What You Can Expect During a Birth Control Consultation
If you’re seeking to start birth control, you may feel overwhelmed with the many contraception methods available. That’s when a birth control consultation with our internal medicine specialists in Cary can be especially helpful. A birth control counseling visit with your healthcare provider can help you sort through the options and make the choice that’s best for you, based on your health, your lifestyle and other factors.
In this article, we’ll cover what happens during a birth control consultation, types of birth control, the factors that determine the best contraception method for you, and address the side effects of various birth control methods.
At Cary Medical Group, we have a dedicated team ready to tailor a personalized care plan for you, whether you’re having a regular wellness check-up or you need help managing chronic diseases like diabetes. We’re here for you. Simply contact us for an appointment.
What Happens During a Birth Control Consultation?
A birth control consultation is typically a non-exam appointment during which you’ll speak with us about your medical history, current medical condition, lifestyle, and other factors.
We’ll help you understand the differences between hormonal and non-hormonal birth control methods and talk to you about the effectiveness and potential risks and side effects of each option, so that together, we can determine the contraceptive method that’s right for you.
We may also ask you a few questions, including:
- What’s most important to you in a contraceptive method? ( i.e., effectiveness, minimal side effects, or other considerations)
- Are you planning to conceive in the future, and if so, when?
- What was your previous experience using birth control?
- If you’re currently taking birth control, what is your experience with this method?
- Are you seeking birth control for reasons other than preventing pregnancy, such as managing menstrual pain or symptoms of endometriosis?
After this discussion, your healthcare provider will recommend the type of contraception they feel is best for you based on the factors above. They may also suggest that you follow up in 3-6 months to assess your experience and make changes, if necessary.
What Are the Different Types of Birth Control Options?
It’s important to weigh your contraception options carefully depending on your specific health circumstances and other relevant factors. Today, there are more birth control options than ever before, and we understand that the information can be overwhelming. That’s why we encourage you to ask us questions so we can help determine the type of birth control that would be best for you.
We know that every patient is different, and we will work together to decide upon the best option for you. We will also listen to and address your concerns about any side effects that may occur with these methods.
Birth control methods fall into several categories, including:
- Hormonal medication
- Hormonal devices
- Non-hormonal barrier methods
- Fertility awareness methods
- Abstinence
- Female and male and sterilization
- Emergency contraception
What Factors Determine the Best Birth Control Method for Me?
The contraceptive method you choose will depend on your current health circumstances and if you have plans to conceive in the future, among other factors. Your Cary Medical Group care provider can help you choose the best option for you based on your situation during a birth control consultation.
In addition to your current health and your plans for pregnancy, other factors to consider when choosing a birth control method include:
- Your age
- Potential side effects or risks
- Effectiveness at preventing pregnancy
- Convenience and comfort of the contraceptive method
- Availability and cost of the birth control method
- Protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- How often you have sex or how many partners you have
- Other benefits, including lighter periods or more predictable menstrual cycles
Side Effects of Common Birth Control Methods
When choosing the contraceptive method that’s right for you, side effects may be one of your top concerns. Risks and side effects vary based on whether the birth control method is hormonal or non-hormonal.
Not Sure What Type of Birth Control is Right for You? Schedule an Appointment with Cary Medical Group Today
With so many contraceptive methods available, it can be hard to choose the one that’s best for you. You may be weighing the risks and benefits of hormonal versus non-hormonal options, trying to decide what makes sense based on a pre-existing health condition, or simply trying to figure out the safest, most convenient choice based on your lifestyle. It’s a lot.
We can help. At Cary Medical Group we offer extensive gynecological services including birth control consultation and prescriptions. We’ll answer your questions, address your concerns, and make recommendations based on your health, lifestyle, pregnancy plans and other relevant factors. We invite you to schedule an appointment today.
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control, “Contraception,”
https://www.cdc.gov/contraception/about/index.html
Cleveland Clinic, “Birth Control Options,”
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11427-birth-control-options
Women’s Health.gov, “Birth Control Methods,”
https://womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/birth-control-methods
World Health Organization, “Sexually Transmitted Infections,” https://www.who.int/health-topics/sexually-transmitted-infections
