Pregnancy can be the most beautiful and fulfilling experience in a woman’s life. But an unplanned pregnancy can also throw your life into turmoil. Birth control can help you plan your pregnancies so that both you and your partner are prepared physically, emotionally – and, yes – financially, too.

Finding the birth control method that’s right for you means understanding the options, how well they work and any possible side effects. Understanding how each method works will help you use it correctly and maximize effectiveness. There are many forms of contraception available, including birth control medication, barrier methods such as condoms and IUDs.

Also keep in mind that most birth control methods do not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Ask your doctor which choices might be best for you, and then make an informed decision. Like many women, you may find that different methods are right for different stages of your life.

Oral contraceptives are one of the most popular forms of birth control. There are many different brands of the pill with differing levels of hormones. Talk to your doctor about choosing the right pill for you.

Depo- Provera Injection

If it’s not convenient to take a pill every day, you may prefer to receive hormone injections. These are given every three months. Irregular bleeding is one potential drawback of this method.

Nexplanon

Nexplanon is the small, thin and flexible arm implant containing progesterone that provides up to three years of continuous birth control.  It’s placed discreetly under the skin of your inner, upper arm. It’s also reversible and can be removed at any time during the three-year period.

Intrauterine Devices (IUD’s)

Intrauterine devices, or IUDs as they are commonly known, are small plastic devices inserted into the uterus by your doctor. They are about 99 percent effective.

Mirena is a hormone-releasing IUD that is over 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy for up to five years. Mirena can be used whether or not you have had a child. Mirena also treats heavy periods in women who choose intrauterine contraception.

PARAGARD is a small, soft and flexible T-shaped device primarily made of plastic and copper that your healthcare professional places in your uterus at an office visit.  It can be used for up to 10 years, and can easily be removed at any time.