Various birth control methods are available, including pills, patches, rings, injections, implants, intrauterine devices (IUDs), condoms, diaphragms, and sterilization. There are also many other health issues that birth control can help with, including acne, heavy periods, endometriosis, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Each birth control type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so choosing the right one can be challenging. In addition to concerns about effectiveness, safety, side effects, cost, and availability, you may also have personal preferences or medical conditions that influence your choice.
Direct primary care (DPC) can be a reliable and personalized approach to choosing the right birth control, as it offers unlimited access to your primary care physician for a fixed monthly fee, which makes it easier to choose the right birth control. In order to reduce administrative costs and focus on personalized care, DPC physicians do not accept insurance or third-party payments. DPC can help you choose the right birth control based on your needs and goals in this blog post.
In addition to being able to contact your physician anytime by phone, email, text, or video chat, DPC also allows you to schedule same-day and next-day appointments with no long waits or referrals. In this way, you can discuss your birth control needs with your doctor in a convenient and timely way.
The DPC doctor will ask you about your medical history, sexual activity, pregnancy plans, menstrual cycles, and other health concerns. In addition to performing a physical exam and lab tests, they will discuss with you the risks and benefits of various birth control methods and rule out any medical conditions that could affect your birth control choice.
When helping you choose the right birth control, your DPC physician will consider:
In order for birth control methods to be effective, they have to be used correctly and consistently. Some methods are more effective than others. IUDs and implants, for example, are 99% effective at preventing pregnancy, while condoms are about 85% effective.
Safety: How safe is the method for your health? It depends on your medical conditions and risk factors. Some birth control methods may have contraindications or warnings. For example, people who smoke or have high blood pressure should not use hormonal methods that contain estrogen, such as pills, patches, or rings.
The side effects of birth control methods vary from person to person and may change over time. The most common side effects include spotting, nausea, breast tenderness, headaches, weight changes, mood changes, acne, and decreased libido. Some methods may also cause rare but serious side effects like blood clots or infections.
Cost: How much does the birth control method cost? Birth control methods vary in price based on your insurance coverage and availability. Some methods are more expensive than others. For example, IUDs and implants may have a high upfront cost but last for several years, whereas pills and condoms may have a low upfront cost but need to be purchased regularly.
The availability of birth control methods depends on your location and access to health care providers. Pills, patches, rings, injections, implants, or IUDs are some methods that require a prescription or a procedure from a health care provider. A number of methods are available over-the-counter or online without a prescription, including condoms and emergency contraception.
The choice of birth control method depends on your lifestyle and values. Some may suit your needs better than others.
You may prefer an IUD, an implant, or sterilization if you want a long-term or permanent method that does not require daily or monthly maintenance.
You may prefer pills, patches, rings, injections, or diaphragms if you want a short-term or reversible method.
Condoms, fertility awareness methods, or withdrawal are natural or hormone-free methods that do not interfere with your body's natural cycle.
Condoms or dental dams offer protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Your DPC physician will provide you with the following birth control services as part of your comprehensive and coordinated care:
Your DPC physician will prescribe the birth control method you choose and explain how to use it correctly and consistently. They will also provide you with a backup method or emergency contraception in case of failure.
Your DPC physician will explain the benefits and risks of your birth control method and answer any questions or concerns you may have. You will also learn about pregnancy signs, STIs, and other health issues that may affect your choice of birth control.
If you experience any side effects or complications with your birth control method, your DPC physician will adjust your treatment accordingly. They will also monitor your menstrual cycle, fertility, and pregnancy status and advise you on when to start, stop, or change your birth control method.
For an IUD, an implant, or a sterilization, your DPC physician may refer you to a gynecologist, an endocrinologist, or a surgeon.
A final advantage of DPC is that you can receive preventive and holistic care for your birth control. Your DPC physician can help you prevent complications such as:
By providing you with the most effective and appropriate birth control method for your needs and goals, your DPC physician will help you prevent unintended pregnancy. You will also receive emergency contraception, and if you become pregnant, you will be counseled on your options.
In addition to providing condoms and dental dams and educating you about safe sex practices, your DPC physician will screen you for STIs regularly and treat them promptly if they are detected.
DPC physicians can help you prevent other health issues that may affect your birth control choice or effectiveness, such as diabetes, thyroid problems, PCOS, endometriosis, or infertility. Moreover, they will provide you with counseling, support groups, referrals, and resources related to your reproductive health on a physical, emotional, and social level.
DPC helps you choose the right birth control for your needs and goals with the help of your primary care physician. You can make a personal and important decision about birth control that can impact your health and well-being. In addition to timely and convenient access, DPC offers comprehensive and coordinated care, preventive and holistic care, and personalized and attentive birth control care. If you are interested in DPC, contact your local DPC physician today and start your journey to reproductive wellness.
As Margaret Sanger said,
“No woman can call herself free who does not own and control her body.”
DPC can help you own and control your body with the right birth control for you.
