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Choosing the right birth control isn't just about preventing pregnancy; it's about finding a method that respects your lifestyle, your health history, and your future goals. With so many options available today, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the choices.
At Holistic OB/GYN & Midwifery, our team believes in a relationship-centered approach to care. We're here to help you navigate these decisions, whether you're just starting your journey or looking to switch methods as your needs evolve.
Paola A. Escobar, MSN, MBA-HCN, CNM, Sandra Hronopoulos, APN, and our entire staff provide birth control counseling in a collaborative, respectful setting.
The "best" method is one you feel comfortable using, can use correctly and consistently, and can safely use based on your health history. For some, that's a daily pill that also helps clear up hormonal acne. For others, it's a "set it and forget it" option like an intrauterine device (IUD), which is a small device placed in the uterus, or a contraceptive implant.
We focus on person-centered care, which means we listen to your preferences first. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC, 2024) contraceptive guidance emphasizes person-centered counseling and shared decision-making, so patients can choose methods that fit their values, health history, and reproductive goals.
This process ensures the method you choose aligns with your daily routine and side-effect tolerances. You can explore these options during a routine gynecology visit at our Paterson or Spring Valley offices.
Many women worry that staying on birth control for years will make it harder to get pregnant later. That's a common misconception that isn't backed by science. Most reversible birth control methods do not cause long-term infertility. After stopping a method, fertility often returns quickly, though timing varies by method, age, health history, cycle pattern, and other factors.
Another myth is that certain methods won't work if you have a higher body mass index (BMI), which is a measure of body fat based on height and weight. Body size doesn’t rule out effective birth control. IUDs and implants remain options for many patients with a higher BMI, but we can help you compare methods based on your health history, preferences, and any method-specific considerations.
Birth control offers several protective health benefits that aren't always the focus of the conversation. It's not just about family planning; it's also about long-term wellness and managing bothersome symptoms.
For example, combined oral contraceptives can act as a primary preventive measure against certain diseases. Some studies have linked combined oral contraceptives with a lower risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers, while other risks may vary based on age, smoking, personal health history, and family history. We can help you weigh the possible benefits and risks for your situation. (NIH, 2021).
For patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), certain hormonal methods may help regulate bleeding, reduce androgen-related symptoms such as acne, and protect the uterine lining when periods are irregular.
It’s also important to remember that most birth control methods do not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Condoms can reduce STI risk and may be used along with another method for added protection.
You don't have to settle for a method that doesn't feel right for your body or your routine. If you're experiencing side effects or your lifestyle has changed, it's always a good time to discuss a switch. Contact our office in Patterson, New Jersey, or Spring Valley, New York, to schedule a consultation and find the birth control that works for you.
