Choosing contraception is not an easy decision. Every woman’s body is unique and can respond differently to each method. At Modern Women’s Health, we take our job very seriously in helping you find the right birth control. We will answer all of your questions, and give you our professional opinion on which contraception is right for you.
Innovations in Birth Control
Medical science has significantly evolved in the 21st century. This has contributed to the development of a wide array of innovative birth control options. From slimmer intrauterine devices (IUDs) and emergency contraceptives to fail-proof implants and fertility-tracking apps - you’ll find a wealth of information on contraception today.
Types of Birth Control
Oral Contraceptives (Birth Control Pills)
Not only are oral contraceptives an excellent form of contraception (birth control), but there are also MANY additional health benefits!
Since the 1960’s women have used birth control pills to prevent pregnancy. Over the last 60 years, the amount of hormones in the pill has continued to drop, resulting in a safer, more tolerable option for women. In fact, the pill is safe for almost all women, from teenage years to menopause.
Birth Control Pills can help with:
- Acne
- Heavy periods
- Cramping
- PMS
- Prevention of menstrual migraines
- Reduction of ovarian and uterine cancer risk
You should NOT use the pill if you have:
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- History of venous thromboembolism or deep vein thrombosis
- History of stroke, heart disease, lupus, clotting disorders, liver disease, breast cancer
- Migraine with aura
- OR if you are age 35 years or over, and are a smoker
While oral contraception is a great choice for many women, it’s not for everyone. It’s short-term and requires a commitment to taking it each day. It’s also important to find a birth control pill that matches your body well, as there can be side effects. Birth control pills commonly include both estrogen and progestin, but there are two that do not have estrogen in them which can be safely used for women with high blood pressure, migraines with visual aura, or other medical conditions that preclude estrogen use.
Vaginal Contraceptives
Vaginal contraceptives provide short-term contraception and are called “vaginal rings”. The two types of vaginal rings are NuvaRing® and Annovera®. These have hormones similar to oral contraceptives, but are delivered to the vagina. The vaginal ring is a small, flexible piece of plastic that is made to be inserted into the vagina once a month. The ring stops the ovaries from releasing their monthly egg and by thickening the fluid around the cervix, which stops the sperm from getting to the egg — thereby preventing pregnancy.
Intrauterine Devices
An IUD is small and made of flexible plastic or copper that is placed in the uterus for long-term contraception. IUDs can last from 3 to 10 years depending on the IUD type, but can also be removed at any time. IUDs are discreet and are more than 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. IUDs fall under the category of “long-term acting reversible contraceptive” birth control. One of the advantages of using IUDs that contain progestin is that women have lighter periods with less pain or sometimes periods go away completely. Inserting an IUD involves a simple office procedure, and it can be removed at any time you choose.
Nexplanon
Nexplanon® is a form of birth control that is an implant. This is a long-term acting reversible contraceptive option. It looks like a small rod and is inserted under the skin of the upper arm. The rod is invisible and can prevent pregnancy for up to three years. Nexplanon is one of the most effective forms of contraception that is long-lasting and reversible. Fertility returns immediately after removal, and it works by blocking ovulation and thickening the cervical mucus.
Depo-Provera®
Depo-Provera is an injectable form of birth control that users receive every three months. It works by impacting ovulation and thickening the cervical mucus.
Permanent Female Sterilization
- Fallopian Tube Removal: A laparoscopic fallopian tube removal prevents pregnancy by removing the egg’s way of reaching the uterus. This procedure can be done with a laparoscope — a long, thin tube with a bright light and a camera on the end which allows the doctor to perform the procedure while watching the camera’s images on a monitor. This procedure may also reduce your lifetime risk of ovarian cancer by up to 1/3, though it does not change your hormones.
- Tubal Ligation: In a tubal ligation, the fallopian tubes are cut or blocked. This prevents pregnancy because the egg’s path to the sperm and uterus is blocked. This procedure can be done with a laparoscope.
Apart from the aforementioned options, many other advanced birth control methods are also being developed. The future of birth control techniques are getting a modern spin and are looking brighter than ever.
For more information or to make an appointment and schedule a consultation, please call us at (512) 301-6767 or click the link below.
