Selecting a method of birth control that is right for you requires accurate information, professional advice, and thoughtful consideration of your health and birth control goals. The experts at Boulder Valley Women’s Health Center can help you select the right birth control method and then follow up three months later to make sure you’re satisfied. If you live in or around Boulder or Longmont, Colorado, make an appointment to talk to one our our birth control specialists about your options.
Birth Control
What should I consider when selecting a birth control method?
Some important considerations when selecting a birth control method are:
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Which one is safe for you
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Which one you can use correctly and consistently
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Which one you and your partner(s) are comfortable using
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Which one is affordable and easy for you to access
What types of birth control are available?
You have a number of birth control options. The medical staff at Women’s Health can help you understand the pros and cons of each.
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Hormonal contraception: includes birth control pills, the Ortho Evra patch, vaginal ring (NuvaRing®), the shot (Depo-Provera).
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Nonhormonal contraception: includes condoms (both external and internal), diaphragm, FemCap, and “natural” family planning or “rhythm” methods.
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Long-acting, reversible contraception: includes IUDs (Mirena®, Skyla®, Liletta®, and Paragard®) and Nexplanon® implant, which can last for 3-10 years, depending on the method.
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Permanent contraception: no-scalpel vasectomy (NSV) for men.
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Emergency contraception: birth control that can be used up to 5 days after unprotected sex to prevent a pregnancy. Also known by brand name Plan B, emergency contraception is not intended to be used in place of regular birth control.
Where can I learn more about the various methods of birth control?
Check out the interactive Select A Method feature on BeforePlay.org. Or visit Bedsider, where you can see a Side-by-Side Comparison Chart or hear people share their birth control experiences in RealStories videos.
For help finding a birth control method that’s right for you, make an appointment at Women’s Health to see one of our Nurse Practitioners.