What’s the Best Type of Birth Control For Me?

Choosing the right birth control is one of the most personal health decisions you'll ever make. It's not just about preventing pregnancy; it's about finding a method that fits your daily routine, your future goals, and your unique medical history. With so many options available today, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the choices.

At Apex Medical Professionals, our team believes that every patient deserves a plan that works for them. Whether you’re looking for a “set it and forget it” option or a method that helps manage your monthly cycle, we’re here to guide you through the science and the lifestyle factors that matter most. Contraception is a widely used medical tool, with an estimated 874 million women worldwide using modern methods to take charge of their reproductive health.

How do you choose the best method for your life?

The first step in choosing a method is being honest about your daily habits. If you have a busy, irregular schedule or often forget to take daily vitamins, a daily oral contraceptive pill might not be the safest choice for you. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG, 2023), short-acting hormonal methods like the pill have a typical-use failure rate of 7% to 9% because they’re so dependent on perfect timing.

If you want the highest level of protection without the daily worry, you might consider Long-Acting Reversible Contraception, or LARC. This category includes the subdermal implant,  a small rod placed under the skin of the arm, and the Intrauterine Device, or IUD, a small device placed in the uterus. These methods are more than 99% effective because they remove the chance of human error entirely. Once in place, they can last anywhere from three to ten years, but our team can remove them at any time if you decide you’re ready to start a family.

What are benefits beyond preventing pregnancy?

Many patients are surprised to learn that birth control offers significant health benefits that have nothing to do with pregnancy. Hormonal methods are often used to treat medical conditions like endometriosis, polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), formerly known as polycystic ovary syndrome, and severe acne. They’re also a powerful tool for managing difficult periods.

The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP, 2010) found that hormonal contraceptives can reduce menstrual blood loss by up to 50%. This is life-changing for women who struggle with menorrhagia, which is the medical term for abnormally heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding. By lightening your flow, these methods can also help prevent or treat anemia, leaving you with more energy throughout the month.

How our team helps you decide 

During a women’s health consultation, Dr. Walid Elkhalili and our team will review your medical history to ensure your chosen method is safe. For example, if you have high blood pressure or a history of certain types of migraines, we may recommend progestin-only options or a copper IUD to avoid the risks associated with estrogen.

We’ll also talk about your comfort level with different delivery methods, whether that’s a pill, a patch, a ring, or an injection. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and it’s OK to change your mind if a method doesn’t feel right after a few months. Your well-being is our top priority, and we’re dedicated to finding the solution that makes you feel your best.

Don’t leave your reproductive health to chance or guesswork. If you’re ready to explore your options or need to schedule your annual exam, call or message our Fair Lawn, New Jersey, office today. We’re here to provide the expert care and personalized support you need to stay healthy and confident.