graphic of multiple contraceptives

Female Birth Control Options

Many couples get together in hopes of starting a family, however there is also the question of “ When is the right time to have a baby?” There is no correct answer on the right time to have a baby, fortunately there are many ways to access birth control or contraception. Birth control allows individuals to control the size of their family, the spacing between children, or can help prevent pregnancy when you don’t want to have a baby.

How do you choose the right birth control where there are so many options? Our providers at First Lithonia Medical Center are experts in this field and will guide you towards what works best for you. There isn’t 1 method of birth control that’s right for everyone. Each birth control has pros and cons.

Here are some questions you should consider when choosing a birth control method:

  • Do you want to have children someday? How soon? Do you have any health conditions? How often do you have sex? How many sex partners do you have? Do you also need protection from HIV and other STDs? How well does the birth control method work? Are there any side effects? Will you be able to use it correctly every time?

A few birth control methods that our providers at First Lithonia Medical Center are able prescribe include: The Pill, mini-pill, the patch, vaginal ring, and the Depo shot. These treatments are fairly easy to start, with the first step being scheduling an appointment with one of our providers to discuss which option works for you. Using birth control methods promote responsible sexual health all across the board.

Below is a list of birth control methods you can receive at First Lithonia Medical Center:
**information provided from FDA.gov

MethodsNumber of Pregnancies ExpectedUseSome Risks or Side Effects
depo shots for women near meShot/Injection6Need a shot every 3 months.Loss of bone density
Irregular bleeding/ Bleeding between periods
Headaches
Weight gain
Nervousness
Dizziness
Abdominal discomfort
Oral Contraceptives “The Pill” (Combined Pill)Oral Contraceptives “The Pill” (Combined Pill)9Must swallow a pill every day.Spotting/ bleeding between periods
Nausea
Breast tenderness
Headache
Oral Contraceptives “The Pill” (Extended/ Continuous Use Combined Pill)Oral Contraceptives “The Pill” (Extended/ Continuous Use Combined Pill)9Must swallow a pill every day.Spotting/ bleeding between periods
Nausea
Breast tenderness
Headache
Oral Contraceptives “The Mini Pill” (Progestin Only)Oral Contraceptives “The Mini Pill” (Progestin Only)9Must swallow a pill at the same time every day.Spotting/ bleeding between periods
Nausea
Breast tenderness
Headache
PatchPatch9Put on a new patch each week for 3 weeks (21 total days).
Don’t put on a patch during the fourth week.
Spotting or bleeding between menstrual periods
Nausea
Stomach pain
Breast tenderness
Headache
Skin irritation
Vaginal Contraceptive RingVaginal Contraceptive Ring9Put the ring into the vagina yourself. Keep the ring in your vagina for 3 weeks and then take it out for one week.Vaginal discharge, discomfort in the vagina, and mild irritation..
Headache
Mood changes
Nausea
Breast tenderness