The current choices in contraception can be overwhelming. Rely on our expertise at Northern OB-GYN center to help you make the best choice for you.
We offer a full range of solutions to meet your current needs. Our staff can educate you on all your options from short term solutions to long term or even permanent needs. Our practice offers the most current options available. Schedule an appointment today so we can find which one is right for you.
What is Birth Control?
Birth control refers to any activity, medication, or equipment used to prevent pregnancy. There are many types of birth control available for women who do not wish to become pregnant. The decision on which method is right for you should be made with your health care provider, as well as with your partner. Birth control methods work in different ways to prevent pregnancy, including:
- Creating a barrier that blocks sperm from reaching the egg
- Killing sperm
- Preventing eggs from being released by the ovaries
- Changing the cervical mucus to hinder sperm from moving into the uterus
- Altering the tissue lining the uterus so that a fertilized egg cannot implant
Some methods that require a visit to your health care provider for an examination and a prescription include:
Oral contraceptives (birth control pills): Medications taken daily that prevent ovulation by controlling pituitary hormone secretion. Usually, oral contraceptives contain the hormones estrogen and progestin. In addition to prevention of pregnancy, oral contraceptives have several health benefits including regulating menstrual cycles and decreasing the amount and length of menstrual periods. This can help increase iron stores in women with iron deficiency associated with excessive bleeding. Prevention of certain ovarian and endometrial cancers is a significant benefit of the use of oral contraceptives. Some research has found that some benign (noncancerous) breast diseases, including fibro adenoma and cystic changes, occur less frequently with the use of oral contraceptives. Recent studies have also suggested that oral contraceptive use may reduce the occurrence of severe disabling rheumatoid arthritis.
Mini-pill: Unlike the traditional birth control pill, the mini-pill has only one hormone, progestin. Taken daily, the mini-pill thickens cervical mucus and prevents the sperm from reaching the egg. The mini-pill also can decrease the flow of your period and protect against pelvic inflammatory disease and ovarian and endometrial cancer.
Implant: A capsule containing the synthetic hormone etonogestrel, implanted under the skin in the upper arm of a woman, which continuously prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg for up to three years. A local anesthetic is required for insertion and removal of this type of birth control.
Injection: A progesterone like drug given by injection to prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation. The effects last for about three months and another injection must be given to continue birth control effectiveness.
Patch: This is a skin patch worn on the body that releases the hormones estrogen and progestin into the bloodstream. It is most effective in women who weigh less than 200 pounds.
Diaphragm or cervical cap: A dome-shaped rubber cup with a flexible rim that is inserted through the vagina to cover the cervix. This type of birth control must be inserted prior to having sexual intercourse.
Hormonal vaginal contraceptive ring: A ring that is placed inside the vagina around the cervix. The ring releases the hormones estrogen and progestin.
Intrauterine device (IUD): Devices placed in the uterus through the cervix by a health care provider. The IUD works by preventing an egg from being fertilized in the tubes or from attaching to the wall of the uterus. IUDs containing hormones must be replaced every five years, while copper IUDs can last up to 12 years.
Intrauterine system (IUS): The IUS is a small T-shaped device that is placed inside the uterus by a health care provider. It releases a small amount of hormone each day to prevent pregnancy.
Nonsurgical sterilization: A thin tube is used to thread a tiny, spring like device through the vagina to the uterus into each fallopian tube. A material in the device causes scar tissue to develop and permanently plug the tubes.
