Which Birth Control Pill Is Right for Me
From LoveToKnow Pregnancy
Speak with your doctor to find out the answer to the question “Which birth control pill is right for me?” S/he can help you compare pills to find the right one for your body and needs.
Birth Control Pill Considerations
Every woman has different needs from her birth control pills. With the number of birth control pill brands available, it is easy to get confused over what is right for you. Potential side effects and the price are good places to start when doing a pill comparison.
Positive Side Effects
Side effects are present with almost every medication you take, including birth control pills. Fortunately, not all side effects are negative.
Some pills can help you control acne, while others might reduce heavy periods. The pill called Yaz has even been approved to help treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
Breastfeeding women are encouraged to use progestin-only pills, or “mini-pills” as they do not contain estrogen, which can affect milk supply. Your doctor can help you figure out the best pill for you to take if you are post-partum.
Negative Consequences
Though serious side effects do occur, they are rare. Be sure to tell your doctor if you smoke, are over age 35, have had any serious diseases or if you are currently taking medications like antibiotics, for other health issues.
More commonly experienced negative side effects that have been associated with taking pills include:
- Weight gain
- Breast tenderness
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Irregular or breakthrough bleeding
Every woman’s body will react differently to each type of pill. You may want to ask your doctor for free samples until you know how you will be affected.
Price
The cost of birth control pills is not always covered by insurance, nor does every woman qualify for a discount based upon income. Therefore, choosing a generic birth control is a more economical option for avoiding unplanned pregnancy.
Several nationwide pharmacies are offering low-cost prescription programs that might include birth control pills. Find out birth control prices by checking their list of included medications that is posted at the counter, in a pamphlet, or online.
Knowing Which Birth Control Pill Is Right for Me
Before you visit your doctor for your check-up, write down your concerns from side effects to cost. That way, you will not forget any questions you have while trying to figure out which birth control is right for me. Your doctor will discuss various types of birth control pills, which will include:
- Monophasic pills
- Triphasic pills
- Progestin-only pills (aka, mini-pills)
- Low dose pills
During your visit, you should also bring up any questions you have about the morning after pill. This pill, known as Plan B, is used when other forms of birth control fail. It is not a substitute for a regular form of contraception.
Remember that no birth control pill can protect against HIV/AIDS or other sexually transmitted diseases. Use condoms to prevent the spread of these diseases, which can be present without symptoms.
Pill Alternatives
For some women, the birth control pill is not the right method of birth control. They may not find a brand or type that suits their physical needs or cannot remember to take the pill at the same time every day, reducing effectiveness. These women may need to find an alternative to taking the pill.
Other hormonal methods of birth control include:
Non-hormonal methods of birth control are:
- Condom
- Birth Control Sponge
- Copper Birth Control IUD
- Natural Family Planning
Women and men who are positive that they do not want children should consider permanent sterilization.
The birth control pill that is right for you may not be the same as what your sister, best friend, or co-worker takes. Because each person’s body is different, it is important to speak openly and honestly with your healthcare provider in order to get the right pill for you.
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This page has been accessed 4,679 times. This page was last modified 02:16, 23 September 2008.
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