Two things that affect women’s reproductive health are birth control and pregnancy. A lack or failure of birth control can end in pregnancy, which is good news if planned, but bad news if unplanned.
An unplanned pregnancy can contribute to many problems in several areas, including finances, career, relationships, education, maternal health, and lifestyle. About half of unwanted pregnancies end in abortion. Although you can now get an abortion safely, it can also have serious consequences when performed unsafely.
With all things considered, contraception should be a top priority. If you are a sexually active woman, it’s worth discussing contraception with your reproductive health physician.
Talking About Contraception
There are different types of contraception, and each vary in effectiveness, convenience, and compatibility for the patient. Birth control pills, condoms, patches, vaginal rings, diaphragms, shots, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and for those who do not want to have a baby EVER — tubal ligation, are all forms of contraception.
Talking to your reproductive health physician about your sexual health and lifestyle can help them determine the best contraceptive for you. For instance, the best contraceptive for a monogamous woman may not be the best choice for a woman with multiple partners. Some contraceptives not only protect against pregnancy but may also protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Doctors also consider age and health, such as pre-existing medical conditions, before recommending a specific birth control method.
When deciding on a form of contraception for yourself, ask questions such as the effectiveness, side effects, safety, advantages, and failure rate of each option. If you’re lucky, you’ll find a contraceptive that is compatible with you on your first try.
Talking About Abortion
Contraceptive failure is a common cause of unplanned pregnancies. Ask your reproductive health physician what options you have in the event of an unplanned pregnancy. The topics: contraception, pregnancy, and abortion are interconnected, and many reproductive health physicians will cover them during health care visits as part of contraceptive counseling.
The stigma around abortion may still exist but in no way does it compare to the early half of the 20th century. However, access to abortion for unplanned pregnancies that are not due to birth defects is not as easy, even in states where abortion is legal. Moreover, abortion also has medical consequences such as hemorrhage, infection, damage to the uterus or cervix, and infertility. Abortion can also have psychological effects. The decision itself is emotionally heavy, and the moral and ethical problems associated with it can cause a woman to develop long-term mental health issues. Clearly, what this highlights is the importance of finding contraception that works for you.
Even if you are not pregnant or seeking an abortion, talking to your doctor about it can help you learn what options you have in the event of contraceptive failure.
Reproductive Health Physicians in Syracuse, New York
The reproductive health physicians or gynecologists at University OB/GYN Associates are ready to give you exceptional reproductive healthcare. As a woman, your reproductive health plays a big part in your overall health. Our physicians help you maintain good reproductive health through our wide range of gynecological services, including contraceptive counseling.
To make an appointment with a reproductive health physician from University OB/GYN Associates, call (315) 464-5162 now. We look forward to your call!
