Routine Gynecologic Care

Control over if and when you get pregnant is core to living life on your terms. Whether now’s a good time to grow your family or not, reliable birth control offers peace of mind that you won’t face an unintended pregnancy before you’re ready.

Contraception: More than Pregnancy Prevention

Contraception is far more than just prevention against surprise conceptions. It opens doors for you to pursue personal passions and dreams that pregnancy and child-rearing duties could delay.

The time and costs of raising children demand vast investments of money, emotion, energy, and focus for nearly two decades.

So, it’s understandable that you want to be sure a pregnancy before you’re ready won’t derail your education, career, financial security, or adventure plans.

Access to a full spectrum of contraception is essential to exercising personal reproductive autonomy in line with your conscience.

However, roadblocks in accessibility, biased counseling practices, financial barriers, and knowledge gaps in birth control options still prevent many from finding the right solutions.

The providers at Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness are providing ways to break down those obstacles through comprehensive counseling to match methods with your unique needs and priorities.

Understanding how contraceptive care upholds self-determination over family planning can empower you to seek solutions better aligned with your health status, lifestyle, and future outlook.

Pregnancy Intentions Drive Contraceptive Needs

Not every patient visits OB-GYN offices seeking reversible birth control for the same reasons. Motivations span:

• Deferring pregnancy during education or while establishing a career
• Preserving relationship intimacy unclouded by family expansion pressures
• Promoting emotional health by preventing postpartum mood disorders
• Avoiding obstetric risks from medical conditions or necessary medications
• Allocating resources to provide for current dependents adequately
• Traveling freely without worrying about prenatal care access or childcare

Personal ideology, practical circumstances, and health priorities all factor into intentions behind preventing or spacing out pregnancies. That’s why patient-centered counseling that aligns methods with individual motivations is essential to supporting autonomous decision-making.

Range of Contraceptive Options Expand Self-Determination

Thanks to six decades of contraceptive research and technological innovation, those hoping to avoid pregnancy now enjoy more choices than ever.

Each option offers unique advantages and downsides based on how frequently they must be administered, how long they last, how strong the hormones are, and how long it takes to reverse the effects.

While no single “best” method exists, the array of contraceptive possibilities today outpaces those available to previous generations. Access to the full spectrum of alternatives rather than limited selections enables you to find an optimal match for your lifestyle and priorities.

Deciding on Contraception That Fits You

With so many variables in selecting appropriate birth control, no single method automatically outranks any other one. The providers at Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness provide recommendations based on your health profile’s unique aspects rather than taking a generalized approach.

Tailoring contraception plans to your particular circumstances and goals requires honestly answering questions of yourself, such as:

• How well would you adapt to handling daily, weekly, or monthly administration routines? Are quarterly or annual options more compatible with your lifestyle?
• Do you hope to transition fairly quickly into actively trying to conceive once stopping contraception? If so, permanent or long-acting methods may not align with that timeline.
• How do added synthetic hormone exposures fit with your health sensitivities and risk factors? Could non-hormonal or progestin-only choices steer you away from migraines, mood swings, or blood pressure spikes?
• Does the reliability rating for “typical use” matter most for your peace of mind? Or does a method’s near “perfect use” odds suffice if you rigorously follow instructions?
• How much do side effects, such as menstrual pattern changes or temporary discomforts, concern you? Would those pose deal-breaking barriers or barely bothersome annoyances you would gladly put up with?

Only soul-searching around deeply personal questions such as these will help you clarify which category of contraception is the best option for you. No universally “superior” method exists across the board because women’s situations differ so vastly when it comes to managing fertility.

Empowered to Make Your Own Choices

Perhaps the most essential quality of contraceptive counseling involves respecting patient autonomy to decide what tradeoffs matter most.

Without passing judgment or pushing specific agendas, OB-GYN professionals should neutrally explain possibilities that are aligned with your priorities.

Ideally, that discussion addresses:

• General effectiveness ratings
• Administration regimens
• Duration details
• Typical side effect ranges
• Non-contraceptive benefits
• Underlying scientific mechanisms
• Cost considerations
• Potential safety issues

Arming yourself with a comprehensive, unbiased understanding of the full variety of options offers the best opportunity to select contraception attuned to your personal health and practical lifestyle considerations.

No universally “ideal” solution exists when women’s realities and aspirations vary enormously. However, it’s paramount that patients are empowered to make informed choices about birth control that uphold their interests.

Turn to Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness for Reproductive Autonomy

Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness helps women of all backgrounds obtain birth control solutions, upholding their self-determined reproductive plans.

We champion access to a broad spectrum of contraceptive possibilities so patients with diverse values and life goals can manage fertility freely according to their conscience.

Protecting bodily autonomy by avoiding unwilling pregnancies allows you the freedom to chart your course in this world.

So, if you’re searching for counseling on all contraception options that start from a place of respect for your life decisions, Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness is ready to help you.

Contact us today at (919) 636-6670 or book an appointment online. Let our team help you uncover the pregnancy prevention strategies aligned with your pursuit of happiness.

When it comes to contraception, hormonal options often get most of the attention. Methods such as the pill, patch, ring, shot, and hormonal IUDs rank among the most popular types of birth control.

But hormonal contraceptives aren’t for everyone. You may wish to avoid synthetic hormones or can’t use them due to certain health conditions. Or if you’re nursing, progestin-only choices have limitations.

Luckily, effective non-hormonal contraceptive care alternatives exist. Keep reading to learn all about your hormone-free birth control possibilities.

Barrier Methods Put a Block Between Sperm and Egg

Barrier contraceptives create a physical impediment to stop sperm from meeting an egg. These options don’t alter your natural hormonal balance in any way.

Barrier methods include condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, sponges, and spermicidal gels/creams. You use them only when you have sex. So, unlike hormonal birth control, they don’t require daily, weekly, or monthly dosing.

What barrier contraceptives lack in “set it and forget it” convenience, they make up for in safety and ease of use.

Condoms

The male condom and female condom rank among the most familiar barrier methods. Male condoms fit over the penis during sex. Female condoms slide into the vagina before intercourse. Both keep sperm from getting past the cervix to the uterus.

With perfect use, male latex condoms are 98% effective at preventing pregnancy. But it’s easy to make mistakes, so real-world effectiveness drops to about 85%.

Female condoms offer 95% effectiveness with perfect use and 79% with typical use. So, while not quite as reliable as some hormonal options, they provide decent pregnancy prevention when properly used.

Condoms also guard against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Using them, along with another contraceptive, boosts defense against both pregnancy and STIs.

Diaphragms and Cervical Caps

Shaped similarly to small shallow cups, the diaphragm and cervical cap also barricade the cervix during sex. You insert them ahead of time along with spermicide to immobilize sperm.

Diaphragms can stay in for up to 24 hours, while most caps remain in place for up to 48 hours. But you’ll need to add more spermicide if you are having sex again before taking them out.

With perfect use of the diaphragm, the failure rate is around 6%. However, irregular use results in a much higher 17% failure rate.

Cervical caps have perfect/typical use failure rates of 14% and 29% for women who haven’t given birth vaginally. For those who have, it jumps to 20% and 40% due to changes in cervical anatomy.

Spermicides

Spermicides contain chemicals that prevent pregnancy by disabling sperm. They come as creams, gels, foams, and more. You insert spermicide deep into the vagina minutes before intercourse.

Options such as films, inserts, and suppositories begin melting immediately to coat the cervix. Used alone, spermicides have a high failure rate of around 28%.

So doctors recommend pairing them with barrier methods such as condoms or diaphragms. This provides back-up support resulting in greater reliability.

Sponges

The contraceptive sponge resembles a small round cushion with indentations to grip the cervix. It stops sperm via a physical barrier along with embedded spermicide.

Unlike condoms or caps, you can insert a sponge hours before instead of right before sex.

For women who haven’t had a vaginal birth, the failure rate runs around 9% with perfect use, 14% with average use.

But for those who’ve given birth, the odds of getting pregnant spike to 20-22% due to cervical changes after delivery. Sponges should only be kept in for up to 30 hours to protect efficacy.

Phexxi Gel Provides On-Demand Prevention

Phexxi is a non-hormonal prescription gel used right before sex each time you want protection. This contraceptive care option contains lactic acid, citric acid, and potassium bitartrate to alter vaginal pH. This stops sperm mobility, so they can’t swim to meet an awaiting egg.

As a fast-acting, on-demand choice taken only when needed, Phexxi seems convenient. However, to achieve 93% effectiveness, you must use it perfectly — and timing matters.

So, typical use results in around 86% reliability, making it less foolproof. But Phexxi causes no systemic side effects since ingredients stay locally in the vagina. And it won’t counteract birth control pills or patches if used together.

Long-acting Solutions Offer Set-it-and-Forget-It Ease

Methods such as condoms, diaphragms, and spermicide require taking action with every single act of intercourse to work right.

For those wanting contraception, they don’t have to think about it too often; more lasting nonhormonal alternatives exist. Options such as the Paragard IUD provide set-it-and-forget-it pregnancy prevention for years after insertion.

Paragard IUD

This small T-shaped device goes inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy without any hormones. Made of flexible plastic and copper wire, Paragard triggers inflammation that damages sperm and eggs.

So, it can prevent pregnancy for up to 10 years after placement — longer than any birth control implants or shots. Less than 1% of Paragard users get pregnant each year.

While periods often get longer, heavier, and crampy, many embrace this tradeoff for effective, hassle-free protection. Side effects typically resolve within 3-6 months as the body adjusts. Whenever ready to conceive, Paragard can be removed to restore fertility immediately.

Sterilization

Tubal ligation and vasectomy offer permanent sterilization options for women and men. These surgical procedures sever or block the fallopian tubes and vas deferens ducts that transport eggs and sperm.

Both alternatives provide close to 100% lifelong pregnancy prevention without affecting hormones or sexual function.

The catch is that reversing these processes to have kids again doesn’t always succeed. So sterilization only makes sense for those who have finished growing their families. Counseling beforehand ensures you fully grasp the permanency before proceeding.

Access Contraceptive Care Expertise at Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness

Deciding which contraceptive method fits your lifestyle best can feel overwhelming initially. And effectiveness rates based on “perfect” versus “typical” use make interpreting reliability confusing.

That’s why consulting a professional makes sense when weighing nonhormonal birth control pros and cons. Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness’ compassionate healthcare experts offer insight guiding you toward the right contraceptive solutions for your situation.

Through listening and asking questions, together we’ll narrow choices most likely to work well for your needs.

We take time explaining options fully so you understand effectiveness, ease of use, side effects and ongoing considerations before committing. Contact us today at (919) 636-6670 or online to schedule a contraceptive care consultation.

The statistics on unintended pregnancy rates and contraceptive use paint a concerning picture in the United States. Nearly half of all pregnancies are unintended, and the rates are significantly higher among low-income and minority women.

This points to significant barriers that prevent women from obtaining affordable contraceptives or using them effectively. Comprehensive access to contraceptive care is essential preventive care for women’s health.

By removing obstacles around affordability, knowledge, legal restrictions, insurance coverage, and access, all women can fulfill their right to determine if and when to have children.

Barriers Limiting Access and Affordability

Several complex barriers currently limit many women’s ability to access affordable contraceptive care. Examining and addressing each of these obstacles is essential.

Lack of Knowledge and Information

One major barrier is a lack of medically accurate, comprehensive information and education about contraceptive methods.

Abstinence-only approaches have been ineffective in delaying sexual activity or promoting safer behaviors. In contrast, fact-based sex education programs positively impact outcomes among young people.

However, restrictions often limit access to complete information. Knowledge gaps and misconceptions about safety and effectiveness persist among the broader population.

For example, prevalent myths that birth control pills cause health problems or that IUDs have high infection risks may deter use. Factual education for both patients and providers facilitates informed contraceptive choices.

Legal and Policy Restrictions

Unfavorable legal rulings and restrictive state and federal policies also impede access. The Supreme Court’s Hobby Lobby decision enables more employers to exclude contraceptive coverage based on religious grounds.

State measures requiring parental consent for minors, defining fertilized eggs as “persons,” or weakening contraceptive equity measures also threaten access.

These restrictions disproportionately affect disadvantaged groups, limiting affordable care. Advocacy to uphold equitable coverage mandates and evidence-based policies is paramount.

Prohibitive Costs and Insurance Barriers

Cost and insurance pose additional barriers, especially for low-income and uninsured women. More than half of women requiring contraceptive services rely on publicly funded sources, which struggle with rising demand and underfunding.

The Affordable Care Act’s contraceptive provision would lower millions of Americans’ out-of-pocket expenses by covering FDA-approved methods without copays or deductibles. However, many non-compliant employers and insurance plans still impose high cost-sharing.

Extending comprehensive Medicaid family planning services in every state provides a pathway to affordable care for economically disadvantaged women.

Refusals to Provide Contraception

Conscience-based objections create substantial access barriers across Catholic hospital systems, pharmacies, and other care settings nationwide. This results in referral delays or coverage gaps, especially in rural locations that lack alternatives, jeopardizing timely care.

Although ethical exemptions aim to protect the diversity of beliefs, refusal laws should mandate timely referrals and preserve patient access. As religious facility mergers continue, proactive advocacy preserves community contraceptive services.

Strategies for Improving Access and Affordability

While substantial barriers stand in the way, evidence-based strategies also exist to expand affordable access to contraception effectively.

Complying With Contraceptive Coverage Requirements

Full compliance with the ACA’s contraceptive provision enables significant progress by eliminating prohibitive out-of-pocket expenses that deter the use of more reliable methods.

Expanding alternative benefit pathways through Medicaid family planning waivers also connects uninsured individuals with coverage.

Targeted implementation assistance helps newly covered entities meet standards. Supporting Title X and other public funding is equally vital to serve those remaining uninsured under the law.

Confidential Adolescent Services

Preserving confidential services, insurance privacy protections, and consent policies enables adolescents to access care.

Communication with parents or guardians is encouraged as appropriate, but barriers requiring parental involvement should not obstruct access to needed contraception.

Increasing Insurance Supply Dispensing Policies

Extending dispensing limits from single cycles to 12-month supplies improves continuation rates across contraceptive methods.

Updating restrictive formularies also ends improper “fail-first” tiering policies that impede patient choice.

Enabling over-the-counter access further eases barriers, provided accompanying insurance coverage or savings programs keep oral contraceptives affordable.

Same-Day Access to Quick Start Methods

Streamlining initiation by offering same-day device insertion, injection, or oral contraceptive starts during existing visits improves convenience and saves additional travel burdens. Appropriate provider compensation and billing structures support such quick-start models.

Postpartum and Post-Abortion Contraceptive Access

Implementing immediate postpartum long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) insertion during hospitalization after delivery maximizes opportunities when women have existing coverage.

Despite global maternal care bundled payments, Medicare and Medicaid payment models should enable separate cost coverage for LARC devices. Likewise, ensuring comprehensive contraception is seamlessly available during abortion visits reduces gaps in care.

Reduce Sterilization Barriers

Informed consent requirements aim to protect patient rights but pose obstacles to desired postpartum tubal ligations.

Revising outdated restrictions affecting low-income sterilization candidates covered through Medicaid and other government insurance plans establishes equitable access.

Reach the Most Vulnerable Populations

Targeting disadvantaged minority and low-income groups with higher unintended pregnancy rates is paramount, as financial barriers multiply access challenges. Culturally competent education and outreach through trusted local partners make services more approachable and relevant.

Take Charge of Your Family Planning Journey with Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness

Addressing the barriers limiting access and affordability necessitates collaboration between all stakeholders – patients, providers, policymakers, and diverse community partners.

Achieving comprehensive contraceptive care as vital preventive coverage for all women is contingent on dismantling obstacles related to knowledge gaps, high costs, restrictive policies, and systemic roadblocks.

Early investments to establish equitable access create invaluable societal benefits and economic returns that compound across generations.

Everyone has a stake in securing these vital services to support women, families, and healthy communities. Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness provides personalized guidance to ensure contraceptive care options fit your needs and circumstances.

Contact us today at (919) 636-6670 or schedule an online consultation to take charge of your family planning journey.

When it comes to contraceptive care, the choice of birth control method extends far beyond just preventing pregnancy. The impact of different contraceptives on your overall well-being and long-term health should also be considered.

That’s why open communication with your gynecologist is so important when making contraceptive decisions.

By discussing all aspects of various contraceptive options — weighing the potential benefits against possible side effects and risks — you can find the best solution tailored to your lifestyle and medical history.

Getting the complete picture empowers you to take charge of your sexual and reproductive health.

Hormonal vs Non-Hormonal: Understanding the Differences

Hormonal birth control, such as the pill, patch, ring, shot, and implant, all contain some level of artificial estrogen or progesterone. By regulating hormones in your body, these methods prevent ovulation so you cannot get pregnant.

Potential benefits beyond pregnancy prevention include lighter, more regular periods, reduced menstrual cramps and PMS symptoms, clearer skin, and protection against certain cancers later in life.

However, added hormones also come with potential side effects, including nausea, headaches, weight gain, and mood changes in some women.

In some cases, more severe risks, such as blood clots or high blood pressure, may occur. Certain medical conditions, age factors, smoking, and family history can all impact these risks.

Non-hormonal options such as the copper IUD, condoms, diaphragm, and fertility awareness methods avoid artificial hormones altogether.

For women unable or unwilling to expose themselves to added hormones, these alternatives provide birth control without that risk.

The trade-off is that non-hormonal choices typically require more effort on your part for consistent use or come with other side effects, including heavier, more painful periods with the copper IUD. Understanding all the options lets you determine what will work best for your needs.

Permanent Contraception: Is it Right for You?

Tubal ligations and vasectomies represent permanent contraception choices, so counseling about long-term implications is especially important. You must feel confident that you do not desire pregnancy in the future when opting for sterilization procedures.

Even though some sterilization methods may be reversible, they can be complicated, expensive, and unsuccessful. To avoid regret, go into the decision-making process with full awareness.

Your Gynecologist Needs Your Complete Medical Profile

Genetics, personal health conditions, medication usage, and lifestyle factors all weigh heavily when identifying the ideal contraceptive solutions. Be ready to share details on:

• Family history of blood clots, strokes, cancers, or other hereditary conditions
• Your full medical history—especially related to migraines, hypertension, heart/vascular health
• Current prescriptions or over-the-counter medications
• Tobacco usage and alcohol consumption
• Major life events such as childbirth

As circumstances evolve over months or years, update your gynecologist on any changes that could impact contraceptive method safety or effectiveness.

Finding the Right Fit: Lifestyle, Side Effects and Beyond

Ideally, your contraception should align with your day-to-day lifestyle and habits. Factors such as sexual frequency, number of partners, and family plans for the future play a role.

If you frequently travel and do not want to deal with refilling prescriptions, getting shots, or inserting devices while out of town, options can be narrowed.

Or if you work long shifts and tend to forget to take daily medications, methods that do not require consistent action, such as the IUD or implant, may be better.

Be ready to discuss common or expected side effects—both short and long-term—to determine your tolerance levels. Do not hesitate to report any worrisome or severe reactions you experience so adjustments can be made as needed.

Establishing an ongoing contraceptive care plan with check-ins at routine well-woman exams allows you to periodically assess if your birth control selection remains the most appropriate choice as life circumstances evolve.

What’s the Impact on Future Fertility?

A significant consideration for contraception is how soon fertility may return after you discontinue that method. With options such as the birth control pill, patch, ring, and condoms, normal ovulation typically resumes within 1-3 regular cycles after stopping.

The Depo shot can take longer—around six to nine months or more for fertility to reestablish for some women. Coming off longer-acting solutions such as IUDs or implants leads to a quicker return to fertility for most.

However, age factors also come into play as egg quantity and quality decline naturally over time. Older age may be associated with longer delays to return of menses and reduced fertility potential.

Discuss your desired family planning timeline with your gynecologist when making contraceptive decisions.

STD Protection, Sexual Satisfaction, and Other Intimate Considerations

Pregnancy prevention aside, contraceptive options have other intimate impacts worth discussing openly with your gynecologist, too.

Certain barrier methods, such as male/female condoms, protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)—a consideration if you have multiple partners.

Hormonal changes from birth control could negatively (or positively) affect your libido and sexual satisfaction as well. Conditions including endometriosis or polycystic ovarian syndrome also influence contraceptive method selection.

If you eventually hope to get pregnant, preconception planning becomes important, too. Identifying when contraceptive use should cease and prenatal vitamin supplementation should begin can enhance fertility outcomes down the road.

Empower Yourself Through Contraceptive Care from Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness

Fundamentally, establishing open lines of communication with a trusted gynecologist provides immense value when navigating all aspects of sexual health and contraception. No question you have is off-limits.

The Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness team has years of experience empowering women to take charge of contraception. We take a holistic approach—getting to know all aspects of your health and lifestyle to recommend solutions tailored to your unique needs.

Contact us today at (919) 636-6670 or online to become a patient or schedule your annual visit to discuss contraceptive care.

Hormonal contraceptioncan both positively and negatively affect your menstrual health. As such, it is essential to have an open discussion with your gynecologist when considering hormonal birth control options.

This will allow you to make an informed decision based on your medical history, preferences, and goals.

Types of Hormonal Contraception

Several categories of hormonal contraception are available, and the type you choose will depend on a wide range of factors, including your lifestyle preferences, reproductive health goals, and your medical history.

It is a topic you should certainly discuss with your gynecologists, but it’s good to be aware of what is available in advance. Therefore, the different types of hormonal contraception include:

• Combined oral contraceptives or COCs: Also referred to as “the pill,” COCs include estrogen and progestin. They are taken in pill form on a daily or continuous basis.
• Progestin-only pills (POPs): Unlike COCs, POPs only feature progestin with no estrogen. They may be an option if estrogen is contraindicated.
• Intrauterine devices (IUDs): IUDs are small devices that are inserted into the uterus and release either progestin or copper. The Mirena IUD releases progestin, while the Paragard IUD releases copper without hormones.
• Contraceptive implants: These are small plastic rods placed under the skin of the upper arm. They release progestin slowly over several years. The Nexplanon implant lasts up to 3 years.
• Contraceptive injections: Also known as depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) or Depo-Provera, these injections contain progestin and are administered every 12 weeks.
• Vaginal rings: The NuvaRing is a flexible ring placed in the vagina for three weeks per month. It discharges estrogen and progestin, similar to COCs.
• Transdermal patches: Patches such as Xulane stick to the skin and release estrogen and progestin transdermally. A new patch is applied weekly for three weeks out of the month.

Discussing Your Medical History

Hormonal contraception may have some risks, depending on what your medical history is, which is why you should tell your OB/GYN about any of the following:

Personal or Family History of Blood Clots

Estrogen found in COCs, patches, and vaginal rings may slightly increase clotting risk. If you have a blood clot history or if it runs in the family, you should use progestin-only methods instead.

History of Migraines with Aura

Migraines with neurological aura symptoms can increase your risk of stroke on combination hormonal birth control. Progestin-only options are considered safer.

Smoking Habits

Smokers over the age of 35 face higher clotting and heart disease risks on COCs; they should avoid estrogen-containing contraception.

Obesity

People with a BMI over 30 kg/m2 may experience lower efficacy and higher health risks on some forms of hormonal birth control.

Other Medications and Supplements

Some medications can interact with hormonal contraception, reducing its effectiveness. Always disclose any medications or supplements you take.

Addressing Menstrual Health Concerns

Hormonal contraception often leads to changes in menstruation. You should inform your gynecologist about any bothersome symptoms. Common concerns include:

• Changes in menstrual flow and duration: It is common to experience lighter, predictable periods on hormonal birth control. Heavier or prolonged bleeding may indicate an underlying problem.
• Irregular bleeding or spotting: Breakthrough bleeding and spotting are common when first starting hormonal contraception. If it lasts longer than three months or is heavy, consult your gynecologist.
• Amenorrhea (absence of periods): Missing periods can occur as a side effect of contraceptive shots, implants, IUDs, and sometimes pills. Rule out pregnancy and inform your doctor of any amenorrhea.
• Dysmenorrhea (painful cramps): Hormonal birth control often reduces menstrual cramps but may worsen pain in some cases. Pelvic exams help identify the causes of persistent cramping.
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS): Mood swings, breast tenderness, bloating, and other PMS symptoms may improve or persist on hormonal birth control. Track your symptoms.

Potential Menstrual Health Benefits

When used properly, hormonal contraception can:

• Regulate irregular menstrual cycles
• Lessen heavy bleeding and cramping
• Treat gynecological conditions such as endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Improve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

For those with painful, heavy periods or irregular cycles, the menstrual regulation from hormonal birth control can vastly improve their quality of life.

Possible Side Effects and Risks

While many tolerate hormonal contraception well, potential side effects include:

• Nausea, headaches, breast tenderness
• Increased or decreased libido
• Weight gain or loss
• Mood changes
• Breakthrough bleeding

In rare cases, serious complications may occur, such as blood clots, stroke, or liver tumors. Cigarette smoking combined with estrogen use significantly increases these major health risks.

Long-Term Considerations

When used over many years, hormonal contraception may impact:

• Bone mineral density: Some evidence suggests DMPA injections may decrease bone mineral density or BMD, leading to osteoporosis risk. Estrogen-containing contraceptive methods maintain BMD.
• Return to fertility: Most people regain normal fertility within months after discontinuing hormonal birth control. It may take longer with DMPA injections.
• Cancer risks and benefits: There is mixed evidence regarding breast cancer risk, which appears slightly elevated on COCs. However, hormonal contraception reduces endometrial, ovarian, and colorectal cancer risks.

Monitoring and Follow-Up

While using hormonal birth control, it is essential to:

• Get regular pelvic exams, Pap tests, and blood pressure checks
• Report any persistent side effects or warning signs
• Discuss alternative options if problems arise

Get Personalized Hormonal Contraceptive Care from Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness

With many hormonal contraception options available, the best choice is dependent on your specific health profile and preferences.

Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness’ caring providers offer personalized consultations to find the right solution for your needs and lifestyle.

Contact us today at (919) 636-6670 or schedule an online consultation for individualized care and compassionate understanding as you navigate contraception options and menstrual wellness.