I frequently get asked the following question: “ What do you think is the best birth control method?”
My response is always the same: "That depends entirely on you!"
No one patient is ever the same as another. We are all different in numerous ways—in lifestyles, in likes/dislikes, in the very manner in which we breathe, and yes, also in the way we choose to deal with birth control issues.
Some patients do wondrously well using one method of birth control, while other patients may find that same method utterly intolerable. Thus, there really is no single method that everyone "ought" to use.
Nevertheless, there are still some general pieces of advice I will give my patients.
First, if you are not planning a pregnancy for an extended period of time (nor for many years to come), I can recommend the use of a Long-Acting, Reversible Contraceptive (LARC). Some examples of LARCs include: Paragard, Mirena, Skyla IUD, and the Nexplanon subdermal implant. It is common for LARCs to be covered by health insurance, and if this is the case with your policy, I can offer these methods to you right in my office.
Second, if you are completely finished with childbirth and desire a permanent sterilization, I would recommend the Essure procedure. I have many years of experience with this procedure and can perform it on-site in my office. It will not be necessary for you to take any kind of narcotic or sedative and you will be able to drive yourself home after having the procedure. If you have any questions, I would be happy to discuss the Essure procedure with you in detail, or if you wish, you can go straight to the Essure websiteto learn more about it.
