Starting or choosing a birth control method can be an overwhelming decision for many women of reproductive age. There are currently various options of birth control available. Women base their decision on their desire for permanent vs. reversible birth control, ease of use, cost, and gynecological and medical history and hormonal vs. non-hormonal options.
Some methods of birth control may be more effective than others, but all forms of birth control have higher rates of success when taken as directed. The choice thereby needs to be made in accordance with one’s lifestyle, work and schedules etc.
Some of the most commonly asked questions are…
1) “Is it dangerous to be on birth control for a long period of time?”
2) “Do oral contraceptives cause an increased risk of breast cancer?”
3) “Does hormonal birth control make me infertile?”
Our short answer is “No”. There is no significant evidence showing that there are negative long-term effects of being on birth control and we are comfortable prescribing it to patients from menarche (onset of your menstrual cycle) until menopause. A common myth is that long-term oral contraception use may increase the risk of breast cancer. According to The Journal of Family Practice (2014), oral contraception does not increase patient’s risk of breast cancer, even those with a family history of breast cancer. The myth comes from contraception pills that were used before 1975 that contained higher doses of hormones, which showed an slight association to a risk of breast cancer. With all reversible forms of birth control, patients are able to conceive as soon as they stop using it (as it can happen even if you miss oral pills or take it incorrectly!).
Some reversible birth control options include combined oral contraceptive pills, a skin patch, a three monthly injection, a vaginal ring or an IUD (intrauterine device, which can be hormonal or non-hormonal). Low cost birth control options are available and your gynecologist can help you choose the right fit for you. If you have high co-pay or do not have insurance, there are plenty of cash discount options available. You can discuss these in details during your visit with your gynecologist.
Permanent birth control options include tubal sterilization methods like Essure and laparoscopic sterilization.
It is very important to remember that while being on birth control, one still needs to use condoms to prevent transmission of STD’s. For women who do not desire to “put hormones in their body” or have had side effects or are not the right candidate for hormonal pills also have various options to select from. A great reversible non hormonal option is copper intra-uterine device (IUD).
The link below contains more details and may help you choose the right fit.
http://www.nytimes.com/health/guides/specialtopic/birth-control-and-family-planning/print.html
Please discuss with your OBGYN or women’s health expert as to which option is the best for you. Our team of women’s health experts at Expert GYN is available late evenings and weekends if you are a busy professional woman.
Betty Krechmer, PA-C