Choosing the right birth control

There are many methods of birth control available, but the type that works best will depend on your age, health and lifestyle. Patricia Geraghty, NP, lists important factors to consider when choosing the best option for your needs.

Transcript

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There is no method, including IUDs, that is restricted because of younger age.

00:09

Conditions that may develop with age might influence your choice of birth control. [MUSIC PLAYING]

00:19

While according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, women can use combined hormonal contraception, pills, patches, and rings up to age

00:29

55 years, women with high blood pressure or women with diabetes of longer than 20 years duration

00:37

should use a method that does not contain estrogen. These are both conditions that can develop with age.

00:48

For my daughter, I'm going to recommend the type of birth control that works the best to meet her goals.

00:55

If it is delaying pregnancy, then a reversible, tier one method, such as the implant, hormonal,

01:02

and non-hormonal IUDs, are the choice. These are methods that work for years at a time

01:08

but can also be removed and fertility restored at any time. What we call tier 1 methods have a very low risk

01:17

of method failure, typically, less than 1 woman in 100. These methods can be used with daughters of any age.