What is birth control?
Birth control (contraception) is designed to help you prevent pregnancy. Different birth control options vary in effectiveness.
All contraceptive options are available at Aspire For Women Obstetrics and Gynecology. Your provider can discuss your options and help you decide what’s best.
What birth control options are available?
You can choose from different types of birth control to help prevent pregnancy, including skin patches, implants, and pills.
The patch
You wear the hormone patch on your skin for three weeks, changing it once a week. You don't wear a patch during the fourth week to allow for menstrual bleeding.
Diaphragm
A diaphragm is a small, reusable, silicone or rubber cup you place in your vagina to cover your cervix during intercourse. The bendable cup blocks sperm and is most effective with spermicide.
Natural family planning
Your provider can help you determine the days you’re most fertile. Natural family planning involves observing changes in cervical mucus, basal body temperature, the ovulation calendar, and more.
Vaginal rings
Your provider places your hormone-secreting vaginal ring in your vagina. With some rings, there’s a four-week cycle. The ring stays in your vagina for three weeks, and you take it out for one week.
Like a tampon, you typically place and remove the ring yourself.
The Pill
The birth control pill uses progestin and estrogen hormones. You should take it at the same time every day for optimal protection.
Nexplanon
Nexplanon® is a hormone-secreting birth control implant that lasts up to three years. Your provider places a discreet, small implant under the skin of your inner, upper arm.
IUDs
Your provider implants a small intrauterine device or an IUD into your uterus. Different types of IUDs can protect against pregnancy anywhere from 3-12 years.
Aspire For Women Obstetrics and Gynecology provides Mirena®, Liletta®, Kyleena®, Skyla®, and Paragard® IUDs.
Tubal ligation
With tubal ligation, your provider ties, cuts, or blocks your Fallopian tubes to permanently prevent pregnancy.
What benefits does birth control offer?
Birth control provides many benefits, such as:
- Treating acne
- Preventing pregnancy
- Protecting against sexually transmitted diseases (condoms)
- Decreasing menstrual pain and other associated symptoms
Your provider might recommend birth control to help treat certain medical conditions, such as:
- Anemia
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome
- Endometriosis
Explore your birth control options and click or call Aspire For Women Obstetrics and Gynecology.
