only complete abstinence is guaranteed to prevent pregnancy 100 percent of the time. Most forms of birth control, such as Ocella and IUDs, carry a 99 percent effectiveness rating or something close to it. However, other methods like spermicide are only 84 to 89 percent effective. Some are even less successful.
Take the time to consider how an unplanned pregnancy would impact your life. If it would devastate you or negatively affect future plans, you may want to opt for contraceptives that are more effective. If your relationship and income are stable and you wouldn’t be adversely affected, a less reliable method might be all right.
Convenience and Ease of Use
Certain types of birth control are easier and more convenient to use than others. A patch only needs to be changed once a week, and you don’t have to think about it until you need to replace it. On the other hand, a cervical cap requires all sexual activity to be planned and has very specific requirements for proper use.
The solution to this one depends on your personal definition of convenience. For some, it means few or no side effects and simple to use. For others, it could mean no prescriptions. It comes down to how willing you are to stick to a rigid schedule and/or plan ahead. Your lifestyle will be a major deciding factor.
Protection Against STDs
For those with multiple sexual partners, STDs and HIV are top concerns. Unless you both have no other partners and have both tested negative for infections, you’re at risk with every encounter. The only birth control that can reduce (not prevent) your chance of infection is a condom. To further protect yourself, consider looking into PrEP to lower your risk of contracting HIV.
Additional Benefits
Not everyone goes on birth control just to avoid getting pregnant. Some methods offer additional benefits that can play a deciding role. A number of oral contraceptives can reduce the risk of uterine and ovarian cancers and improve acne. Progestin-only methods can relieve menstrual bleeding and cramping and even cause periods to become lighter or stop altogether, which lowers the risk of anemia.
If any of these benefits are important to you, be sure to look into them and decide if they’ll influence your final decision.
Existing Health Conditions
Some forms of contraceptives are not recommended (or are even unsafe) for patients with underlying medical conditions. Health-related restrictions are most often linked to hormonal birth control. Individuals who are prone to blood clots, are lactating, or have certain illnesses should stay away from these.
If you have concerns, chat with a friendly and highly qualified Nurx doctor. They’ll help you determine if any pre-existing health conditions might dictate which forms of birth control you can and cannot use.
Side Effects
Some birth control, especially hormone-based contraceptives, are known to cause side effects in some users. Most are minor for healthy patients, but they can still include nausea, breast tenderness, weight gain, headaches, and depression. IUDs may cause abdominal and pelvic pain, ovarian cysts, and missed periods. Other methods can lead to allergic reactions. Though rare, some side effects can be serious and may require medical attention.
Before finalizing your decision, look into a product’s potential side effects and figure out whether you’re willing to tolerate them.
Reproductive Goals
Many Nurx customers use birth control products to prevent unplanned pregnancies. But you may decide you want children in the future. If you’re certain you don’t or you already have enough kids, a permanent solution might be the best choice.
However, if you’re unsure, consider a method that’s easily stopped and reversible. Younger patients who want children later in life might find a long-term solution like an IUD more appropriate.
Personal Comfort Levels
Some women aren’t keen on the idea of inserting something into their bodies; others are fine with it. Some might have trouble remembering to take the pill on a regular basis. There are men don’t like the feel of a condom. If you feel uneasy with any form of birth control or often forget to use it, it’s probably not the best option for you.
Consider your personal comfort levels, and be honest with yourself. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t force it and look elsewhere.
Cost
When researching birth control, a lot of people only look at upfront costs. However, these numbers can be deceiving. Some methods cost more initially but prove more affordable in the long-term. Others are cheaper but accumulate higher future costs, especially when they involve recurring purchases or require frequent visits to the doctor’s office. So keep in mind that cheaper doesn’t always mean better.
The expert staff at Nurx will find the most affordable birth control option that’s right for you. With insurance, it’s either free or only the cost of your copay. Even if you don’t have insurance or your provider refuses to cover your birth control, they’ll help you make a choice that fits your needs and won’t cost a fortune.
This blog provides information about telemedicine, health and related subjects. The blog content and any linked materials herein are not intended to be, and should not be construed as a substitute for, medical or healthcare advice, diagnosis or treatment. Any reader or person with a medical concern should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other healthcare provider. This blog is provided purely for informational purposes. The views expressed herein are not sponsored by and do not represent the opinions of Nurx™.
