Planning on whether or not to start a family, or when to start one, is a very important and personal choice to make.  For many women, the use of birth control is essential to family planning.  While not all birth control is 100% effective, choosing the right type of birth control puts the power of choosing when to start a family in your hands.

Choosing the right birth control can seem like a daunting task, especially with dozens of types to choose from.  Finding the method of birth control that is right for you can be influenced by a number of different factors including the effectiveness of the method, any related costs, how invasive it is, the complexity of the method, and  your religious or philosophical beliefs.  Community Care Physicians has you covered on birth control options from A to Z.

Below you will find an overview of various birth control options with links to more detailed information about each one.  Still looking for more information?  We have provided additional links to even more resources on birth control.

Long Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs) are highly effective methods of birth control that last for an extended period of time without requiring any user interaction. These include both hormonal and non hormonal IUDs(intrauterine devices), subdermal implants and injections.  One of the great advantages of LARCs is they are low maintenance and are effective for months or years before you have to go back to the doctor.

Sterilization Methods are surgical procedures meant to permanently prevent pregnancy and childbirth.  Sterilization methods include tubal sterilization implant and tubal ligation in women and vasectomy in men.  Sterilization surgery should only be considered as a birth control option if you never want to have children, as this option is meant to be permanent.

Short acting hormonal methods include the pill, the patch, and the NuvaRing and prevent pregnancy by interfering with ovulation and fertilization of the egg.  These methods can be combined hormonal, containing both estrogen and progestin, or progestin only methods.

Barrier methods of birth control work by blocking semen from entering the vagina thereby preventing sperm from joining with the egg.  The most popular form of barrier method is the male condom.  Other forms include female condoms, diaphragms and cervical caps.  One of the advantages to using condoms is they can help protect against sexually transmitted diseases, which no other form of birth control does.  Barrier methods of birth control work best when used in combination with other forms of birth control.

Natural Methods of birth control can be some of the most effective forms of birth control if used perfectly.  Some people prefer natural methods of birth control for religious or philosophical reasons or some people prefer them because there is no cost involved or purchases to be made.   Natural methods of birth control include abstinence, coitus interruptus, and fertility awareness based methods.

Association of Reproductive Health Professionals Choosing Birth Control

Here is a quick reference guide on choosing a birth Control Method from the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals.  This guide describes many methods of birth control with information on use, effectiveness, risks, and side effects of each.

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Birth Control Contraception

Here is the Birth Control overview site from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.  This site offers an overview to many methods of birth control with links to more detailed information on each method including information on use, effectiveness, risks, and side effects of each.

Community Care Physicians OBGYN

Community Care Physicians brings together physicians specializing in obstetrics and gynecological care, in convenient locations across the Capital Region.