LAS VEGAS (KLAS)– An expert provided 8 News Now insight on the most effective types of birth control for women of varying weights.
There are many places to get free or low-cost birth control some of which include: a primary doctor, Planned Parenthood, federally qualified health centers, university clinics, and mail-order services like Pandia Health.
Dr. Sophia Yen, CEO and founder of Pandia Health, stated that their service can deliver birth control directly to people’s homes.
“You pay us $30 if you need to use our doctors, or you pay us nothing. If you already have a prescription or insurance, thanks to the Affordable Care Act there is no copay and no deductible for any birth control method. We ship you birth control,” Dr. Yen said.
Dr. Yen emphasizes the value of automating birth control options and highlights the importance of having access to emergency contraception.
Since Roe V. Wade was overturned there has been a demand nationwide for accessible emergency contraception. 40 colleges have installed emergency contraceptive vending machines on their campuses typically carrying Plan B generics.
Dr. Yen cautions that Plan B generics may have reduced effectiveness for overweight and obese women.
“The big thing there is to check your BMI, check your body mass index. Research has shown if your BMI is 26 or greater, (overweight) they don’t work so great, and if your BMI is 30 greater, (obese) it does not work at all,” Dr. Yen said.
Dr. Yen explains that the implant is the most effective birth control method for preventing unplanned pregnancies, even beating a vasectomy. She also notes that hormonal IUDs, copper IUDs, and birth control shots are highly effective options as well.
“After that, there is the Ring, the Patch, the Pill. After that is the condom, spermicides, Phexxi, and fertility awareness methods,” Dr. Yen added.
Dr. Yen also advises using condoms in conjunction with these methods to protect against STDs. Additionally, she recommends checking the expiration date of any emergency contraceptive carefully. If obtaining it from a pharmacist, request the one with the longest expiration date.
