Birth Control Management in Plano, TX

Birth control is any type of practice that protects a woman from getting pregnant. This can be achieved through prescription medication, devices, and natural family planning. At Nest Family Medicine, family practitioner Dr. Priti Ranjan has helped women of all ages to determine which birth control method is best for them. If you are sexually active and want to prevent or postpone pregnancy, set up a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Ranjan today. These appointments are completely confidential and can provide the professional guidance you need to move forward in guarding your health.

Dr. Ranjan will ask several questions about your medical history, family history, and current medications to see if birth control is a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy. Our practitioners will also ask about your reproductive goals to determine which form of birth control meets your specific needs. Birth control can be used to avoid pregnancy, but it does not protect you from sexually transmitted infections. Feel free to speak with Dr. Ranjan about the importance of safe sex practices.

There are a wide variety of birth control methods and each presents their own risks and benefits. The most common types of contraceptives include:

• Oral medications
• Hormone injections
• Implant devices (IUD, vaginal ring)
• Protective barriers (condoms, diaphragm, cervical cap)
• Spermicide (protective gel, foam, cream)
• Natural methods (withdrawal, fertility awareness, breastfeeding)
• Permanent methods (tubal ligation, vasectomy)

Deciding on a birth control method is extremely personal. While Dr. Ranjan will guide you through the pros and cons of each type of contraceptive, only you can make the decision on which method is best for you. Each birth control is different, and in many cases, most women try several kinds before they decide on which one is ideal for them. It's also a normal practice to use a combination of contraceptives to provide optimal protection.

Nest Family Medicine is pleased to offer birth control counseling to women of all ages. If you aren't ready to get pregnant, birth control can provide the protection you need until you are prepared to start a family. Call our clinic in Plano, TX to set up an appointment with Dr. Ranjan. During this time, we can discuss all your options, pricing, and insurance.

How long does it take for the birth control pill to take effect?

Typically, as long as you begin taking the pill on the first day of your period, you should be protected from pregnancy immediately. However, we usually recommend waiting a few days before having unprotected sex just to be safe. On the other hand, if you don't begin taking the pills until after your period has already started, you will need to wait seven days until you have unprotected sex.

Are birth control pills or IUDs better?

This depends on your preferences and your ability to maintain a strict schedule. IUDs and pills are both highly effective. However, pills can be ineffective if they are not taken regularly. IUDs alleviate this responsibility by being completely self-sufficient.

Can you take two forms of birth control at once?

While you technically could take two forms of birth control at once, we wouldn't recommend it. Taking more than one option will not increase their effectiveness in any way. In fact, it will likely only lead to unwanted and unnecessary side effects.