Exploring Your Contraception Options

At Mowery Women’s Clinic, we are here to support you in every phase of life. If you don’t see children in your near future, or are experiencing issues with heavy, irregular periods or bad menstrual cramping, it may be time to explore your contraception (birth control) options.

While birth control is most commonly used to prevent pregnancy, there are a variety of benefits including regulated or reduced periods, less painful cramping, acne management, and lower risk of cysts and ovarian cancer.

Types of Birth Control

There are many birth control options available for women today, allowing you to choose an option that is convenient and comfortable for you. Here are our most recommended birth control options:

Implants or Intrauterine Devices (IUD)

These two options are classified as long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) because they are inserted into the body and last for more than one year, usually up to five years and some as long as ten years, but can be removed at any time should you want to change birth control methods or become pregnant. Both methods are inserted by your physician. An implant is inserted into your arm, whereas an intrauterine device is implanted directly into your uterus. These methods are the most effective against pregnancy.

Hormonal Birth Control

Hormonal birth control methods include the pill, which is perhaps the most traditional method, as well as the ring, patch, and injection. They all release hormones directly into the bloodstream to prevent pregnancy, but are administered differently and at different frequencies.

Birth control pills are taken daily and alter your ovulation cycle to prevent pregnancy. The only downfall of the pill is you must remember to take it at the same time daily for it to be as effective as possible, so if you’re a forgetful person, this may not be the best method.

The ring birth control method is self-inserted directly into the vagina and must be changed monthly.

A transdermal contraceptive patch is self-applied to the skin weekly, three weeks out of the month, similar to birth control where the last week of the month is sugar pills.

Last but not least, hormonal birth control shots are administered by your physician every three months.

Tubal Ligation/Salpingectomy (Removal of fallopian tubes)

If you are not looking to get pregnant, tubal ligation is a surgical procedure that ties your fallopian tubes so that eggs can no longer be released, preventing pregnancy permanently. This should only be done if you are positive you do not want children.

Emergency Contraception

If you do have unprotected sex and are in need of emergency contraception, we can assist with this as well. However, we always recommend that if you are sexually active you utilize one of the birth control methods above or condoms to prevent pregnancy.

It is important to note that the above birth control methods do not prevent or protect against sexually transmitted diseases or infections. The only effective method to prevent STDs/ STIs are latex condoms, so keep that in mind if you are sexually active.

Are You Ready to Discuss Your Birth Control Options?

If you or a family member are searching for the best birth control method and would like to schedule an appointment for a contraceptive consultation to determine the best option, call Mowery Women’s Clinic today at (785) 825-9024.