The tablet. IUDs. Vaginal rings. Contraceptive injections. Arm implants. Diaphragms. Condoms. With so many choices to select from, choosing out the correct contraception technique for you could be… so much.
Between 2017 and 2019, roughly 65 p.c of girls aged 15 to 49 in the USA used contraception—and but they nonetheless face quite a few challenges, from potential uncomfortable side effects to managing the prices, significantly for individuals whose insurance coverage protection does not embrace contraception.
However, you do have some assist: Through the use of GoodRx’s free prescription financial savings platform, it can save you a median of $43 on contraception capsules. You may as well discover cost-effective options for a lot of completely different strategies of contraception, because of GoodRx’s producer partnerships.
However how have you learnt which of these choices is best for you? Sophie Vergnaud, MD, senior medical director at GoodRx, is sharing three questions you possibly can ask your self to assist slender down your choices. And, for these in search of extra details about contraception usually, a useful useful resource is GoodRx’s Ladies’s Well being Hub, the place you’ll find intensive academic assets about contraception choices and obtainable financial savings.
1. Are you okay with making contraception a part of your day by day routine?
All of us have that buddy whose alarm goes off throughout each social gathering, reminding her to take her contraception. If you happen to’re cool with becoming a member of her ranks, then the tablet—the most typical type of contraception—could also be a great choice for you. It has been round for many years and has two major sorts: Mixture capsules that comprise estrogen and progestin and mini capsules that comprise solely progestin (like the primary FDA-approved over-the-counter contraception tablet, Opill). The tablet is 99 p.c efficient—however provided that you’re taking it on the similar time daily and do not miss a dose, Dr. Vergnaud says. (Therefore the alarm.)
By checking GoodRx, you possibly can save a median of $43 on contraception drugs, and discover financial savings on widespread contraception capsules comparable to Loestrin or Yaz. Nonetheless, there are nonetheless different reasonably priced choices obtainable to you if the day by day reminder is not your factor. “In case your way of life makes this difficult otherwise you don’t need to have to consider contraception daily, think about an IUD or injection,” Dr. Vergnaud says.
A hoop is one other good set-it-and-forget it choice. Strive the month-to-month NuvaRing for as little as $48 a month through GoodRx, or the annual Annovera ring, which works out to $1 per day. No cellphone alarms needed.
2. Are you apprehensive about uncomfortable side effects?
You’ve got almost definitely heard tales from mates (or skilled some your self) in regards to the potential uncomfortable uncomfortable side effects of contraception—ahem, complications, nausea, temper modifications, and breast tenderness. If you happen to’re delicate to these kinds of uncomfortable side effects, you might need to think about a non-hormonal or low-dose contraception choice, comparable to Lo Loestrin Fe, which incorporates solely 10 micrograms of day by day estrogen. “From vaginal rings, to patches, IUDs, implants, and injections—you could have many choices,” Dr. Vergnaud says. “You’ll discover one thing that works effectively for you.”
Speak to your health-care skilled—whether or not that be a health care provider or a pharmacist (sure, in 34 states and Washington D.C., pharmacists are allowed to prescribe contraception)—about your choices.
3. Are you in search of contraception that doubles as remedy?
Contraception can do greater than stop being pregnant. “Some types of contraception double up as remedy for an entire vary of situations—together with hormonal zits, temper problems, fibroids, and endometriosis,” Dr. Vergnaud says. “Relying on what different well being issues you’re making an attempt to handle, it might make sense to change your contraception to maximise the advantages.”
The most typical instance of that is the tablet, which could be prescribed to deal with ache from durations, PCOS, and endometriosis, in addition to to assist clear up zits.
Backside line: You do not have to navigate the sophisticated world of contraception alone. Though figuring it out might not be an actual science, tapping GoodRx for information and financial savings—and dealing along with your health-care skilled—may also help put you answerable for your well being care.