Birth Control Options
Choosing a method of contraception is an important, personal decision that will impact your life on a daily basis. Be sure to talk with your doctor about which method is right for you. Choosing the birth control method most aligned with your lifestyle is key to successful protection for you and your partner.
At Women's HealthFirst, our OB-GYN specialists provide you with the information you need about different types of contraceptives, including the respective advantages and disadvantages of each.
There is much to consider when deciding on a birth control method. Factors such as your age, health, personal preferences, and previous contraceptive experiences are important to consider. So too are the frequency, convenience, permanence, and effectiveness of the contraceptive method itself. The decision is yours – and our gynecology specialists’ knowledge, training, and experience can help you make the right choice.
Types of Contraception
Contraception is the strongest protection available for women who wish to have sex but don’t wish to become pregnant. There are many options available for women. These options may be temporary or permanent. Some may need to be used every time you have sex, on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis – and some even less frequently. The effectiveness for each may vary. In the end, it is up to you to decide which type of contraception is best for you. Your Women’s HealthFirst provider can provide the information and guidance you need to make an informed decision.
Most hormonal contraceptives work by preventing ovulation (the release of a mature egg from the ovaries). Some also thicken cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to travel through the cervix and locate the egg. In addition, some thin the lining of the uterus, preventing a fertilized egg from becoming implanted there.
Because these hormone-based methods are extremely effective when used properly, there are now an abundance of forms available – which may be taken orally, injected, implanted under the skin, or placed inside the uterus. Each method comes with its own advantages and drawbacks, depending on your needs. All require a prescription from your doctor.
Hormone-based contraceptives include:
- Bill Control Pill: A pill that is taken by mouth at about the same time every day.
- Birth Control Patch: A small patch adheres to the top of your skin and is changed weekly. Common placements include on the buttocks, upper arm, and lower abdomen.
- Patient-Inserted Vaginal Ring (e.g., NuvaRing): A flexible plastic ring is inserted into the vagina, where it remains for 3 weeks, is removed for 1 week, then replaced with a new one and the cycle continues.
- Birth Control Shot (e.g., Depo-Provera): Your medical provider gives you an injection that lasts for 3 months.
- Birth Control Implant (Nexplanon): A matchstick-sized implant is inserted under the skin of your upper arm in a quick and painless in-office procedure that may feel as if you’re getting an injection. It lasts 3-5 years.
- Doctor-Inserted Intrauterine Device (IUD*): A tiny, flexible device is inserted into the uterus in a procedure much like a pelvic exam. It lasts 3-5 years.
*There is also a nonhormonal-based IUD called ParaGard, which is effective for up to 10 years.
These contraceptives work by blocking sperm from reaching a mature egg. Barrier-based methods do not contain hormones but require preparation before every instance of intercourse to be effective. Spermicide may also be used in conjunction with barrier-based contraceptives.
Barrier-based contraceptives include:
- Condom* and internal condom (worn by a woman)
- Diaphragm, cervical cap, sponge
*Condoms also protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Men and women can be sterilized in a surgery or other medical procedure intended to permanently block their ability to produce offspring. In some cases, the procedure may be reversed, although reversal efforts are not always successful.
Permanent sterilization methods include:
- Tubal ligation (having your “tubes tied”)
- Vasectomy
It is important to note that most birth control methods do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). So, if you are having sex with multiple partners, or do not trust your partner, you may want to consider using a condom in addition to whatever birth control method you prefer.
Understand Your Contraceptive Options
These days, women have a vast assortment of choices when it comes to birth control. Finding the contraceptive choice that’s right for you may mean exploring options you’re interested in and discussing the advantages and disadvantages of each with a trusted OB-GYN provider.
Call Women’s HealthFirst at (847) 808-8884 to schedule your contraceptive consult. You can also request an appointment now. We have five locations conveniently located throughout northwestern suburban Chicago to better serve you.
ObGyns in Palatine, Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Barrington & Bartlett, IL
If you’re already a patient, you have the option of using our convenient online patient portal to request an appointment or message your Women’s HealthFirst provider team at any time of the day or night, 24/7.
