(StatePoint) Millions of women rely on birth control, but understanding how different options affect overall health is key to making informed choices.
DURING National Women’s Health Month, advocates are encouraging women who are considering birth control to take a closer look at hormonal and non-hormonal methods to gain a better understanding of the potential risks of each method and to determine which is the best overall health fit for them.
When discussing options with your healthcare provider, consider asking:
• Which option may best fit my lifestyle and health needs?
• What are the possible risks for me?
• Are there any health conditions that affect which option is safest?
• What signs or symptoms should I watch for after starting a new method?
Preparing questions in advance can help make conversations with a healthcare provider more productive. The Rowan Foundation offers resources, including questions to support these discussions, at https://www.alexrowanfoundation.org/contraception-decision making.
Not All Hormonal Birth Control Is the Same
Hormonal contraception works by preventing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, or altering the uterine lining. The type, dose and delivery method of hormones can vary.
Some methods, such as combination birth control pills, patches and vaginal rings, contain both estrogen…
