Confused About Contraception? Consider Family Planning Counseling

Between drugstore options like condoms to in-office procedures like the intrauterine device (IUD), you’re not alone if you struggle to decide what type of contraception is best for you. 

Our women’s health experts at Eve Medical of Miami understand how overwhelming the variety of contraception options can be. Dedicated to helping you control your body and your health, we offer family planning counseling to help you find the birth control method that best meets your needs. 

So many contraception options

Contraception, also called birth control, includes a lengthy list of methods, devices, and medication. All of them can prevent unplanned pregnancy. 

Your contraception options include:

Short-acting hormonal birth control

The birth control pill is a type of short-acting hormonal birth control and one of the most popular choices of contraception in the United States. Other types include the birth control shot, patch, and vaginal ring.

These methods work by stopping your ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation) or making it too hard for sperm to reach your egg for fertilization. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these methods of birth control have a failure rate (unintended pregnancy with use) ranging from 4-7%. 

Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs)

The intrauterine device (IUD) and hormonal implant are types of LARCs. These methods of contraception work much like the short-acting hormonal birth control and prevent pregnancy for 3-12 years, depending on type. 

Though they work in the same manner as the birth control pill, LARCs have a failure rate of less than 1%. These devices require an in-office visit for placement. 

Barrier methods

Barrier methods of contraception include the diaphragm, cervical cap, and condoms. These methods must be used each time you have vaginal intercourse. They work by stopping sperm from reaching your uterus.

The CDC notes that barrier methods have a failure rate as high as 20%. However, condoms offer additional protection against sexually transmitted diseases.

Sterilization

Sterilization is a permanent form of birth control and is called tubal ligation, or “getting your tubes tied.” It’s one of the most popular types and is the most effective form of birth control. 

Though some methods work better than others, the type of contraception best suited for you depends on many factors. 

The benefits of family planning counseling

Despite the many contraceptives available, the number of unintended pregnancies in the United States is very high, according to a December 2015 report published in Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology. An unplanned pregnancy places a heavy burden on you and your family.

Our family planning counseling is designed to prevent these unintended pregnancies. During your family planning counseling, we ask many detailed questions about your:

• Current health
• Medical history
• Sexual health and activity
• Current and future pregnancy plans

We are a full-service women’s health practice, and we may also conduct a well-woman exam (including a physical and pelvic exam) and sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing to fully understand your overall health and contraception needs. 

Getting the birth control that meets your needs

Based on the information we gather during your family planning counseling session, we then talk to you about your contraception options, including the pros and cons of all your choices.

Together, we determine the method that provides you with the most benefits, which not only prevents unintended pregnancies, but also benefits your overall health and wellness. 

Depending on your sexual activity, we may suggest you use condoms with another method of birth control to provide additional protection against STDs. 

Since 1978, we have been providing women with the services they need to control their health and their bodies. To schedule your family planning counseling session, contact us by calling our office in Miami, Florida, or using the booking tool on this website.