Birth Control

What are the available birth control options?

When it comes to preventing pregnancy, you have a wide range of birth control options from which to choose.

The Pill

Women have been using the birth control pill to prevent pregnancy since 1960, when its use as a contraceptive was first approved by the FDA.

There are several varieties of birth control pill that use estrogen or a combination of estrogen and progestin to stop you from getting pregnant. You need to take the pill every day at the same time for maximum effectiveness.

If you forget to take the pill, have to take antibiotics, or have a stomach bug that causes vomiting or diarrhea, you should use an additional form of birth control for the rest of the month.

Patch

The birth control patch is a sticker that you wear on your upper arm, buttocks, or back that releases hormones to prevent pregnancy. You need to replace your patch every week for three of the four weeks in your menstrual cycle, with a week between cycles.

Intrauterine Device (IUD)

Your doctor inserts either a hormonal or nonhormonal IUD into your uterus, where it prevents sperm from reaching your egg. IUDs are convenient and effective — once the device is in place, you don’t need to think about it again until you want to take it out or it needs to be replaced.

Implant

The birth control implant is a small device that’s about the size and shape of a matchstick that your doctor places in your upper arm. The implant slowly releases hormones to prevent pregnancy for up to five years. Like IUDs, you don’t need to think about your implant until it’s time to replace it or take it out.

Shot

You need to have the birth control shot every three months to maintain your protection against pregnancy. The shot uses progestin to prevent ovulation.

Ring

You place the small plastic birth control ring into your vagina where it releases hormones to stop ovulation. You need to replace your ring every month for effective contraception.

How effective is birth control?

Abstinence is the only form of birth control with 100% effectiveness. However, other types of birth control offer between 85-99% protection against pregnancy when used correctly. Talk to your doctor about your birth control needs, health, and lifestyle to identify the best birth control for you.

How do I know what type of birth control is right for me?

Schedule a consultation with your women’s health care provider to discuss your birth control options. The team at NA OB/GYN offers expert advice and can answer your questions to help you make an informed decision.

Call NA OB/GYN or make an appointment online today.