When you visit your women's health care provider, one of the most important topics to discuss is birth control. Not only does it have a significant effect on your risk of pregnancy and your reproductive health, but it can also affect seemingly unrelated aspects of your life like your mood. While you can get more detailed information from your gynecologist, here are some basic facts about the major forms of birth control.

Popular Types of Birth Control

Condoms

Condoms and internal condoms are worn during sex. They prevent pregnancy by containing semen so it doesn't come in contact with your body. They also provide a physical barrier to STIs, making them the most effective option for STI prevention during sex. Similar alternatives include the diaphragm and cervical cap, although these are less effective and don't prevent STIs.

The Pill

The birth control pill is a daily medication that contains hormones similar to those your body produces naturally. These pills stop ovulation, so the sperm can't join with an egg. If taking medication daily is difficult for you, consider a birth control patch, which does the same job but only needs to be changed weekly; you can also choose a vaginal ring, which lasts three weeks.

Birth Control Shot

For even longer-term protection, you can get regular shots of the hormone progestin. Once again, this shot is designed to prevent ovulation, but it lasts for three months at a time. To keep it active, you'll need to visit your women's health clinic regularly.

IUDs

An intrauterine device is a small, flexible T-shaped object that is inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy long-term. They can be either hormone-based — like the pill, patch, and shot — or they can be made with copper, which naturally deters sperm.

Implants

Another low-maintenance, hormone-based option is the birth control implant. Rather than being placed in your uterus, this small, thin rod is injected into your arm just under the skin. It lasts for up to five years, making it the most low-maintenance option offered by most women's health providers.

If you're looking for a women's health provider in Anchorage, AK, choose Caring For Women. Their skilled OB-GYNs and the rest of their professional medical team are committed to providing personalized service that improves your life, just as they have for over 20 years. To schedule an appointment and learn more about various birth control options, call (907) 279-2229 or send a message online.