Birth control, also known as contraception and fertility control, are methods or devices used to prevent pregnancy. Planning, provision, and use of birth control are called family planning. Safe sex, such as the use of male or female condoms, can also help prevent sexually transmitted infections.
There are many different methods of birth control including condoms, IUDs, birth control pills, the rhythm method, vasectomy, and tubal ligation. All of us who need birth control want to find the method that is best for us. And each of us has different needs when choosing a method. If you are trying to choose, learning about each method may help you make your decision. Use the list of birth control methods below to read about the methods.
Intrauterine Device (IUD)
Mirena
Mirena (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system) is a hormone-releasing system placed in your uterus to prevent pregnancy for as long as you want for up to 5 years. Mirena also treats heavy periods in women who choose intrauterine contraception.
Paragard
ParaGard® may be a good option if you want to avoid or can’t tolerate hormones.
And unlike many other forms of birth control, ParaGard® won’t interfere with your natural
menstrual cycle. The most common side effects of ParaGard® are heavier and longer periods
and spotting between periods; for most women, these subside after 2 to 3 months.
Skyla
Skyla is a hormone-releasing IUD (intrauterine device) that is over 99% effective and continuously prevents pregnancy for up to 3 years.
- No daily pills or trips to the pharmacy for refills
- Made of soft, flexible plastic
- Placed in your uterus by your healthcare provider during a routine office visit
- Completely reversible and can be removed at any time if you change your mind, so you can try to get pregnant right away
Nuva Ring
A combined hormonal contraceptive vaginal ring manufactured by Merck (formerly Schering-Plough, formerly Organon) that is available by prescription. It is a flexible plastic (ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer) ring that releases a low dose of progestin and estrogen over three weeks.
Depo Provera
Treats irregular menstrual periods, and bleeding caused by a hormone imbalance. Also treats some forms of cancer, and uterine disorders. This medicine is progestin, which is a female hormone.
Oral Contraceptives
Most oral contraceptives are taken for 21 days and followed by 7 days of placebo pills, or simply a 7-day break from taking pills. During the 7 days of placebo or pill-taking break, menstruation normally occurs. Oral contraceptives come in estrogen/progesterone combinations, as well as progestin-only pills. Progestin-only pills are sometimes called mini pills.
Permanent Birth Control
Laparoscopic Tubal Ligations Using Filshe Clips
This is always done at Oneida Health. Laparoscopic tubal ligation is a surgical sterilization procedure in which a woman’s fallopian tubes are either clamped and blocked or severed and sealed. Both methods prevent eggs from being fertilized. Tubal ligation is a permanent method of sterilization.
It offers the opportunity to explore pelvic and abdominal anatomy, especially if the patient has complaints such as pelvic pain. The procedure is an outpatient surgery with a rapid recovery, allowing patients to return quickly to work or home. All laparoscopic methods are immediately effective.
Tubal Implants (Essure)
Done locally in the office with no anesthesia involved, Essure is a method of permanent birth control (sterilization) for women. The procedure involves the placement of a small metal coil into the fallopian tubes. The doctor implants the coils by threading them through the vaginal opening. Unlike other sterilization procedures for women, this system does not require cutting or general anesthesia. Over a 3-6 month period, scar tissue forms over the coils, blocking the fallopian tubes so that sperm can not reach and fertilize a woman’s egg.
During the first three months, the Essure device is not fully effective, and couples must use another type of birth control. After this time, the woman returns to the doctor to have a special type of x-ray to confirm that the fallopian tubes are completely blocked. Some women require more time for the scaring to become complete and return for another x-ray in six months.