8 Questions to Ask Your Primary Care Doctor About Birth Control

Birth control is important for family planning, as more than 40% of pregnancies in the United States are unintended. But which type of birth control is best suited for you? It's your body, your rules, so arrive at your appointment prepped and ready to get answers.

See board-certified OB/GYN Daniel Esteves, MD, and the staff at his private practice in Lawrenceville, Georgia, to learn more about birth control and discover which option is right for you.

Birth control basics

Birth control (contraception) describes methods used to prevent pregnancy in women who are sexually active. Numerous forms exist, including barrier methods, short-acting, long-acting, and permanent birth control solutions. 

Contraception reduces the risk of pregnancy by preventing an egg from being released, preventing sperm from reaching your egg, or preventing implantation of a fertilized egg into your uterus.

Birth control questions to ask your doctor

The following are questions to consider asking your doctor about birth control:

1. Does my birth control method contain hormones?

While many forms of birth control methods contain hormones, not all do. For example, copper intrauterine devices (IUDs) are hormone-free. If you’re not a good candidate for hormonal birth control because of a heart condition, high blood pressure (hypertension), a history of cancer or blood clots, a history of smoking, or other medical concerns, Dr. Esteves offers alternatives.

2. Does my birth control have any side effects?

Some birth control methods come with risks of side effects, at least initially. Examples include headaches, nausea, irritability, spotting between periods, and breast swelling or tenderness. Ask your provider which side effects your birth control may cause to know if the option you choose is appropriate.

3. Does contraception protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?

Many forms of birth control help prevent pregnancy, but do not protect you against contracting STDs. If you’re at risk of STDs because of having multiple partners, a new partner, or a nonexclusive sexual partner, consider using condoms in addition to another form of birth control to ensure you’re protected. 

4. Which birth control aligns with my religious or cultural beliefs?

Some cultures and religions don’t align with certain forms of birth control, particularly those that prevent a fertilized egg from implanting into your uterus. Talk with your provider about your birth control’s method of action and if it matches your cultural or religious beliefs. 

5. What’s my out-of-pocket cost for birth control?

Cost is another consideration when choosing the most ideal form of birth control. If you have health insurance, ask which forms of contraception are covered by your plan, and if all or part of your treatment is paid for. If you’re paying out of pocket for birth control, Dr. Esteves helps you find a solution that aligns with your budget.

6. Will I be able to get pregnant in the future?

Most forms of birth control are reversible, meaning you can become pregnant in the future if you decide to. However, surgical birth control procedures aren’t typically reversible or are difficult to reverse. Talk with Dr. Esteves before making the potentially permanent decision to surgically alter your reproductive organs.

7. How effective is my birth control method?

For birth control to work effectively, particularly birth control pills, you must use it exactly as directed. Even so, no birth control is 100% effective in preventing pregnancy in sexually active adults. 

IUDs, birth control implants, and sterilization have nearly 100% success rates. Ask your provider which forms are the most appropriate based on your individualized needs and lifestyle.

8. Are there any additional benefits of birth control?

In addition to pregnancy prevention, some birth control options offer additional benefits. Examples include lighter periods, consistent cycles, a reduced risk of certain cancers, or less-frequent periods. Dr. Esteves helps find a suitable birth control based on your goals. 

Choosing the right birth control

Birth control isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. The best choice depends on your medical history, lifestyle, preferences, and whether or not you’d like to become pregnant in the future. Talk with Dr. Estevez and his staff to find the perfect birth control option for you and your partner, and follow up routinely to ensure an effective outcome or alter your treatment plan as needed.

Are you ready to begin using birth control or switch to a new method? Contact us today at Daniel Esteves, MD, by calling our office at 770-676-5878 or booking an appointment online.