Your first steps to choosing the right birth control for your body
When you’re thinking about starting birth control, it’s completely normal to feel a little overwhelmed by all the options out there. From managing acne to regulating periods to preventing pregnancy, birth control can support your health in many ways, but knowing how to choose the right birth control is an important first step.
At Lona Sasser Obstetrics & Gynecology in Coral Springs, FL, we’re here to help you find the option that’s best for your body and your life. Ready to talk to a compassionate provider about your choices?
Call us at 954-340-1050 or book an appointment online today!
Why Young People Choose Birth Control
For many teens and young adults, birth control isn’t just about pregnancy prevention. It can also help with:
- Regulating periods: If your cycles are unpredictable or painful, hormonal birth control can help make your periods more manageable.
- Reducing acne: Certain methods, like combination birth control pills, can improve skin by balancing hormones.
- Managing conditions like PCOS: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) symptoms like irregular periods and excess hair growth can often be treated with hormonal birth control.
- Easing menstrual symptoms: Some people choose birth control to lessen cramps, heavy bleeding, and PMS.
Understanding how to choose the right birth control means thinking about what you want it to do for you — not just about preventing pregnancy.
Different Types of Birth Control to Consider
There are many different methods, each with pros and cons depending on your lifestyle, goals, and medical history.
Birth Control Pills
- How it works: Pills contain hormones (estrogen and progestin, or just progestin) that prevent ovulation.
- Benefits: Helps regulate periods, reduce acne, and lessen menstrual pain.
- Consider: You have to remember to take a pill every day at around the same time.
Birth Control Patch
- How it works: A small patch worn on the skin releases hormones into your body.
- Benefits: Only needs to be changed once a week.
- Consider: It’s visible on the skin, which some may or may not prefer.
Birth Control Shot (Depo-Provera)
- How it works: An injection of progestin given every three months.
- Benefits: You don’t have to think about it daily or weekly.
- Consider: Some users report changes in weight or mood.
Intrauterine Device (IUD)
- How it works: A small device inserted into the uterus by a doctor; can be hormonal or non-hormonal.
- Benefits: Long-lasting (3–10 years, depending on the type) and very effective.
- Consider: Some people may find insertion uncomfortable, but the procedure is quick.
Birth Control Implant (Nexplanon)
- How it works: A tiny rod is inserted under the skin of the arm that releases hormones.
- Benefits: Protects against pregnancy for up to 3 years.
- Consider: Like the IUD, this method requires a brief procedure to place it.
Factors to Think About When Choosing Birth Control
When you’re figuring out how to choose the right birth control, ask yourself a few important questions:
- How good am I at remembering daily tasks? (If not great, a long-term method like an IUD or implant may be easier.)
- Am I looking for health benefits beyond pregnancy prevention? (Such as help with acne or cramps?)
- How comfortable am I with procedures like insertions?
- Do I want something hormone-free? (If yes, a copper IUD might be a good fit.)
- Am I planning to have children soon? (Some methods are easier to stop than others.)
A conversation with your healthcare provider can help you explore these questions and match you with the best option.
How Lona Sasser Obstetrics & Gynecology Can Help
Starting birth control is a big decision, and having a trusted doctor by your side makes it easier. At Lona Sasser Obstetrics & Gynecology, we provide:
- Private, judgment-free consultations
- Personalized advice based on your lifestyle and health needs
- On-site options for prescriptions, IUD placements, and other birth control methods
- Follow-up care to make sure the method you choose works well for you
We proudly serve young patients from Coral Springs, Tamarac, Parkland, Coconut Creek, Deerfield, North Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Margate, and surrounding areas. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re switching methods, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Ready to Find the Right Birth Control for You?
Understanding how to choose the right birth control can feel like a lot at first, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. With the right information — and the right doctor — you can make a choice that feels good for you and supports your health.
Call Lona Sasser Obstetrics & Gynecology at 954-340-1050 or book your appointment online today, and let’s talk about your options!
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio