Tu Cuerpo, Tu Salud, Tu Decisión to Use Birth Control
As a woman who lives in a mundo multicultural, you make choices – big and small – every day.
You are brave and bold. Tu futuro is up to you.
As you continue to discover “what’s next” in your life, having a conversation about birth control options may be helpful.
Are you confused about tus opciones? You’re not alone
Your sexual health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being in all matters related to your reproductive system – the parts of your body that help you have a baby.
It’s about ensuring you have a satisfying sex life, family planning options and the freedom to decide if children are in your future. 1, 2, 3
Birth control prevents pregnancy by interfering with ovulation and/or fertilization of the egg. When it comes to birth control, there are multiple methods you can choose from. Some forms of birth control contain hormones while others do not.
Here's some info about 3 options
Short-acting contraceptives
include pills, patches, rings and injections. Pills are taken orally, patches are placed on your skin, rings are inserted into your vagina, and injections are shots from a doctor or health care provider. Short-term options can be taken daily, weekly, monthly or every three months. You can stop using these methods at any time.4, 5
Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC)
includes intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants. An IUD is placed inside your body in your uterus and an implant is placed in your arm by a health care provider. They are used for multiple years. You can stop using these methods at any time and the removal should be performed by a doctor or health care provider.6, 7, 8
Permanent options
include sterilization – it is a permanent method of birth control in which the fallopian tubes are blocked or removed via surgery. These procedures prevent the egg from moving down the fallopian tube and keep the sperm from reaching the egg. They are not easily reversible.5, 9, 10
Choosing birth control is muy personal and it is important to talk with a doctor or health care provider about which birth control option is right for you, keeping in mind your life stage and personal health background.
What’s Next?
"As a result of the pandemic, attitudes toward contraception changed with many women reconsidering what’s next in their lives and how birth control may play a role. Findings from a recent survey* showed that one-third of women said they are more careful about using contraception when they have sex because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This applies to 43% of the Hispanic population within the survey.11"
–Dr. Erica Montes, a board-certified OBGYN and founder of The Modern Mujer Health Blog
*The Guttmacher Institute national internet-based survey was conducted from April 30-May 6, 2020 and analyzed 2,009 cisgender women 18-49 years of age who have ever engaged in penile-vaginal sex.
–Dr. Erica Montes, a board-certified OBGYN and founder of The Modern Mujer Health Blog
*The Guttmacher Institute national internet-based survey was conducted from April 30-May 6, 2020 and analyzed 2,009 cisgender women 18-49 years of age who have ever engaged in penile-vaginal sex.
You're in Control, Take Acción
Schedule time with a doctor or health care provider either in-person or virtually to find the right birth control for you.
Here’s a list of questions to consider asking your doctor:
- How does each method work to prevent pregnancy?
- What considerations should I take into account when deciding which method may be right for me?
- If I want to consider a non-daily contraceptive method, what type is right for me?
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