Choosing a birth control method may seem a little overwhelming at first. You’re the only one who knows what’s right for you, but you might need a little help to uncover the answer. That’s where we come in.
Leading our team in providing low-stress OB/GYN care in Queens and White Plains, New York, Dr. Daniel Kushner emphasizes empathy attuned to each woman’s unique needs. We know that birth control is an individual choice, one that can change over time, and we’re here to help you find the best method for your current and future goals.
From hormonal options like the pill and implants to nonhormonal methods, we provide personalized guidance to help you make the best decision. This blog poses three questions to help you choose the right birth control option for you.
Certain health conditions can affect which birth control methods are safe and effective for you. Examples include:
High blood pressure may make combination hormone birth control unsafe, as it can raise your risk of heart attack or stroke.
Some hormonal birth control methods may negatively impact blood sugar control.
Estrogen-containing birth control raises stroke risk in patients who have migraines with aura, although that risk might not be as high as previously thought, according to recent studies.
Women who struggle with their weight and use combined oral contraceptives have up to a 24 times higher risk of experiencing a cardiovascular event such as venous thromboembolism.
There are many other unique examples of medical conditions that may influence your birth control. During your appointment, our team fully reviews your medical history and current health so Dr. Kushner can help you find the safest, most reliable option.
Different birth control methods require varying levels of maintenance. Consider how often you must manage your contraception.
Some birth control options, like oral contraceptives, require stringent adherence to a schedule. If you're fully committed to the schedule, these options might work well for you. Missing a pill here and there results in a drop from over 99% effectiveness to about 93%. The same is true if you forget to replace a birth control patch or ring on time: Effectiveness sharply declines.
If you'd rather have a long-term solution that you don't have to think about too often, an intrauterine device (IUD) or birth control implant could be right for you. They can last for years, with better than 99% effectiveness.
Whether you're finished building your family, you’re planning to have kids one day, or you aren't quite sure, it's important to consider these feelings in relation to your birth control method.
Options like the IUD and birth control pill offer a quick return to fertility after discontinuing use. Tubal ligation falls into the "permanent contraception" category and will end your fertility.
If you have any doubts at all about your family plans for the future, Dr. Kushner generally recommends choosing a method that keeps your options open.
Choosing birth control is a personal decision, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Call our Queens office at 718-793-1995 or our White Plains office at 914-422-0222 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Kushner today.
