Which Birth Control is Right For You?

If you’re considering your birth control options, you’re not alone. An estimated 65% of American women aged 15-49 use some form of contraception to lower their chances of becoming pregnant.

Here at Casa de Salud, Dr. Afshin Akhavan and our compassionate primary care medical team, can help you pick a birth control method that works for your health and lifestyle. We know it’s an important decision, and we’re here to provide you information so that you can make the best decision for yourself.  

IUDS and implants

Implants and IUDs are long-acting reversible contraceptives. They have high effectiveness rates and are convenient, since you don’t have to remember to use them or apply anything before having sex. 

An IUD or intrauterine device is a device that’s placed inside your uterus, which either uses copper or releases hormones to create a hostile environment for sperm to prevent you from becoming pregnant. An implant can be placed under the skin in your arm, where it releases hormones into your bloodstream.

An IUD can remain in place to provide pregnancy prevention for anywhere from 3-12 years. A copper IUD, which is more than 99.9% effective, can even be used as emergency contraception if implanted within 5 days of having unprotected sex.     

Other birth control methods 

There are other types of birth control that have high effectiveness rates, but only if you use them perfectly. The pill, which delivers hormones orally, has to be taken at the same time every day so that it’s effective. 

The ring is a small flexible device that releases hormones inside your vagina for three weeks. You can also choose to wear a patch that delivers hormones through your skin. With the shot, you receive pregnancy-preventing hormones through an injection that’s given once every three months.

One-time barriers

If you’re looking for a birth control option that isn’t a long-term commitment, then you may want to consider one-time barrier methods. This type of birth control includes condoms, sponges, diaphragms, cervical caps, and spermicide. Each method works in a different way to create a barrier to prevent sperm from reaching an egg.

Emergency contraception 

Another option for emergency birth control, aside from the IUD, is the morning-after pill, which is an emergency contraceptive that you only have to take once. For the most effectiveness, it must be taken within three days of having unprotected sex. Emergency contraception isn’t meant for regular use, however.

For more information and to make an appointment to discuss your birth control options, contact one of our Los Angeles area offices by phone. You can also request an appointment through our convenient online booking system anytime.