If you’re a woman in Miami Beach, Florida who wants to avoid an unwanted pregnancy, you might be considering birth control as an option. How do you go about picking something that’s right for you? Dr. Douglas L. Gotlin helps you make that choice by listening to your needs and taking your lifestyle into account. To receive his advice, book an appointment at Gotlin OBGYN & Wellness online or by phone today.
Dr. Gotlin makes several birth control options available to his patients. He’ll make his recommendation after considering your full health history. Some common birth control options include the following:
A thin rod about the size of a matchstick gets inserted into your arm. It releases hormones that prevent fertilization of your eggs during intercourse. They last up to four years and are removable if you decide you wish to get pregnant.
Overall effectiveness: Over 99%. It starts working during the first five days of your period.
Oral tablets are taken each day to prevent ovulation. You’ll need to stay on schedule to make this method effective. If you miss pills, you need to use an alternative form of birth control during that time.
Overall effectiveness: Around 99% when taken regularly. This drops to 91% or lower if you occasionally miss pills.
You receive this shot once every three months. It’s similar to the pill in that it stops eggs from forming. It also builds up a thick wall of mucus, making it difficult for sperm to get through.
Overall effectiveness: Over 99% when taken on time. This drops to 94% or lower if you’re late getting your shot or miss it entirely.
You apply a fresh patch to your stomach, back, upper arm, or backside every three weeks, taking a week off before putting on a new one. It also prevents fertilization of eggs and makes your uterine environment difficult for sperm.
Overall effectiveness: Around 99% when applied on time. That rate lowers to 94% if you fail to put on a new patch on time.
Half of all women who take birth control do so for reasons other than preventing pregnancy. Contraceptives like the pill or hormone shots help women manage the following conditions:
Most birth control doesn't prevent you from contracting STDs. You’ll have to keep up with a schedule when it comes to pills, patches, or shots. Other side effects include:
Check in with him at his Miami Beach office by calling Dr. Gotlin or making an appointment online.