Women’s Health Care Resources

Hormonal birth control can also be used to alleviate the symptoms that come with your monthly cycle or help with heavy menstrual flow.

Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs)

Oral contraceptives, also referred to as “the pill,” contain a combination of estrogen and progestin. OCPs help prevent pregnancy by preventing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus to inhibit sperm from penetrating, and thinning the lining of the uterus. OCPs are 99% effective with perfect use and around 91% effective with common use.

NuvaRing

NuvaRing is a flexible plastic vaginal ring that contains estrogen and progestin. The ring is placed inside the vagina where the hormones are slowly absorbed. This works almost the same as birth control pills. The ring is worn inside the vagina for three weeks and then removed for one week. This is the time you will get your period. The ring is easy to insert and remove and you should not notice it when it is in place. NuvaRing is 99% effective with perfect use and around 91% effective with common use.

Progestin Only Pills (POPs)

Unlike traditional OCPs, the progestin-only pill, also called “the mini pill”, does not contain estrogen so it can be useful for women who cannot or should not take estrogen. Progestin-only pills are as effective as OCPs if they are taken at the same time every day. However, they have a slightly higher failure rate if you are more than three hours late in taking it. POPs are 99% effective with correct use and around 91% effective with common use.

DepoProvera

DepoProvera, also known as “Depo” is an injectable form of birth control. DepoProvera contains medroxyprogesterone acetate or DMPA (Depo-Provera®). This is a long-lasting progestin hormone that is injected deep into the muscle, such as the buttock or upper arm, once every three months. DepoProvera works by inhibiting ovulation and thickening the cervical mucus making it more difficult for sperm to penetrate. DepoProvera is more than 99% effective.

Mirena (IUD)

Mirena is a progesterone-only IUD (intrauterine device) that is placed in the uterine cavity by your healthcare provider. This IUD (intrauterine device) is made of soft, flexible plastic and can be used for birth control or to alleviate heavy bleeding. The device stays in place for up to 8 years and delivers a continuous low dose of levonorgestrel (progesterone). IUDs can be used by women of all ages. After it is verified to be in place, it is quietly effective until removal or replacement. Mirena is over 99% effective and is currently used by nearly 2 million women in the United States.

Kyleena (IUD)

Kyleena is a progesterone-only IUD (intrauterine device) that is placed in the uterine cavity by your healthcare provider. Similar to Mirena, this IUD is made of soft, flexible plastic but is 30% smaller than the Mirena. Kyleena is used and for birth control and/or to alleviate heavy bleeding. The device stays in place for up to 5 years and delivers a continuous low dose of levonorgestrel (progesterone) but is a lower dose (19.5mg) compared to Mirena (52mg). Kyleena is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy for each year of use, and 98.6% effective over 5 years.

Paragard

Paragard is a non-hormonal IUD (intrauterine device) used for birth control and is over 99% effective. This is the only reversible birth control that is completely hormone free. Paragard works by stopping sperm from reaching and fertilizing the egg. It can also prevent the egg from attaching to the lining of the uterus. IUDs can be used by women of all ages. After it is verified to be in place, it is quietly effective until removal or replacement. The device stays in place for up to 10 years.

IUD Information

The placement of an IUD can be done in the office in about 15 minutes. You can expect mild cramping and spotting afterwards. Once the IUD is placed, you will follow up in the office in 3 months for a string check.

An IUD can easily removed by your health care provider in our office at any time. If you have had your device in for the recommended number of years (7 for Mirena, 5 for Kyleena, 10 for Paragard) and would like to continue using an IUD, we are able to remove your current device and replace it with a new one at the same appointment.

Fertility is restored once an IUD is removed.

There are various conditions which may prevent an IUD from being the most appropriate choice for you.

 IUDs can be used by women of all ages.

Nexplanon

Nexplanon is a progesterone-only birth control implant. The implant is a small flexible rod the size of a matchstick that is inserted just under the skin of the inner side of your upper arm. In addition to the progestin hormone etonogestrel, the Nexplanon implant also contains a small amount of barium so that it can be seen by x-ray. Nexplanon is over 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. After it is verified to be in place, it is quietly effective until removal or replacement.

This implant is placed by your health care provider during an office visit. The implant stays in place for up to 3 years. You may experience mild discomfort and bruising around the insertion site after placement. The implant can be removed at any time with your fertility returning the first week after removal.

There are various conditions which may prevent the Nexplanon from being the most appropriate choice for you. Schedule an appointment today to see if you are a candidate for Nexplanon.

Non-Hormonal Methods

Spermicide
Spermicides are chemical substances that destroy sperm. They are available over the counter and come in a variety of forms including gel, foam, cream, film, and tablets. Spermicides are around 82% effective with correct use and 72% effective with common use.

Diaphragm
The diaphragm and cervical cap fit over the cervix to create a barrier, thereby preventing sperm from entering the uterus. These devices are available in latex or silicone rubber and require fitting by a health care provider. These devices must be left in place for six to eight hours after intercourse and should always be used along with a spermicide. These devices are 94% effective with perfect use and 88% effective with common use.

Condoms
The male condom is a thin, flexible sheath placed over the penis during intercourse. These should be used closely following the directions on the box. Condoms are the only method you can use to protect against sexually transmitted diseases and should be used even if you choose another method of birth control. Male condoms are 98% effective with perfect use and 82% effective with common use.

The female condom is worn by a woman to prevent semen from entering the vagina. It is a prelubricated sheath made of polyurethane and is worn inside the vagina. Female condoms are 95% effective with correct use and 79% effective with common use.

Permanent Methods

Tubal Ligation

Vasectomy
This is a surgical procedure for male sterilization. This procedure can be done in an outpatient setting by a urologist. You should check with your insurance company to see a urologist that is in your network.

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