What is the best method of birth control?
Keep in mind; even the most effective birth control methods can fail. But your chances of getting pregnant are lowest if the method you choose always is used correctly and every time you have sex.
Talk to one of our doctors about the best method available for you.
METHODS
IUD (Intra Urine Device)
What is an IUD?
A intrauterine device is a T-shaped piece of plastic placed inside the uterus. The piece of plastic contains copper or a synthetic progesterone hormone that prevents pregnancy.
How do intrauterine devices work?
• The progesterone intrauterine device releases a constant low dose of a synthetic hormone continually throughout the day. Both the progesterone IUD and copper IUD prevent pregnancy in one of two ways:
• The released progesterone or copper creates changes in the cervical mucus and inside the uterus that kills sperm or makes them immobile.
• Changes the lining of the uterus, preventing implantation should fertilization occur
Tubal Ligation
What is Tubal Ligation or Sterilization?
Sterilization is a form of birth control. All sterilization procedures are meant to be permanent.
During a sterilization procedure, a health care provider closes or blocks a woman’s fallopian tubes. Closing the tubes can be done in several ways.
One way is by tying and cutting the tubes — this is called tubal ligation. The fallopian tubes also can be sealed using an instrument with an electrical current. They also can be closed with clips, clamps, or rings. Sometimes, a small piece of the tube is removed.
Sometimes, tiny inserts are put in the tubes.
How does Tubal Ligation or Sterilization work?
• Tissue grows around them and blocks the tubes.
Depo-Provera
What is Depo-Provera?
Depo-Provera is an injection containing the synthetic hormone progestin which is called depo-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA). Depo-Provera is a hormonal method of contraception obtained by prescription.
How does Depo-Provera work?
Depo-Provera works through the synthetic hormone (DMPA) which helps regulate a woman’s ovaries similar to the way the natural hormone progesterone works.
Depo-Provera prevents pregnancy in one of three ways:
• First, it prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg, which is also known as ovulation.
• Second, it thickens the cervical mucus which acts as a barrier preventing the sperm from reaching the egg.
• Third, it changes the lining of the uterus preventing implantation.
The Pill
What is the Pill?
Birth control pills or oral contraceptives use synthetic hormones to prevent pregnancy. There are two types: combined and progesterone only. Combined pills contain synthetic forms of estrogen and progesterone. Oral contraceptives are commonly used to treat menstrual problems and decrease acne.
How do oral contraceptives work?
Oral contraceptives are designed to prevent pregnancy in one of three ways:
• Prevent ovulation each month.
• The cervix produces less and thicker mucus so that sperm cannot easily enter the uterus.
• The lining of the uterus becomes thinner, making it more difficult for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus should ovulation occur and fertilization take place
The Patch
What is the birth control patch?
The birth control patch is a thin plastic patch (1 3/4 inch square) placed directly on the skin of the woman. It is a hormonal method of contraception obtained by prescription.
How does the birth control patch work?
The birth control patch works by hormones that are absorbed from the patch into your system. The birth control patch prevents pregnancy in one of three ways:
• First, it prevents eggs from being released from the ovaries.
• Second, it thickens the cervical mucus preventing the sperm from reaching the egg.
• Third, it changes the lining of the uterus preventing implantation
The Ring
What is the vaginal ring?
The vaginal ring is a soft flexible piece of plastic that contains synthetic hormones to be absorbed inside the vagina. It is a hormonal method of contraception obtained by prescription.
How does the vaginal ring work?
The vaginal ring works through synthetic hormones that are absorbed from the vaginal ring into your reproductive system which help regulate your fertility similar to the way the natural hormones work. The vaginal ring prevents pregnancy in one of three ways:
• First, it prevents eggs from being released from the ovaries.
• Second, it thickens the cervical mucus preventing the sperm from reaching the egg.
• Third, it changes the lining of the uterus preventing implantation.
Implanon
What is the Birth Control Implant?
The birth control implant is a thin, flexible plastic implant about the size of a cardboard matchstick. It is inserted under the skin of the upper arm. It protects against pregnancy for up to three years. The implant is available under the brand names Implanon and Nexplanon.
How Does Implanon Work?
Like several other methods of birth control, such as the birth control shot, the birth control implant releases a hormone — progestin. Hormones are chemicals made in our bodies. They control how different parts of our bodies work.
The progestin in the birth control implant works by
• Keeping eggs from leaving the ovaries. Pregnancy cannot happen if there is no egg to join with the sperm.
• Making a woman’s cervical mucus thicker. This keeps sperm from getting to the eggs.