ObGyns in Independence and Blue Springs, Mo. to help you understand your contraception options
One of the most important contributions to women’s health has been the availability of affordable, effective and safe contraception. There are many different forms of birth control available to women today, both temporary and more permanent options.
The decision about which type is best suited for you depends on many factors, including past medical history, ease of use, age, when and if you plan to become pregnant, cost and risks. The ObGyns of Healthcare for Women Medical Group are experts in all forms of birth control options for women, and can offer the counseling and advice to help you decide which option may be the best for you.
Although our physicians are happy to discuss birth control options during an annual visit, we encourage our patients to make a special appointment to discuss contraception if additional time is needed. This will ensure you have enough time to have all questions answered and discuss the pros and cons of various contraceptive options with your doctor.
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What to Expect During a Contraceptive Visit
The goal of our physicians in your contraceptive counseling visit is to help you determine the type of birth control that best suits your lifestyle and goals. In advance of the visit, we encourage you to educate yourself on the various birth control options available. There is much readily-available information that is accurate, and unfortunately, much that is not. Coming armed with your questions will help your doctor dispel any myths, give you pros and cons of each type and make a recommendation that meets your needs. During the visit you can expect to discuss:
- Your overall health and any medical issues – some contraceptives may be safer than others depending on your history.
- Past birth control methods you may have tried and your experience with them
- Family planning goals, if relevant
- Lifestyle and schedule– Successful birth control depends on a woman’s ability to remember and follow the regimen, so in some cases, implants or other methods may be better.
Contraceptive Options
Our physicians have years of experience helping women understand and select the best option for their contraception needs. Whether temporary or more permanent options such as tubal ligation (“tubes tied,”) fallopian tube removal, they have the answers you need to make the right choices. Some of your birth control options may include:
Temporary Birth Control Options
- Pills – Birth control pills contain hormones that keep you from getting pregnant. They are sometimes prescribed to treat other conditions such as irregular or painful periods and acne. Safe, simple and affordable, birth control pills must be taken every day to work effectively.
- DEPO Provera (“the shot”) – The birth control shot contains progestin which prevents you from ovulating and thus getting pregnant. The shot is given every three months and is very effective as long as you get it on time.
- Patches – Birth control patches are worn on the arm and secrete hormones to prevent you from getting pregnant. The patch is worn for three weeks, then removed for a week, which allows a woman to have a period. It is an effective form of birth control if used as prescribed.
- Nexplanon® Implant– A birth control implant is a tiny matchstick-sized rod that the doctor inserts under the skin of your upper arm. Once inserted it releases hormones that prevent pregnancy. The implant lasts for five years.
- Intrauterine devices (IUD) – There are two types of Intrauterine devices or IUDs – a copper IUD and a hormonal IUD. Both are small devices placed inside the uterus and once inserted, prevent pregnancy for several years.
Permanent Birth Control Options
Laparoscopic sterilization – This involves having the fallopian tubes tied or removed to prevent pregnancy. It’s important to have all the facts and discuss this option thoroughly with your doctor as it is a permanent birth control option.
