Do you need birth control?  Explore your birth control options.  Most often we use birth control to prevent pregnancy, but we can also use birth control for other health issues.

• Regulate your cycles
• Shorten your cycles
• Reduce bleeding
• Minimize menstrual pain from cramps to headaches
• Help control acne

Selecting the right option

How do you decide what birth control is best for you? Are you great at taking a daily pill or are you more of a set it and forget it type of person? Options for birth control will vary based on what method will be easiest for your lifestyle and of course your medical history.

Birth control pills have been around for decades and there are many different combinations available. You take birth control pills every day and its best to take them around the same time every day for the greatest efficacy.

Some of the longer-term options include a patch, vaginal ring, Depo-Provera injections, Nexplanon, and intrauterine devices (IUD).

Patch

The birth control patch is changed weekly for 3 weeks, think of it as a band-aid but much smaller (1.5”x1.5”) and it stays on when you shower and swim.

Vaginal Ring

Nuva-Ring is a vaginal ring, its inserted like a tampon and stays in place for 3 weeks. It is safe to have intercourse with your Nuva-Ring in place, but it can also be removed for up to 3 hours.

Depo-Provera

Depo-Provera is an intramuscular (IM) injection that you get at our office every 11-13 weeks. Many women stop having menstrual cycles after their first 3-4 injections, but no need to worry, typically your cycles will return to normal 6-12 months after you stop Depo-Provera.

Implant and IUD

The Nexplanon is an implant placed under the skin in the upper arm of your non-dominant hand. It is effective for 3 years and over 99% effective. The Nexplanon and IUDs are considered a long-acting reversible contraception or LARC. IUDs are over 99% effective and 100% reversible, they are inserted in the uterus right in the office. If you are looking for contraception, but don’t like the idea of hormones then the copper IUD, Paragard, may be a good option for you or condom use.

Your birth control needs to work for you and your plans for a family. It should be personalized to your preferences. Luckily if you find one isn’t working for you, we can change the method quickly and easily!  When it comes to birth control, we know there are a lot of options available and it can be confusing. This should serve as a starting point for your decision and discussion. Make an appointment today with your provider to discuss the options that will work best for you and your needs.