Today’s woman has a variety of different options when it comes to birth control. Some High Desert women may find that they prefer a more traditional hormonal birth control pill, but for others in Hesperia this is not the best option. At Reza Ahmadinia OBGYN, we aim to provide our patients with accurate information about their different birth control options. We encourage patients to discuss their goals and desires with us, in order to help us recommend the best form of birth control available. Patients should make the following considerations before deciding on a form of birth control that is best for them.
Can I Afford My Preferred Form of Birth Control?
Many people do not realize that different forms of birth control — even different versions of the birth control pill — may cost more or less. These costs will vary depending on the pharmacy you choose, your own health insurance plan and the type of birth control you opt to use. Talk with your health care provider as well as your insurance provider when deciding which birth control best fits your needs as well as your budget.
Do I Understand the Side Effects of Birth Control?
Hormonal birth control tends to have more side effects than other forms of barrier birth control. Talk with your health care provider about the side effects associated with the type of birth control that you are considering. The side effects will vary based on the type of birth control used. Barrier contraception and fertility planning methods typically have the lowest risk of side effects.
Have I Discussed My Birth Control with My Sexual Partner?
It’s important to have an open and honest discussion with your partner about birth control. Your partner’s needs or opinions may be different from your own. Discuss this decision with your partner prior to making a final choice.
How Can I Best Protect Myself Against Sexually Transmitted Infections?
Hormonal birth control methods will not protect you against sexually transmitted infections. If you are not in a monogamous relationship, you will want to use barrier protection such as condoms every time you have intercourse. This is the only way to protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections while also minimizing the chances of becoming pregnant at the same time.
Deciding on a form of birth control is not an easy or light decision to make. However, it is
an important one. You need to carefully consider your own personal needs and desires, as well as those of your partner if you are in a monogamous relationship. You will want to discuss your own personal health history with Dr. Ahmadinia and be honest about what you are looking for in a birth control method. As an OB/GYN expert, Dr. Ahmadinia works with each patient to help them find the birth control that is best for them. He recognizes that each patient has individual needs and concerns, and wants everyone to feel comfortable and confident with the birth control they are using.
