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Contraception, or birth control, is the use of medication or devices to prevent pregnancy. Different methods work in different ways. Some prevent ovulation from occurring, so there is no egg to be fertilized. Others prevent the sperm from reaching the egg. There are many different types of contraception, which means there is most likely an option that is right for you.
At Dignity Health, we provide expert advice and birth control to help with all of your family planning and personal health needs. Find a Doctor near you to learn more.
Birth control is a serious issue when you consider that about half of all pregnancies in the U.S. are unplanned. And the 10% of women who do not use any method of birth control only account for half of those pregnancies. This means that human error and failure of some methods account for the other half. And that means you need to carefully consider the effectiveness of the birth control method you choose.
It is also important to keep in mind that preventing pregnancy isn’t the only reason to use contraception. Some types of contraception are used to regulate menstrual periods and treat medical conditions, including:
There are many types of contraception and methods for family planning. Each of these comes with a different rate of success, and this is important to consider when selecting a method. Common contraception options and their success rates include:
Keep in mind that emergency contraception – also known as the morning-after pill – is not considered a primary method of birth control and should never be used as such.
Deciding on a form of contraception is a highly personal choice. Your care provider at Dignity Health can help you choose the method that is best for you, considering your health, medical history, lifestyle, reproductive goals, and personal preferences.
There are some risks associated with taking birth control. Primary among these is the chance that they won’t work, leaving you with an unwanted pregnancy. In addition, just as with any other form of medication, there are potential side effects that come with hormonal methods of birth control. These side effects can include:
There is the potential for more serious side effects as well, but they are rare. They include the development of blood clots, stroke, and heart attack. It is also essential to keep in mind that any of these complications can be increased if you smoke cigarettes.
The information contained in this article is meant for educational purposes only and should not replace advice from your healthcare provider.