Also known as birth control and it’s been around in one form or another for thousands of years. There are numerous methods of contraception available for you should you choose to utilize them. Everyone’s needs are different and we would be happy to help you make an educated decision about the method that is best for you.
Types of Birth Control:
- Birth Control Pills
- Since its approval in 1960, the pill is among one of the most carefully studied medications in U.S. history. Although women's knowledge has significantly improved since the introduction of the pill, many myths about the pill still exist. It is estimated that 20 percent of unwanted pregnancies occur due to misconception about the birth control pill. Because many myths are associated with the pill, it is important to improve people's knowledge so everyone can be more educated about this contraceptive choice.
Q: How effective are birth control pills?
A: Combination pills, those containing the hormones estrogen and progestin, are more than 99% effective when taken correctly, which means taking it at the same time each day. When used typically, effectiveness can be as low as 93%.
Q: Are there side effect and risks to taking the pill?
A: Oral contraceptives are not for everybody. Most side effects of the pill are not serious, and those that are occur infrequently. Serious risks, which can be life threatening, include blood clots, stroke and heart attacks and are increased if you smoke cigarettes. Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects, especially if you are over 35. Women who use oral contraceptives are strongly advised not to smoke. Some women should not use the pill, including women who have blood clots, certain cancers, a history of heart attack or stroke, as well as those who are or may be pregnant. The pill does not protect against HIV or sexually transmitted diseases..
- Injectable Contraception
Q: What is Depo-Provera?
A: An injection given 4 times a year (every 11-13 weeks) causing a slow release of a synthetic form of progesterone. This method prevents ovulation, meaning there is no egg available for a sperm to fertilize. It also works by thickening cervical mucus, which makes it harder for sperm to swim through.
Q: How effective is Depo-Provera?
A: When used correctly, Depo-Provera is 99.7% effective. When used typically, Depo-Provera is 97% effective.
- Implanted Contraception
Q: What is meant by a contraceptive implant?
A: It is a small rod about the size of a matchstick that is implanted under the skin on the inside of a woman's upper arm. The rod slowly releases progesterone in tiny amounts to prevent an egg from being released from the ovary. It also thickens the cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus. At Women’s Care Center, we use the implant called IMPLANON®.
Q: How effective is IMPLANON?
A: When inserted correctly, IMPLANON is greater than 99.7% effective.
- Intravaginal Ring
Q: What is NuvaRing® and how does it work?
A: NuvaRing is an easy-to-use birth control option that, when used as directed, is just as effective as the pill. NuvaRing is a small, comfortable vaginal ring that’s easy to insert and remove. NuvaRing contains two types of hormones: estrogen and progestin, which work together to prevent your ovaries from producing mature eggs. These are the same hormones found in the pill, and they work the same way in your body even though they are administered differently with NuvaRing . The exact position of NuvaRing is not important for it to be effective. Once inserted, NuvaRing molds to your body and should stay in place even during exercise. In a given one-month period, NuvaRing must be inserted into your vagina, removed after three weeks, and a new ring must be inserted no more than seven days later.
Q: How effective is NuvaRing?
A: Used correctly, NuvaRing, is more than 99% effective. When used typically, effectiveness can be as low as 93%.
- Transdermal Patch
Q: What is ORTHO EVRA® and how does it work?
A: The patch is birth control you only have to put on once a week. It's as effective as the pill. The patch is worn on the body, preventing pregnancy by delivering continuous levels of hormones (progestin and estrogen, respectively) into the bloodstream through the skin. Following this process, the patch works the same way that pills do: by preventing ovulation.
Q: Are there additional risks with ORTHO EVRA as compared to birth control pills?
A: It is important to know that you will be exposed to about 60% more estrogen if you use ORTHO EVRA than if you use a typical birth control pill containing 35 micrograms of estrogen. In general, increased estrogen may increase the risk of side effects. The risk of venous thromboembolic events (blood clots in the legs and/or the lungs) may be increased with ORTHO EVRA use compared with use of birth control pills.
Q: How effective is ORTHO EVRA?
A: When used correctly, ORTHO EVRA is 99.7% effective. When used typically, ORTHO EVRA effectiveness can be as low as 93%.
- Intrauterine Device (IUD)
Q: What is an IUD and how does it work?
A: An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small object that is inserted through the cervix and placed in the uterus to prevent pregnancy. A small string hangs down from the IUD into the upper part of the vagina. The IUD is not noticeable during intercourse. They work by changing the lining of the uterus and fallopian tubes affecting the movements of eggs and sperm and so that fertilization does not occur.
Q: How effective are IUD’s?
A: IUDs are 99.2-99.9% effective as birth control.
Q: Are there different types of IUD’s?
A: There are two types of IUDs available: ParaGard® and Mirena®. The ParaGard has a tiny copper wire wrapped around the plastic body and should not be used by anyone who is allergic to copper. The Mirena releases small amounts of a synthetic progesterone hormone. The hormone was added to attempt to decrease the bleeding and cramping that some women have with the IUD.
Q: What are the risks of IUD’s?
A: Getting any vaginal infection while using an IUD can increase the risk of developing a serious pelvic infection. This can result in a loss of fertility. For this reason, women need to assess their own risk for infection. If you have multiple partners (or if your partner has multiple partners) your chance of infection is much higher. Piercing or perforation of the uterine wall may occur during insertion of the IUD. Should conception occur while an IUD is in place, the risk of having a miscarriage or premature birth is increased. A woman who becomes pregnant while using an IUD is also more likely to have a tubal pregnancy.
Q: Am I a candidate for an IUD?
A: Every woman is different and IUDs are not recommended for all women. Due to the risk of serious health problems, women with the following conditions should not use IUDs:
- Recent or repeated pelvic infection
- Known or suspected pregnancy
- Severe cervicitis
- Salpingitis or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Malignant lesions in the genital tract
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding
- HIV/AIDS
- History of ectopic pregnancy
- History of Toxic Shock Syndrome
- Being followed for an abnormal pap smear
- Have heart disease
- Previous problems with an IUD
- ParaGard IUDs are not recommended for women with Wilson's disease or allergies to copper.
- Women with a history of breast cancer cannot use the Mirena IUD.
- Barrier Contraception
Q: What is the barrier contraceptive method?
A: There are many barrier contraceptive methods in additional to the male condom. Female barrier contraception includes the diaphragm (a latex device that covers the cervix and part of the vaginal wall and is held in place by a flexible rim), the cervical cap (a smaller rubber device that fits snugly around the cervix), and the female condom (a sheath made of thin, transparent, soft plastic that a woman inserts in her vagina before sex).
Q: How effective are barrier contraceptive methods?
A: In general, they are less effective than hormonal contraceptive methods, IUD’s and sterilization. The efficacy rates vary with the type of barrier method. Efficacy rates are in the range of 90-95% with perfect use. With typical use, efficacy rates can be as low as 80-85%.
- Natural Family Planning
Q: What is meant by Natural Family Planning (NFP)?
A: Natural family planning methods rely on a woman’s knowledge and awareness of her body and menstrual cycle to avoid pregnancy. They do not rely on contraceptive devices, hormones or barrier methods to provide contraception. There are several methods: Calendar, Ovulation, Sympto-Thermal, Post-Ovulation.
Q: How effective is NFP?
A: The sympto-thermal method is 98% effective when used perfectly.
Other natural family planning methods are not as effective. When used typically, NFP efficacy can be as low as 75%.- Sterilization
Q: What options are available for couples wishing for permanent sterilization?
A: Three options exist:
Vasectomy is a form of permanent sterilization for men. Traditional vasectomy involves making two small incisions at the scrotum allowing a surgeon to gain access to the vas deferens. The "tubes" are cut and then tied, stitched, cauterized (burned), or otherwise clamped to prevent sperm from entering the seminal stream.
Tubal ligation (informally known as getting one's "tubes tied") is a permanent form of female sterilization, in which the fallopian tubes are severed, sealed, or "pinched shut", in order to prevent fertilization.
The Essure® procedure does not require any incisions. The procedure can be performed in a doctor’s office without general anesthesia, and most women resume their normal activities within one day. Small flexible microinserts are placed into the fallopian tubes. During the 3 months following the procedure, your body and the microinserts work together to form a natural barrier that prevents sperm from reaching the egg. During this period, you must continue using another form of birth control. Three months after the Essure procedure, you will need to have an X-ray test to confirm that the tubes are fully blocked and that you can rely on Essure for permanent birth control.
Q: Is it true that I cannot get pregnant after a tubal ligation, vasectomy or Essure?
A: No. The likelihood of pregnancy following any form of permanent sterilization is low, but the risks are not zero. If you think you might be pregnant, you should contact your doctor immediately. Pregnancies that occur following a tubal ligation are at higher risk for being ectopic pregnancies (pregnancy located outside the uterine cavity).
