Birth control is an essential part of womens preventative health care. These medications help prevent unwanted pregnancy. Furthermore, some birth control medications may provide other benefits, such as mitigating menstrual cramps and making periods more regular.
In this guide, we'll go over some birth control options and how to get on them.
Prescription Birth Control
The most common forms of birth control require a doctor's prescription. Traditionally, that means visiting a primary care doctor or an OB/GYN. However, modern telehealth makes womens preventative health care far more accessible than it was in the past.
With telehealth, you can connect with licensed health care providers from anywhere. Speak to a doctor about your concerns and inquire about birth control. With their OK, you can receive a prescription and pick it up at your local pharmacy! It's affordable, accessible and discrete.
There are many types of prescription birth control options available. Here are the most common.
Birth Control Pills
Also known as "the pill," these prescription medications are 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy when taken as directed. These daily pills contain hormones that successfully stop ovulation. With no ovulation, there's no egg to fertilize.
Birth Control Shots
If you worry that you'll forget to take birth control pills daily, you can opt for an injection instead. Birth control shots contain progestin, a hormone that prevents ovulation, to stop you from getting pregnant. The great thing about injections is that you only have to get them every 12 weeks. Therefore, you're looking at four shots a year versus daily pills.
IUDs
An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small, t-shaped item doctors can place directly into your uterus. Once inserted, it can prevent pregnancy in one of two ways. The most common IUDs release progestin to prevent ovulation. Others contain copper. The copper creates an inflammatory response toxic to sperm cells, preventing them from fertilizing an egg.
IUDs are a long-lasting alternative to shots and pills. Traditional hormone-based IUDs can prevent pregnancy for up to eight years. Meanwhile, copper devices last up to 12 years. In both cases, IUDs are reversible should your plans change.
Author Resource:-
Alester Brown writes about mental and physical health. She advises people on Paediatrician & online Psychiatrist consultation. You can find her thoughts at medical care blog.