Birth control is a very personal topic, and choosing the best method can be overwhelming because there are so many factors to consider. Gaylene Soloniuk-Tays, MD, is a caring physician who can provide you with all the information you need to choose a birth control method that’s right for your individual lifestyle and family-planning goals. To learn more, or to schedule a confidential consultation, call Compassionate Family Care in Visalia, California, today, or make an appointment online.
All methods of birth control, also called contraception, prevent a man’s sperm from fertilizing a woman’s ova, or egg, during intercourse.
Birth control methods fall into one of the following categories:
As the name implies, barrier methods prevent sperm from reaching an egg by using a physical device as a barrier. These devices include:
When a man has a vasectomy or a woman has her “tubes tied” (tubal ligation), the surgery is also considered a form of barrier contraception.
Hormonal contraception works by controlling the process a woman’s body goes through to release an egg from the ovaries, known as ovulation. Progesterone, a naturally occurring hormone, regulates ovulation. Hormonal birth control is a prescription medication that contains a precise dosage of progesterone, which prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg each month as they usually would during the natural menstrual cycle.
Hormonal birth control methods include:
Some hormonal birth control is delivered through a barrier method, including certain types of IUDs and vaginal rings, which release hormones and block contact between the sperm and the egg.
Natural birth control refers to actions taken by women and men to prevent pregnancy. Natural methods include:
Many couples prefer natural methods, but they aren’t as effective at preventing unwanted pregnancy as other types of birth control.
There are many things to consider when choosing a method of contraception. Your lifestyle, your family planning goals, and your personal and family health history are just some of the factors you’ll need to take into account when making a decision about birth control.
A confidential consultation with Dr. Soloniuk-Tays includes a full physical exam, a review of your medical history, and a detailed discussion about your individual needs for contraception. She’ll make sure you have a clear understanding of all your options so you can make the choice that is best for your unique situation.
To schedule a consultation, call Compassionate Family Care today, or book an appointment online.
