Finding the Right Contraceptive for You
When it comes to contraceptives, you have plenty of options to choose from. Your decision will depend on a few factors. They include your health, your future pregnancy plans (if any), and your wishes. Discussing your options with a doctor is always helpful. Before that discussion takes place, it's useful to understand what's available.
Long-Acting Contraceptives
Long-acting contraceptives usually last for years. The contraceptive implant is a small device that your doctor places into your arm. It releases a hormone that prevents sperm from reaching the egg. Alternatively, you can try one of the coils available. Coils either release hormones or use copper to prevent pregnancy. Having a long-acting solution is great if you lead a lifestyle that increases your chance of forgetting to take a pill. Some long-acting contraceptives also allow you to return to your menstrual cycle as soon as you remove them. They're also low-hassle, as you don't need to pick up a prescription or keep visiting your doctor.
Short-Term Solutions
Short-term solutions include a range of pills, injections, and vaginal rings. They can last between a few weeks and a few months. In order to ensure they're effective, you have to take them at the right intervals. What those intervals are can depend on the method you're using. Using a short-term contraceptive makes it easier for you to track your cycle. You may find this reassuring if you want to get pregnant in the future.
Natural Family Planning
Natural family planning usually involves predicting when you ovulate and avoiding intercourse around those dates. You can do this by mapping your basal body temperature, which rises slightly when you're ovulating. Alternatively, you can use ovulation sticks to identify whether you're close to ovulating or currently ovulating. Before starting this method, discuss it with your doctor. It has a higher chance of being ineffective versus other methods. However, it does allow you to avoid hormonal interventions, which some people prefer.
If you find your options overwhelming, write down what's important to you and discuss it with your doctor. You can request to see a female doctor if you want to. Your doctor can explain the different options available and help you find a solution that suits you. You have the option of changing contraceptives if you feel your current method doesn't meet your needs.
If you have any questions, reach out to your doctor to discuss your options.
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