Choosing the right birth control a simple process with help from your Chicago gynecologist
Today more than ever, women have choices in how they prevent pregnancy. Innovative science has made it possible for a woman to choose birth control that suits her various needs for convenience and health. From patches to injections to pills to IUD’s, there are specific advantages to be found with the various types of birth control. One of our jobs as gynecological providers is to help our patients make the determination as to which birth control method offers them the biggest benefit.

The team at Northwestern Women’s Health Associates has been helping women from the Chicago area prevent pregnancy or plan for pregnancy for many years. Our specific experience and knowledge of the different types of birth control allow us to make accurate recommendations based on a patient’s lifestyle and health. When discussing this important subject, we keep several factors in mind:
- Cost. Insurance benefits may cover only a certain type of birth control or a woman may be paying for her birth control out of pocket. Some methods, such as oral contraceptives, require a low monthly investment where others, such as the IUD, require a higher up-front payment but no monthly costs.
- Efficiency. There is only one surefire way to prevent pregnancy and that is abstinence. Short of that, we look at the efficiency of birth control as it relates to a woman’s ability to remember to apply a patch, take a pill, or insert a ring as needed for the highest degree of protection.
- Convenience. When choosing a method of birth control, a woman must ask herself if she wants to have to think about pregnancy prevention measures while “in the moment” or if she would prefer to take a pill every day. Other convenient options are more set it and forget it, such as hormone injections or an IUD.
- Family planning. Though the purpose of birth control is to prevent pregnancy, it is important to determine if and when children may be in the future. If you know that you do not wish to become pregnant in the next few years, a method such as the IUD may be most suitable. If you may want to start or expand your family in the coming months or years, a more short-term method of prevention may be desirable. If you never want to get pregnant, permanent treatments are available, and some of them can even be done in the office.
Which method of birth control a woman uses is very personal to her. What is right for one woman may not be suitable for another. Choosing which method of birth control is right for you does not have to be complicated. Through open, honest discussion with your experienced gynecologist, you can choose confidently.
Call Northwestern Women’s Health Associates at 312-440-9400 to schedule your consultation.
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