Methods of Contraception

What methods of contraception do I have to choose from?

There are several general methods of birth control, including but not limited to the following:

Barrier methods

such as condoms, the diaphragm, and the cervical cap, designed to prevent the sperm from reaching the egg for fertilization.

Intrauterine Device

or IUD, is a small device that is inserted into the uterus by an OB/GYN. The IUD prevents a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus. An IUD can stay in the uterus for up to 10 years until it is removed by a health care provider.

Hormonal Birth Control

such as birth control pills, injections, skin patches, and vaginal rings, release hormones into a woman’s body that interfere with fertility by preventing ovulation, fertilization, or implantation.

Sterilization

There are primarily two methods of sterilization. The traditional laparoscopic tubal ligation and the newer in-office Essure procedure. Sterilization is a method that permanently prevents a woman from getting pregnant or a man from being able to get a woman pregnant. Sterilization involves surgical procedures that must be done by your physician and usually cannot be reversed.

The choice of birth control depends on factors such as a person’s overall health, age, frequency of sexual activity, number of sexual partners, desire to have children in the future, and family history of certain diseases. A woman should talk with an OB/GYN about her choice of birth control method.

If you feel you are ready to begin a method of Contraception call our office today and set up an appointment with an OB/GYN to discuss your options.

This is an excerpt provided by the National Institutes of Health, NICHD

This information is provided for your information. It is not medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for visiting your doctor. If you need medical care, or have any questions, please contact your obstetrician-gynecologist.