Why should I use birth control?
Whether you want to have children or not, birth control is a great way to ensure you get pregnant only when you want to. This means you can make the choice to conceive when you’re ready and healthy enough to do so. Also, birth control can often be a way to manage different health conditions that women experience as a result of hormone irregularities. For women who experience things like irregular periods, severe acne, or uncomfortable symptoms, certain types of birth control can be a first line treatment option. That’s why it’s important to talk with your gynecologist about your birth control options, since the benefits can include more than just preventing pregnancy.
Is birth control safe?
Every medication comes with some small amount of risk. When birth control first became available many years ago, it came with much higher risks than today’s methods. Although there are still risks that come with different birth control methods, they are greatly reduced and can be mitigated by an experienced gynecologist who knows your health history. Many women use birth control for the long term and experience very few or no serious health effects before going on to enjoy a happy and healthy pregnancy. If you’re concerned about your health and how birth control might affect it, your gynecologist can help.
What are my birth control options?
You have a lot of choices for birth control, from condoms to caps to pills. Find one that you’re confident with– and that you can commit to using every time you have sex. We offer a wide selection of birth control options so you and your gynecologist can select the method that works best for you and your partner. Our options include:
How do I pick a birth control method?
It can seem overwhelming at first to pick birth control methods. You can start by considering these factors:
- How fail-proof do I need my protection plan to be?
- How much does cost matter?
- How important is my privacy?
- Do I have a regular partner whose needs I care about?
- Do I need to protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?
- How much effort do I want to make to prevent pregnancy?
- Does it matter if my period is affected?
- Do I have future plans for children?
Once you have these things in mind, your gynecologist can guide you to the right options for you and your goals.
Schedule an Appointment
Your first step in making sure you’re protected against unwanted pregnancy during sex is through an appointment with our expert gynecological team. To get started on discussing your options, contact our New York City office by calling or filling out our online form.
Learn More on the Healthful Woman Podcast
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Plan B necessary if on birth control?
Plan B is generally not necessary if you are consistently and correctly using birth control.
Does alcohol affect the pill?
Alcohol does not affect the efficacy of the pill.
How many Plan B pills should be taken?
Only one Plan B pill is needed for it to be effective.
How many years can you stay on the pill?
You can stay on the birth control pill for many years as long as you are healthy and have no contraindications.
At what age should birth control pills be stopped?
Women should generally stop taking birth control pills at age 50 and can stop using other types of contraception at ge 55 assuming they have not reached menopause.
Can I get pregnant if I miss one pill?
It is possible to get pregnant if you miss one birth control pill, but the chances are still low, especially if you are usually consistent. If you notice that you forgot to take a pill, you should take the late pill as soon as possible. If you miss more than one pill, you should use a back-up birth control method such as condoms.
Do you ovulate on pill?
The purpose of birth control pills is twofold; it not only prevents ovulation, but also limits the growth of the endometrium (the lining of the uterus), therefore reducing blood loss with menses.
Does anything cancel out birth control?
The antibiotic Rifampin, the antifungal Griseofulvin, the herbal supplement St. John's Wort, anticonvulsants, and HIV medications can reduce the effectiveness of the birth control pill. It's a good idea to use backup contraception when taking these. Other antibiotics and antifungals are safe.
What are the side effects of birth control pills?
Common side effects include nausea, headaches, breast tenderness, and mood changes, but they typically diminish after a few months.
Can melatonin cause birth control to fail?
There is no evidence to support the claim that over-the-counter strength melatonin supplements make birth control measures like birth control pills or non-hormonal birth control any less effective.
Can taking alot of birth control pills cause a miscarriage?
There is no association whatsoever with birth control pills and pregnancy loss.
Is it safe to take birth control pills after 40?
It can be safe to take birth control pills after 40, but it's essential to discuss with your doctor, especially if you have other risk factors.
When can I start taking combination birth control pills (containing both estrogen & progestin)?
It's best to start the pill within 5 days after your period starts, in which case it's effective immediately. You can start the pill at any other time, but you need to use a backup method for the first seven days.
Can the pill stop periods?
Most women have lighter periods on the birth control pill. Some skip periods and stop altogether. This is normal and not worrisome.
Does the birth control shot (progestin only) help with acne?
In general estrogen/progestin combination pills often help acne. Progestin only contraception usually does not.