Birth Control

What is birth control?

Birth control, also known as contraception or pregnancy prevention, allows sexual activity without pregnancy. There are a variety of birth control methods, but all forms of contraception work by preventing the male’s sperm from fertilizing the woman’s egg during intercourse. 

Advanced Women’s Health Specialists can help you determine which birth control method is right for your body, comfort, and lifestyle. 

Which birth control method is right for me?

Birth control is only effective if it’s used properly. The best birth control method is one that you can commit to using each and every time you have sexual intercourse. Choosing the right method involves consideration of several factors, including: 

• Pregnancy prevention effectiveness
• Potential side effects
• Number of sexual partners
• Frequency of sexual intercourse
• Potential desire to have children and when

While no birth control other than abstinence offers 100% effectiveness, choosing the right method for your needs significantly reduces your risk of getting pregnant before you’re ready. 

What are my birth control options?

There are three main types of birth control: 

Hormonal birth control

With lab-made hormones, you can cause changes in your body that prevent pregnancy. Hormonal birth control methods include: 

• Birth control pills 
• Hormonal skin patches
• Vaginal rings
• Hormonal IUD placements
• Implants 
• Hormonal injections

While hormonal birth control methods are more effective than barrier methods in preventing pregnancy, they don’t offer protection against STDs.

Barrier birth control 

Barrier birth control methods physically prevent the sperm from reaching the uterus and fertilizing an egg. They include:

• Male condoms
• Female condoms
• Diaphragms
• Cervical caps

Barrier birth control methods are the best protection against STDs, but give you a slightly higher risk for unwanted pregnancy than hormonal birth control. Some people choose to use both a barrier method and hormonal birth control.

Permanent birth control

If you’re sure you don’t want to have children now or in the future, female sterilization is a permanent birth control option. Your doctor blocks your fallopian tubes to prevent the eggs from reaching the uterus where sperm can fertilize them.

What are IUDs?

An IUD is a small, long-term, T-shaped contraceptive device your doctor inserts into your uterus. Once inserted, you’ll have pregnancy prevention for 3-10 years, depending on the brand of IUD.

If you need help deciding whether hormonal birth control, barrier methods, or permanent birth control is the right choice for you, or you’re experiencing side effects from your current birth control method, Advanced Women’s Health Specialists can help. Give the practice a call or use the online form to schedule an appointment today.