Birth Control

What is Birth Control?

Birth control, or contraception, is any device, method, or medicine that prevents pregnancy. Some types of birth control release hormones that prevent your ovaries from releasing an egg every month. Other methods, such as a copper IUD, don’t involve hormones but still block sperm from fertilizing an egg.

What Types of Birth Control are Available?

The providers at Woodglen Medical Group offer a variety of birth control options, including:

• Birth Control Pills: Hormonal birth control pills need to be taken orally every day. The hormones prevent your ovaries from releasing an egg.
• Birth Control Patch: Patches work in a similar manner to the pill, but they release hormones through your skin. You need to replace the patch on a weekly basis.
• Vaginal Ring: This thin, flexible ring releases hormones inside your vagina. You keep the ring in place during sex and insert a new one every month.
• Birth Control Shots: The birth control shot works just like other hormonal contraceptives, but the hormones in each shot prevent pregnancy for three months. For longer-lasting birth control, you return regularly for additional shots.
• Implants: This highly effective method uses a plastic implant about the size of a matchstick that releases hormones that prevent pregnancy for up to four years. Your provider at Woodglen Medical Group inserts the implant below the skin in your upper arm.
• IUDs: Another highly effective, long-acting birth control method, the intrauterine device (IUD) is a small appliance that fits inside your uterus. You can get a plastic IUD that releases hormones or a non-hormonal copper IUD. Both types must be inserted by your medical provider; depending on the type, an IUD prevents pregnancy for 3-12 years.
• Permanent Birth Control (Sterilization): All the birth control methods listed above are reversible if you decide you want to have children in the future. Woodglen Medical Group also offers tubal ligation (getting your tubes tied) to permanently prevent pregnancy.

How Do I Know Which Birth Control Method is Right for Me?

With so many options, choosing the best birth control can seem daunting. Don’t worry — your provider at Woodglen Medical Group spends as much time as you need discussing the type of birth control most suited to your individual needs and lifestyle.

To explore your birth control options, call Woodglen Medical Group or book an appointment online today.