With about half of pregnancies in America being unplanned, and unplanned pregnancies carrying higher risks, birth control is vitally important to protect individual, maternal, and infant health. The skilled providers at Georgia Obstetrics and Gynecology can discuss which contraceptive methods would work best for your chosen lifestyle. To learn more about birth control options and schedule an appointment, call the office in Atlanta or Alpharetta, Georgia, or book online today.
How can birth control benefit me?
Whether you prefer to remain child-free or want to have a child at a planned time, birth control is vital to prevent pregnancy. With proper birth control, you can enjoy the full benefits of intimacy.
When taken correctly, many birth control options have a 99% rate of effectiveness. You can also choose options that are easily reversed if you decide to try to become pregnant.
What types of birth control are available?
The team at Georgia Obstetrics and Gynecology personalizes your contraceptive recommendations according to your personal preferences, health, and lifestyle. Your options include short-acting hormonal contraceptives, long-acting reversible methods, and female sterilization.
For example:
- Intrauterine devices (IUDs)
- Birth control pills (“the pill”)
- Implants, such as Nexplanon®
- Tubal ligation
Tubal ligation, or getting your tubes tied, is a permanent form of birth control achieved by blocking or cutting and tying your fallopian tubes. It also lowers your risk for ovarian cancer.
Birth control pills are a convenient oral contraceptive. You take a pill each day at the same time to maintain effectiveness.
Your provider inserts an IUD into your uterus. You can replace these T-shaped devices every 3-10 years, and you can choose from hormonal or non-hormonal (copper) types.
What is the difference between a hormonal and a non-hormonal IUD?
These IUDs differ in whether they rely on hormones or sperm-disruptive materials to prevent conception.
Hormonal IUDs
These devices prevent pregnancy with the progestin hormone levonorgestrel.
Copper IUDs
Copper is naturally toxic to sperm and eggs, and this contraceptive has a thin coil of copper wire as a part of its design. Copper IUDs are an excellent option if you are working with your physician to find a non-hormonal form of birth control.
What form of birth control is best for me?
As you are exploring your birth control options, consider many distinct factors, such as your lifestyle, individual and family goals, health history, and birth control history. If you have a hectic schedule, convenient options like a hormonal implant or IUD may work better for you.
Whether you want children in the future, prefer to remain child-free, or are perfectly satisfied with your family size, you deserve access to the highest standard of care and the most peace of mind.
Invest in your future and learn more about the birth control options available by calling Georgia Obstetrics and Gynecology or requesting an appointment online today.
