Birth Control

Birth Control services offered in Joplin, MO

Finding the right birth control method and understanding how it works can be challenging, especially for teens and young women. The team at Pediatric Associates of Southwest Missouri is proud to offer birth control counseling services to residents of Joplin, Missouri. When you’re ready to book a visit, call the office to find a time that fits your schedule or book online in just a matter of moments.

Why is birth control so important?

Birth control empowers women to take control of their own reproductive lives. Access to safe and effective birth control is something all women should have, which is why the practitioners at Pediatric Associates of Southwest Missouri are honored to fill this role for so many.

When you choose to speak with your practitioner about birth control, you receive science-backed information aligned with your unique needs. Practitioners are here to listen to your concerns, answer questions, and help you find the right fit for your lifestyle and family planning goals.

What kinds of birth control options are available?

Never before have women had so many great options for birth control. Methods can be divided into two categories based on how they prevent pregnancy.

Barrier methods

These birth control options work by creating a physical barrier between sperm and egg. Examples of barrier methods include:

Condoms, internal and external
Sponges
Diaphragm
Cervical cap
Spermicide

Hormonal methods

These birth control options work by preventing ovulation or creating an environment that is not conducive for fertilization. Examples include:

Birth control pills
Patches
Injections (DepoProvera®)
Intrauterine device (IUD)
Vaginal ring
Implant (Nexplanon®)

Each option has pros and cons. Your practitioner works closely with you to find the right approach.

When is the right time to bring my daughter in for birth control counseling?

The decision to come in for birth control counseling is a family one. Some parents bring their daughters in to discuss birth control at a specific age, often long before they become sexually active. For other families, it’s a conversation that prompts a scheduled visit.

In some cases, the decision to begin birth control has more to do with controlling abnormal bleeding than preventing pregnancy. Heavy bleeding can interfere with daily routines, and hormonal birth control can help reduce bleeding and discomfort.

When girls and young women rely on Pediatric Associates of Southwest Missouri for birth control counseling, they receive up-to-date, research-backed information with no trace of judgment. An unplanned pregnancy can be incredibly detrimental to all involved, and birth control can prevent those scenarios.

When you’re ready to learn more, call or click to schedule a visit at Pediatric Associates of Southwest Missouri.