Your birth control options include medications and devices that require a prescription, as well as devices you pick up at the grocery store.
Some of the birth control options include:
Tubal ligation
Tubal ligation, also called having your tubes tied, is a permanent form of birth control. It is a surgical procedure that cuts or blocks your fallopian tubes to prevent fertilization of your egg.
Tubal ligation is one of the most effective forms of birth control. However, the team at Lenox OBGYN only recommends the procedure if you have no future pregnancy plans.
Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs)
LARCs include intrauterine devices (IUDs) and hormonal implants. IUDs are placed in your uterus, and hormonal implants are inserted under the skin in your upper arm. Once in place, LARCs prevent pregnancy anywhere from 3-10 years, depending on the type of device.
They work by stopping your ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation), making it too hard for sperm to reach your egg, and/or preventing an egg from implanting itself into your uterus.
The team uses the hormonal implant Nexplanon®, which contains hormones that halt egg release from your ovaries. The implant device is effective at preventing pregnancy for up to three years.
LARCs are as effective at preventing pregnancy as tubal ligation, but reversible.
Short-acting hormonal methods
Short-acting hormonal methods of birth control include the birth control pill, patch, and shot. These methods prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation or stopping sperm from reaching your egg.
Though short-acting hormonal methods are a popular form of birth control, they’re not as effective at preventing pregnancy as LARCs.
Barrier methods
Barrier methods include diaphragms, cervical cap, and condoms. These methods must be used each time you have sex to prevent pregnancy and work by blocking sperm from reaching your egg. Barrier methods are even less effective at preventing pregnancy than short-acting hormonal methods.
However, the team may suggest you use condoms in addition to other forms of birth control for protection against some STDs.