Picking a Method of Birth Control that is Right for You
When it comes to deciding a method of birth control, you really need to consider what will match your life. It is your body, your decision and your life. Consider what method will keep you safe, protected and comfortable. We’re here to help you know the basics of all your options.
Mirena
This little t-shaped device is 99% effective, and only needs to be replaced every five years. You go to a short visit to the doctor to evaluate if your state of health makes you a good candidate for Mirena. After the evaluation the placement of the device into your uterus takes merely five minutes.
While you are using Mirena you will experience lighter periods, but sometimes the periods may be a bit irregular. Due to the small amount of hormones released by the Mirena, you should not expect any major symptoms associated with hormonal birth control. Anytime with your use of Mirena you can decide to take it out. After removal you will be able to conceive almost immediately.
This is great for people who want a convenient, effective, estrogen-free and flexible method of birth control. It is slight invasive for those who are particular about their privacy. You will need to be on your period for the doctor’s visit.
Learn more about Mirena
Paragard
Paragard is very similar to Mirena. It is a t-shaped device that is placed in the uterus to block pregnancy. The main difference between Mirena and Paragard is that Paragard has absolutely no hormonal release. This means any mood swings, weight gain or any symptoms hormones will not occur with Paragard. Unfortunately this also means that the period when not be made more light, in fact, instead you can probably expect it to be heavier or longer.
Paragard can last up to 10 years, but it can be taken out at anytime. You will need to follow the same procedure as the Mirena to get the placement of the Paragard.
Learn more about Paragard
Nexplanon
A small rod is inserted into the arm that will release hormones to prevent pregnancy. Nexplanon is 99% effective. Your period will probably be lighter after the treatment, but it may be a bit irregular as well.
It takes around 10 minutes to place the rod in the doctor’s office. It must be placed within the first five days after the end of your period. After that you are done until it needs to be replaced after 3 years. It is imperative that you get the device removed from your arm after 3 years or it can cause complications.
Essure
This is a non-surgical option of sterilization for women. Two small coil-shaped devices are placed in the fallopian tubes using cameras. You will be put under during the procedure.
Before getting it you will need to go over a month of counseling to make sure that you are ready to make this decision. Once your health and mental well-being are considered in check, you’ll go for the placement visit. The visit usually takes around 2 hours.
Afterwards you will need to go for three months of check-ups to make sure that everything is running smoothly. After that you have a hormone-free, permanent method of birth control.
Learn more about Essure
Tubal Sterilization
Doctors will make two incisions on the belly, but there usually is no scarring. After that they reach in with a camera to “cauterize” the fallopian tubes. The operation will require a two hour doctor’s visit.
Like the Essure you will be made to do the pre-op counseling and post-op check-ups. Once you have completed all the steps you have a hormone-free, permanent method of birth control.
Learn more about Tubal Sterilization
Depo-Provera
An injection of “progestin” is made into the hip or arm every 12 weeks to the patient. This method is around 92% effective.
It requires that the patient visit the doctor ever 3 weeks to get the next shot. You also have to take a pregnancy test before they will give you the shot each visit. Not good for those who don’t like going to the doctors or the sight of needles.
Learn more about Depo-Provera
The Pill
A hormone pill is taken orally by you every single day, ideally around the same time. Requires a doctor’s visit where they will give you a prescription for the pill. It is up to 92% effective. It is imperative to take the pill daily to ensure its efficacy.
Great for people with a good memory and/or very organized. If you are a smoker or over 35 years old this method is not for you. You may expect varying side effects from the hormones in your body.
Learn more about The Pill
The Patch
This method releases hormones through the skin into the blood stream. The patch must be replaced each week for three weeks. After the three weeks you go for a week without the patch.
This method will work for you as long as you can keep to the three weeks on, one week off schedule. You will need to go to the doctor’s office to get the prescription. It is not recommended for women over the age of 35 or smokers.
Learn more about The Patch
Vaginal Ring
This form of birth control is self-administered once every 3 weeks, and is around 92% effective. Over the month the ring releases hormones into the body that may or may not cause side effect. You place it next to the vaginal canal where it will stay for the following month. After the 3 weeks you must take it out then replace it.
Great for people who prefer the privacy of their own home to administer birth control. It requires an initial doctor’s to get the prescription, and then it can be filled at any pharmacy. Not recommended for smokers or women over the age of 35.
Learn more about the Vaginal Ring
Plan B
At Family Planning Associates Medical Group, we use Plan B® ("morning after pill") for emergency contraception. Plan B is the first progestin-only emergency contraception to be approved by the FDA.
Plan B (levonorgestrel) may prevent pregnancy by temporarily stopping the release of an egg from a woman's ovary, or it may prevent fertilization. It may also prevent a fertilized egg from attaching to the uterus. Plan B will not work if you are already pregnant.
Plan B does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. It should not be used in place of regular contraception. Correct and consistent use of regular contraception is more effective.
Learn more about Plan B
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