There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all birth control approach.

With more options than ever (from pills and patches to IUDs and implants) women have many choices for their reproductive health. But with many options comes confusion. How do you know which method is right for you?

At MacArthur Medical Center, we don’t just hand you a prescription, we help you make a choice that fits your lifestyle, health, and future goals. Here’s what to consider when choosing the right method.

First, Know Your Options

Birth control falls into several categories. Here’s a quick breakdown:

1. Hormonal Methods

These use synthetic hormones to prevent ovulation or thicken cervical mucus.

• Pill (taken daily)
• Patch (changed weekly)
• Ring (inserted monthly)
• Shot (every 3 months)
• Implant (lasts up to 3 years)
• Hormonal IUD (lasts 3–8 years)

2. Non-Hormonal Options

• Copper IUD (up to 10 years; no hormones)
• Barrier methods (condoms, diaphragms)
• Fertility awareness methods (cycle tracking)
• Permanent options (tubal ligation)

Each has pros and cons based on your body, lifestyle, and plans for the future.

Key Questions to Ask Yourself

When you come in for a consultation, your provider will guide the conversation based on questions like:

1. Do you want kids soon, or not at all?

If you’re not planning to start a family in the near future, long-acting reversible contraception (like an IUD or implant) might make sense. If you’re sure you’re done having children, permanent methods may be an option.

2. How important is convenience?

If remembering a daily pill is stressful, a lower-maintenance option like an implant or IUD may offer peace of mind.

3. How does your body respond to hormones?

Some women tolerate synthetic hormones well. Others experience mood changes, migraines, or weight fluctuation. We’ll discuss your medical history and explore hormone-free options if needed.

4. Do you have other health concerns?

If you have high blood pressure, a history of clotting, or other medical conditions, some hormonal methods may not be ideal. We take your full health profile into account when making recommendations.

5. Are you also looking to manage symptoms like acne or painful periods?

Some hormonal birth control methods help regulate cycles, reduce cramps, and improve skin. Your choice of birth control can do more than just prevent pregnancy, it can improve quality of life.

Why Personalized Guidance Matters

Too many women are rushed through this decision or handed a prescription without much discussion. That’s not how we do things at MacArthur.

We take time to understand:

• Your life stage and goals
• How your body has responded to birth control in the past
• What side effects you want to avoid
• Your preferences around control, privacy, and reversibility

It’s your body. You deserve a say in what goes into it and a provider who listens.

What a Birth Control Consultation Looks Like

A visit at MacArthur Medical Center includes:

• A conversation about your goals and concerns
• A review of your medical history and lifestyle
• A physical exam, if needed
• Time to ask all your questions (with no rush)
• A personalized recommendation you feel good about

Many women leave the same day with a plan in place, or even with their chosen method started or scheduled.

Real Stories from Real Patients

One patient came in after struggling with migraines on the pill. She’d been told to “just stay on it,” but knew something wasn’t right. After discussing her symptoms with a MacArthur provider, she switched to a non-hormonal IUD.

“The relief was immediate. I didn’t realize how much birth control was affecting my day-to-day life until I stopped feeling awful.”

That’s the power of being heard and having options.

You Deserve Options That Fit Your Life

Your birth control choice should reflect your current reality, not a default recommendation.

Whether you’re exploring options for the first time, looking to switch methods, or simply want to understand what’s available, we’re here to help.

Schedule a birth control consultation at MacArthur Medical Center today.

Let’s create a plan that protects your body, supports your goals, and gives you peace of mind.