Birth Control
Decisions about birth control and pregnancy are important and personal. You need birth control that works for your body, goals, and lifestyle. We are here to help.Birth Control
Decisions about birth control and pregnancy are important and personal. You need birth control that works for your body, goals, and lifestyle. We are here to help.
Birth Control Options
Today, there are many options as it relates to birth control. To select the one that is best suited to your needs and those of your partner, you should consult with your doctor.
- Sterilization
- Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)
- Transdermal Implant
- The Shot
- Hormonal Ring
- Transdermal Patch
- Birth Control Pills
- Diaphragm
- Condoms
Female Surgical Sterilization
Sterilization is a permanent, non-reversible procedure that can be considered if you are completed with child-bearing. The surgical options include bilateral tubal ligation, or occlusion and salpingectomy (removal of the tubes). These surgical options for women create a barrier that prevents the egg from joining with the sperm for fertilization.
Male Sterilization
A vasectomy is male sterilization and is an in-office minor procedure performed by a urologist. The procedure blocks the vas deferens, which over time, will remove sperm from the seminal fluid. This procedure requires a follow-up visit to confirm there are no more sperm present in the fluid.
Hormonal IUDs (Mirena®, Liletta®, Kyleena®, and Skyla®)
Hormonal (progesterone-containing) IUDs are contraceptive devices that deliver small amounts of hormone (levonorgestrel) directly to the uterus. It is a form of birth control that remains in the uterus and can last for up to 3-5 years. It is a small “T” shaped plastic device that is both soft and flexible and is put into place by your gynecologist during an office visit. These IUDs work continuously and eliminate the need for pills. They are over 99% effective. When a patient wants to become pregnant, your doctor can remove the device and fertility returns very quickly. It works through several different actions that include suppressing ovulation, thickening the cervical mucus to prevent sperm from entering the uterus, inhibiting the sperm from reaching or fertilizing an egg and making the lining of the uterus thin.
Copper IUD (Paragard®)
Paragard® is a contraceptive device that prevents pregnancy by releasing copper into your uterus. It is a form of birth control that remains in the uterus and can last for up to 10 years. It is a small “T” shaped plastic device with copper on the arms that is both soft and flexible and is put into place by a gynecologist during an office visit. The Paragard® IUD works continuously and eliminates the need for pills. It is over 99% effective. When a patient wants to become pregnant, your doctor can remove the device and the patient can try to become pregnant immediately. It works through causing an inflammatory reaction that stops sperm from reaching an egg.