Birth Control Options
There are many good options for birth control available, most requiring a presciption, but do not require a pelvic exam (with the exception of the IUD.)
The right birth control for you is the one you choose, because the side effects are acceptable to you. If you try one, and find undesirable side effects, don't give up, we can find one that you will like.
There are many good options for birth control available, most requiring a presciption, but do not require a pelvic exam (with the exception of the IUD.)
The right birth control for you is the one you choose, because the side effects are acceptable to you. If you try one, and find undesirable side effects, don't give up, we can find one that you will like.
- The Pill – oral contraceptive pill: 91% efficacy, take one a day, every day around the same time, side effects generally acceptable. Most young women do not gain weight from the pill, despite popular beliefs.
- The Ring – Nuvaring: 91% efficacy, only once a month. you place the plastic ring in the vagina for 3 weeks, discard for 1 week (when you will get your menses) and then a new ring is replaced. Can have sex with ring in place (or can be removed for up to 3 hours and replaced without losing efficacy.) low hormones, few side fx. Can be inserted with tampon applicator or folded and placed in vagina
- The Patch (Twirla) new patch, use 3 weeks on, one week off, works similar to the pill and ring, best for patients with BMI under 30.
- The Shot – Depot-Provera: 99% efficacy,given every 3 months. Works well, but many unpleasant side effects, including reversible bone loss, depression, acne, hair loss and potential for significant weight gain.
- The IUD – intrauterine device: 99% efficacy, slightly painful insertion. Mirena (progesterone IUD) Lasts 5-7 years, lightens or eradicates menses and cramps. Skyla (smaller progestin IUD - intended for those who've never had children) lasts 3 years, tends to lighten menses and cramps, Kyleena ("Skyla's sister), is also small, yet lasts for 5 years, as it has more progestin in its base. Paragard: (copper IUD): lasts 10 years, can cause menses to be heavier, crampier.
- The Implant – Nexplanon: 99% efficacy, painless, 2 inch rod placed inside your upper arm, under the skin between bicep and tricep, lasts 5 years. Minimal side effects, patients love it's ease of use, convenience. Only downside: unpredictable bleeding pattern (20 days bleeding or spotting/90 days. ) Same # days of bleeding/90 days but irregular: progesterone-only, anyone can use. Upside: 30% of patients will have no period at all. (Unfortunately, we cannot predict those lucky girls!)
- Condoms - alone, 90% efficacious, add spermicide (also over the counter) to increase efficacy to 98%. Work well, without any hormonal side effects. The only birth control method to prevent STDs. (Prevents 100% of HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, but because of genital skin-to-skin contact, is about 70% protective against genital herpes and genital warts.) Don't use with baby oil, coconut oil or the condoms can break. Only contraception that prevents STDs!
- Emergency contraception - Plan B (progesterone pill), take as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse. Can buy over-the-counter (at pharmacy) for young women over age 17. If you have waited, Ella (uliprostal), is more effective than plan B. Needs a called in script by a physician, is up to 98% effective for up to 5 days after unplanned intercourse!
