Birth Control: Choosing the Right Option for You
- posted: Oct. 23, 2014
When it comes to birth control, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Rather, it is very individualized. While one option might work for one woman, it may not be the best choice for another. By understanding your birth control options in Dothan, you can successfully choose the best birth control for your individual needs. Let’s take a look at a few birth control options currently available:Abstinence
This first option is dependent on personal reasons—from preventing pregnancy to waiting for marriage. Abstinence means not having vaginal intercourse in order to prevent pregnancy, as well as preventing an STD. If practiced continuously, abstinence is 100% effective in preventing pregnancy and STDs.
Staying abstinent is a choice you need to make daily. Here are some ways to help you make that choice:
- Remind yourself why you chose to be abstinent
- Think about the consequences
- Don’t reevaluate your decision to stay abstinent during sexually charged situations
Abstinence is difficult for people, but by being clear about your reasons will help you remain abstinent.
Birth Control Pills
The availability of birth control pills allows you to take a pill everyday to prevent pregnancy. This form of birth control is safe, effective and convenient. By visiting your gynecologist for your yearly checkup and testing, you can get a prescription for birth control, which can cost anywhere from $0-$50 a month.
Combination birth control pills work best when taken every day—don’t skip a day. Progestin-only pills much be taken at the same time every day to keep the correct level of hormone in a woman’s body. By always taking the pill every day, less than 1 out of 100 women will get pregnant each year. However, about 9 out of 100 women will get pregnant each year if they do not always take the pill each day as directed.
Schedule an appointment in Dothan with our gynecologists at Women’s Medical Center to learn more about birth control pills and to see if this is the best option for you.
Condoms
There are currently two types of condoms available: latex condoms and female condoms. Which condom you choose depends on you and your partner’s preference. Condoms are worn on the penis during intercourse and are made of thin latex or plastic that has been molded into the shape of a penis.
As with all birth control options, condoms are more effective when used correctly. You can make condoms more effective if you use spermicide with them and if you pull out before ejaculation. Condoms are available in drugstores, Planned Parenthood health centers, and from your gynecologist, along with other places.
While there are many other birth control options available, it is important to visit your Dothan gynecologists at Women’s Medical Clinic for more information and a yearly screening.
--mi
Women's Medical Center, PC
Address
1118 Ross Clark Circle, Ste 600, 6th Floor of the Doctor's Building
Dothan, AL 36301
Contact Information
(334) 793-3900
(334) 793-5227
Office Hours
Monday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed
Monday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed
