Determining if Permanent Birth Control is Right for You

There could be many reasons to consider your options for permanent birth control. Of course, the most common is when you decide that you no longer want to be able to have children. This is certainly a personal choice, but should be discussed with your partner as well as your doctor. While there are many common procedures for permanent birth control, many women do not discuss them enough ahead of time, particularly with a health care professional, to determine what method is truly best.

A permanent birth control procedure is very efficient, as indicated by the name. Methods vary, but range in effectiveness from 98-99.8%, which are generally higher rates than common contraceptive methods, such as diaphragms and condoms. This will help to put a woman’s mind at ease that no longer wants to have children, fears an unexpected pregnancy, or prefers more freedom.

Beyond the reasoning, the fact remains permanent birth control is a decision that should not be taken lightly. It is permanent, after all. There are several considerations that should be made to determine if permanent birth control is truly the best option for you, now and forever. This includes your age, whether or not you and your partner no longer want the ability to have children, or a medical condition that would complicate a pregnancy. Explore the ways your life could change in the future – would there be any circumstance in which you would regret the decision?

Once you have decided to go through with the procedure, talk to your doctor. There are a range of options that may include surgical procedures or non-surgical techniques, like Essure. Each is different and provides separate benefits, so it is important to fully understand the permanent birth control that is right for you.