Our Services / Contraceptives

What are some common types of contraceptives?

Contraceptives, often called birth control, fall into two primary categories: hormonal and barrier. 

Hormonal birth control

The hormonal method of birth control prevents unwanted pregnancy by altering your hormonal balance to prevent ovulation, thicken your cervical mucus, or otherwise create an environment that is not conducive for fertilization. 

Some examples of hormonal birth control methods include:

• Pills
• Patches
• Injections
• Implants, such as the Nexplanon
• Intrauterine devices (IUDs)
• Vaginal ring

If you’ve been using the same birth control for years and are interested in trying a new method, schedule a visit to explore the available options. 

Barrier birth control

The barrier method prevents unwanted pregnancy by creating a physical barrier between eggs and sperm. 

Some examples of barrier birth control methods are:

• Condoms, both male and female
• Sponges
• Cervical cap
• Diaphragm

You can increase the effectiveness of any form of barrier birth control by using spermicide.

Which contraceptives are the easiest to use?

If you’re looking for a birth control method that doesn’t require you to remember to take a daily pill or keep condoms on hand, you may want to consider some of the longer-acting hormonal methods. 

Birth control implants require only one simple in-office visit for placement. They provide up to five years of protection, and once your implant is in place, you can simply forget it’s there. Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are also a reliable long-term option. Again, the device is placed during an office visit and delivers 3-12 years of protection, depending on the type chosen. 

Birth control injections can last three months, and vaginal rings protect for one week. However, it’s important to note that the only form of birth control that also provides a degree of protection against sexually transmitted diseases is condoms.  

Are there any contraceptives I should avoid?

If you are sure you do not want to become pregnant, do not rely on birth control methods like withdrawal (pulling out) and fertility awareness. Sperm can emerge before ejaculation, which is why withdrawal is only around 78% effective. 

Fertility awareness, also sometimes called the rhythm method, involves tracking your menstrual cycle to try and pinpoint the days when you are most fertile. You then avoid sex on those days, decreasing your risk of pregnancy. Here again, this method is only 76%-88% effective. 

Unless you are prepared to cope with an unwanted pregnancy, choose one of the barriers or hormonal birth control methods listed above. When you’re ready to learn more, call the office to book a visit, or schedule online in just moments.