About 50 % of pregnancy every year in the United States are unplanned. Women have many different options for preventing pregnancy. The most commonly used methods of contraception will be discussed below.
Hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs) are the most frequently used form of long term reversible contraception. An IUD is a T shaped device that is inserted into the uterus during a simple in office procedure. There are multiple brands of hormonal IUDs. The most commonly used brands are Liletta and Mirena. Both of these IUDs release a low dose of hormone (levonorgestrel) over the time that they are in place and are proven to be >99% effective in preventing pregnancy for up to 6 years. IUDs can be removed at any time by your healthcare provider. The most common side effect of a hormonal IUD is irregular bleeding for the first 3-6 months. After about 6 months of use, the menstrual periods usually taper off to light spotting or no monthly menses at all.
About 50 % of pregnancy every year in the United States are unplanned.
Another very effective long term reversible contraceptive method is Nexplanon. Nexplanon is a small, thin, flexible implant that is placed just under the skin of the inner, upper arm during a simple office procedure. The device is >99% effective in preventing pregnancy for up to 3 years. Nexplanon releases a slow, steady low dose of hormone (etonogestrel) to prevent pregnancy. The most common side effect with Nexplanon is irregular bleeding. Menstrual bleeding may be longer or shorter, or there may be no menstrual bleeding at all. Some women experience spotting between their periods.
Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCP), also known as “birth control pills” are frequently used by women. This method requires a women to take a pill every single day. With typical use, about 9 women out of 100 will get pregnant within the first year of taking OCPs. There are various different OCP brands and hormone formulations. The most common side effect of OCPs is changes in menstrual bleeding. Many women enjoy the benefit of a reduction in acne with OCPs. Some specific health conditions prevent women from being able to take certain OCPs. If you want to use OCPs, be sure to discuss your complete health history with your healthcare provider to determine which OCP is best for you.
Vaginal ring is used for contraception. It contains hormones similar to those in OCPs, however they are absorbed through the vaginal wall. The ring in inserted into the vagina by the woman every month. The ring is left in place for 3 weeks then removed and thrown in the trash. Then, one week later, the woman inserts a new ring and repeats the cycle. The effectiveness of the vaginal ring is similar to that of OCPs. About 9 out of 100 women will get pregnant over a year of use.
The contraceptive patch is another form of contraception that is similar to OCPs and the vaginal ring in ingredients, side effects, and effectiveness. The patch is a small sticker like device that is placed on the skin (usually on the arm, bikini area, or buttocks) and is changed on the same day each week for 3 weeks in a row. Then, the patch is removed and left off for one week. The following week, a new patch is applied and the cycle is repeated. The patch is most effective in women with a BMI of 30 or less.
There are many other contraceptive methods available, including permanent contraception. If none of the above methods seem right for you, speak to your healthcare provider about other options. If you are sexually active and are not using contraception, it is recommended that you take a daily prenatal vitamin just in case a pregnancy occurs.
About 50 % of pregnancy every year in the United States are unplanned. Women have many different options for preventing pregnancy. The most commonly used methods of contraception will be discussed below.
Hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs) are the most frequently used form of long term reversible contraception. An IUD is a T shaped device that is inserted into the uterus during a simple in office procedure. There are multiple brands of hormonal IUDs. The most commonly used brands are Liletta and Mirena. Both of these IUDs release a low dose of hormone (levonorgestrel) over the time that they are in place and are proven to be >99% effective in preventing pregnancy for up to 6 years. IUDs can be removed at any time by your healthcare provider. The most common side effect of a hormonal IUD is irregular bleeding for the first 3-6 months. After about 6 months of use, the menstrual periods usually taper off to light spotting or no monthly menses at all.
About 50 % of pregnancy every year in the United States are unplanned.
Another very effective long term reversible contraceptive method is Nexplanon. Nexplanon is a small, thin, flexible implant that is placed just under the skin of the inner, upper arm during a simple office procedure. The device is >99% effective in preventing pregnancy for up to 3 years. Nexplanon releases a slow, steady low dose of hormone (etonogestrel) to prevent pregnancy. The most common side effect with Nexplanon is irregular bleeding. Menstrual bleeding may be longer or shorter, or there may be no menstrual bleeding at all. Some women experience spotting between their periods.
Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCP), also known as “birth control pills” are frequently used by women. This method requires a women to take a pill every single day. With typical use, about 9 women out of 100 will get pregnant within the first year of taking OCPs. There are various different OCP brands and hormone formulations. The most common side effect of OCPs is changes in menstrual bleeding. Many women enjoy the benefit of a reduction in acne with OCPs. Some specific health conditions prevent women from being able to take certain OCPs. If you want to use OCPs, be sure to discuss your complete health history with your healthcare provider to determine which OCP is best for you.
Vaginal ring is used for contraception. It contains hormones similar to those in OCPs, however they are absorbed through the vaginal wall. The ring in inserted into the vagina by the woman every month. The ring is left in place for 3 weeks then removed and thrown in the trash. Then, one week later, the woman inserts a new ring and repeats the cycle. The effectiveness of the vaginal ring is similar to that of OCPs. About 9 out of 100 women will get pregnant over a year of use.
The contraceptive patch is another form of contraception that is similar to OCPs and the vaginal ring in ingredients, side effects, and effectiveness. The patch is a small sticker like device that is placed on the skin (usually on the arm, bikini area, or buttocks) and is changed on the same day each week for 3 weeks in a row. Then, the patch is removed and left off for one week. The following week, a new patch is applied and the cycle is repeated. The patch is most effective in women with a BMI of 30 or less.
There are many other contraceptive methods available, including permanent contraception. If none of the above methods seem right for you, speak to your healthcare provider about other options. If you are sexually active and are not using contraception, it is recommended that you take a daily prenatal vitamin just in case a pregnancy occurs.