What types of birth control are available?
At North County Women’s Specialists, you can obtain all the different types of birth control. The first step is getting a thorough exam to be sure you don’t have any health issues that may affect your choice.
Your doctor takes the time to answer your questions and explain the methods you’re considering. One of the top questions women ask is about the effectiveness of each birth control method, so here’s a general idea of what you can expect:
- Permanent birth control (tubal ligation): Nearly 100% effective
- Intrauterine device (IUD): Nearly 100% effective
- Nexplanon® (hormone-containing implant): 99%
- NuvaRing® (hormone-containing vaginal ring): 98%
- Birth control pills and other hormone-based methods (patch, ring): 91-94%
- Male condoms: 82%
You can increase the effectiveness of methods like birth control pills by using them properly. They’re rated lower because it’s easy to forget a pill or to skip using a condom.
How do hormone-based birth control methods prevent pregnancy?
Whether your hormone-based contraceptive is in the form of a pill, vaginal ring, implant, or injection, they all prevent pregnancy by delivering hormones that control various aspects of your monthly cycle.
Depending on the hormones used, your method may do one or more of the following: Stop your ovaries from releasing an egg, change the uterine lining to stop an egg from attaching, or thicken mucus in the cervix so sperm can’t get through to fertilize an egg.
What are long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs)?
Intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants are LARCs because they’re inserted once, then stay in place, continuously preventing pregnancy for 4-10 years, depending on which one you use.
LARCs are just as effective as permanent birth control methods such as tubal ligation, yet they’re completely reversible — your doctor can remove your IUD or implant at any time.
Implant
The implant is a small, hormone-containing rod that’s inserted under your skin, where it prevents pregnancy for up to three years.
IUDs
IUDs are flexible devices that fit inside your uterus. Some IUDs prevent pregnancy by slowly releasing hormones. They last from 3-5 years, depending on the type of IUD.
Another type of IUD contains copper instead of hormones. It prevents pregnancy for up to 10 years by inhibiting sperm mobility and acting like a spermicide.
What is a tubal ligation?
During a minimally invasive tubal ligation, your doctor cuts, ties, or blocks your fallopian tubes, which stops sperm from reaching an egg. In some cases, a tubal ligation can be reversed, but it’s intended to be a permanent method of birth control.
If you have any questions about birth control, call North County Women’s Specialists or book an appointment online.
