Whether you’ve been using contraception for some time now or you’ve recently started looking into products, know that multiple options exist. You aren’t confined to only one possibility. Instead, you can select the one that is the right fit for your situation.
Birth Control Pills
Many women take birth control pills. Typically, you take these pills at the same time each day. Sometimes, the pills can come with side effects that are both positive and negative, so you should discuss the possible outcomes with your doctor. If you can maintain the schedule and have only one sexual partner, birth control pills alone may be right for you. Do keep in mind that birth control pills do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
Condoms
You can use condoms alone or in tandem with another method of birth control. The benefit of condoms is that they protect against sexually transmitted diseases in addition to acting as a contraceptive. Therefore, you might choose to use condoms in addition to your birth control pills, particularly if you have multiple sexual partners or have trouble remembering to take the pill.
Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives
In the event that you do not want to have children or are finished having children, you can look into a long-acting reversible contraceptive, such as an implant or an intrauterine device. These devices are put into your body by a medical professional, and they offer long-term protection against pregnancy. As the name implies, you can have the device removed if your child-bearing plans change. Just as with birth control pills, long-acting reversible contraceptives do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
Abstinence
People choose to remain abstinent for a variety of reasons, and the decision to do so is your choice. Do remember that you may remain abstinent from intercourse but engage in other sexual activity. In the event that you do so, you are not then protected against sexually transmitted diseases. You may want to look into condoms as solely a means of protecting yourself against sexually transmitted diseases.
The choice as to what contraceptive to use is your personal one to make; still though, speaking with your doctor about the right fit for your body and your specific needs is advisable.
Do you have more questions about your contraceptive choices in Salem Oregon? Contact our friendly staff at WFMC Health or become a new patient today!
