Contraception Specialist

What are the available types of contraception?

Eighth Avenue Obstetrics and Gynecology offers a comprehensive range of contraception options to meet the needs of all women. Some of the most widely prescribed types of birth control include:

Birth control pills

Birth control pills use hormones, including estrogen and progestin, to prevent egg fertilization. The hormones stop ovulation which means there’s no egg for sperm to fertilize and thicken your cervical mucus, preventing sperm from swimming into the uterus. You need to take the pill at the same time every day. 

Intrauterine device (IUD)

An IUD is a small T-shaped device that your gynecologist places into your uterus. IUDs are available in hormonal and nonhormonal varieties. Hormonal IUDs release hormones that work like birth control pills. Nonhormonal IUDs are wrapped in copper wire, which makes the uterus inhospitable to sperm. IUDs prevent pregnancy for between 3-10 years, and once the device is in place, you don’t need to think about it again until you’re ready to get pregnant or you need to replace it. 

Birth control implants

A birth control implant is a matchstick-shaped and sized device that your gynecologist implants under the skin of your inner bicep. The implant releases hormones to prevent ovulation and thicken your cervical mucus for up to five years. Like an IUD, once your implant is in place, you don’t need to think about it. 

Birth control shots

The birth control shot delivers hormones into your body that prevent ovulation and thicken your cervical mucus. You need to get the shot every three months to maintain its effectiveness.

You can also talk to your doctor about other birth control options, including rings, patches, and cervical caps.

How do I know what type of contraception is right for me?

The doctors at Eighth Avenue Obstetrics and Gynecology offer comprehensive consultations and exams to identify the best birth control method to meet your needs. For example, you may want to consider your overall health, age, and plans for having a family in the future. You should also think about whether you can take a pill at the same time every day, or if you would prefer a type of birth control that you don’t need to think about every day. 

It’s important to remember that condoms are the only type of birth control that prevents STDs. Depending on your lifestyle, you may want to use condoms as well as another type of contraception. 

Your doctor also needs to know if you’ve birth control in the past and how it worked for you. For example, some women have adverse side effects to hormonal birth control. 

Is permanent contraception available?

If you are sure that you don’t want to have any more children, Eighth Avenue Obstetrics and Gynecology offers permanent birth control. You can discuss your options with your doctor. 

If you have questions about contraception, call Eighth Avenue Obstetrics and Gynecology or make an appointment online for expert, customized advice.