Birth Control

What is birth control?

Birth control, or contraception, is any method that helps prevent pregnancy when you’re sexually active. It works in various ways, such as:

• Preventing sperm from reaching an egg
• Preventing your ovaries from releasing eggs
• Permanently altering your reproductive organs

Providers at Rockville Gynecology review birth control options so you can decide which one best matches your needs. The optimal choice for you is based on your health and whether or not you’d like to have children in the future.

What are my birth control options?

Numerous birth control options are available at Rockville Gynecology, including:

Natural methods

If you prefer natural birth control methods, consider the natural rhythm method. It involves abstaining from sex during the days you’re most fertile. Your doctor lets you know how to use this method properly, which often includes using at home ovulation test kits or fertility monitors.

Barrier methods

A barrier birth control method is something you use each time you’re sexually active. Examples include sponges, cervical caps, diaphragms, and condoms. These methods often work better than natural rhythm methods for pregnancy prevention but aren’t 100% effective.

Short-acting hormones

Short-acting hormones, such as vaginal rings, shots, patches, pills, and mini pills, are short-term birth-control options that might suit you. 

You must remember to take birth control pills at certain specific time intervals to increase their effectiveness or receive a birth control shot from your doctor every three months.

Hormonal contraception offers certain benefits, including lighter periods, a lower risk of ovarian and uterine cancers, and decreased pain with periods.

Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC)

Long-acting reversible contraceptives, or LARC, are intrauterine devices (Liletta, Paragard, Mirena, Kyleena, or Skyla) or hormonal implants placed beneath the skin (Nexplanon) that can last for 3-10 years, depending on the product you choose. 

Your doctor inserts it one time, so you don’t have to remember to take a pill each month, and removes the device if you’re ready to have a baby. LARC options are over 99% effective.

Sterilization

If you don’t want to have children in the future, your doctor may recommend sterilization if you’re a good candidate for it. Tubal ligation or occlusion and male vasectomies prevent pregnancy for a lifetime through surgery or other procedures.

Don’t let the fear of becoming pregnant stress you out when simple birth control options are within reach. Schedule a consultation with Rockville Gynecology by phone or online today.