Birth Control Specialist

What are my birth control options?

There is an extensive array of birth control options available to women today. The providers at WHASN Meadows help you understand each type, including: 

Hormonal methods

Hormonal options prevent ovulation, or the release of an egg, every month. Birth control pills, patches, and Depo-Provera® shots are examples of hormonal birth control.

Barrier birth control 

Condoms, diaphragms, and the sponge are examples of the barrier method of birth control. They block sperm from reaching the egg.

Long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARCs)

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) placed into your uterus and hormonal implants cause changes in your body that repel sperm and prevent pregnancy for 3-10 years. 

Sterilization

If you have no future pregnancy plans, you may want to consider tubal ligation — a permanent form of birth control.

What is an IUD?

An IUD is a T-shaped device placed inside your uterus in a simple in-office procedure. IUDs either release hormones that thicken cervical mucus so the sperm can’t swim to an egg and thins the uterine lining, preventing implantation if a meet-up does occur. The IUD, Paragard®, uses copper to repel sperm. 

Hormonal IUDs prevent pregnancy for 3-5 years, depending on the brand. Paragard prevents pregnancy for up to 10 years. If you decide you want to get pregnant, the IUD can be removed at any time, and you can get pregnant when you ovulate the next time. 

What is a birth control implant?

Nexplanon® is a birth control implant placed just under the skin of your arm. It prevents pregnancy for up to three years. The implant releases hormones that block ovulation and thickens your cervical mucus. 

Like IUDs, a birth control implant can be removed at any time and your fertility restored. 

What should I consider when deciding on a birth control method?

The providers at WHASN Meadows can help you weigh questions that influence your birth control choice, like:

• Do I want a family, and if so, how soon?
• Am I comfortable with inserting or applying birth control in the moment?
• Can I remember to take a pill every day or schedule regular shots?
• Do I have health concerns to consider?
• How many sexual partners do I have?

Call the women’s health experts at WHASN Meadows for the latest birth control options or use this website to request an appointment online.