The birth control pill is a widely used and effective contraceptive method. It involves taking a pill daily, with options that allow you to have a monthly period or reduce your periods to as few as four times a year. When taken consistently and correctly, birth control pills are highly reliable at preventing pregnancy.

These pills contain two hormones, estrogen and progesterone, which work together to prevent ovulation, meaning the release of an egg during your menstrual cycle. Additionally, they thicken cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to reach the uterus.

However, birth control pills may not be suitable for everyone. During your consultation, our gynecologists will assess whether this option is safe for you. Common side effects include breast tenderness, nausea, headaches, and mood changes. It’s also important to note that birth control pills can increase the risk of blood clots or stroke, so keeping your doctor informed about any changes in your medical history is crucial.

If birth control pills are determined to be a good option for you, a prescription can be sent to your chosen pharmacy during your appointment.

Keep in mind that birth control pills do not provide protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Using condoms alongside the pill is an excellent way to add an extra layer of protection.

Depo Provera, commonly referred to as "the shot," is an injection administered every three months. It contains a synthetic hormone similar to progesterone, which is naturally produced during the menstrual cycle. Depo Provera prevents pregnancy by stopping ovulation, thickening cervical mucus to block sperm, and maintaining a thin uterine lining. To ensure its effectiveness, it is important to receive the injection on schedule every three months.

Common side effects of Depo Provera include weight gain, headaches, irregular bleeding, and mood changes.

Schedule an appointment today to find out if Depo Provera is the right birth control method for you! We conveniently have it available onsite, so there’s no need to pick it up from the pharmacy, making it quick and easy to get started.

Please note that Depo Provera does not protect against sexually transmitted infections, so using condoms along with the shot is a great way to enhance protection.

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are small, T-shaped devices inserted into the uterus by a physician to prevent pregnancy. They are over 99% effective and come in four types, all available at our office.

Mirena

The Mirena is a plastic IUD that contains 52 mg of levonorgestrel, a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone. It is FDA-approved for up to 5 years but can be removed at any time. Common side effects include irregular bleeding and mood changes. Many women find their periods become lighter or even stop altogether. Mirena is also approved for women with heavy or painful periods.

Kyleena

The Kyleena is slightly smaller than the Mirena and contains a lower dose of levonorgestrel, at 19.5 mg. It is approved for up to 5 years and is ideal for women seeking effective birth control with the lowest possible dose of hormones.

Skyla

Skyla is the smallest IUD, designed with women who have never had children in mind. It contains 13.5 mg of levonorgestrel and is FDA-approved for up to 3 years.

Paragard

The Paragard IUD is made of copper and does not contain any hormones. It is approved for up to 10 years of use. The most common side effect is heavier or longer periods. Paragard is an excellent choice for women who want long-term birth control without hormones or cannot use hormonal methods due to medical conditions.

What to Expect with IUDs

IUD placement may cause cramping and discomfort during the procedure and for a few days after. Rare risks include expulsion (where the IUD falls out), migration (where the IUD moves into the abdominal cavity), or ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy outside the uterus). These risks are uncommon, and we have on-site sonographers who can perform an ultrasound immediately if there are concerns.

Our skilled physicians are experienced in placing all types of IUDs and will help you decide which option suits your needs. Unlike many offices, we keep all IUD types in stock, ensuring no delays caused by insurance ordering.

Most insurance plans cover IUDs, and we can help you verify your coverage. If you have questions, want to schedule an appointment, or have concerns about an IUD placed elsewhere, we can perform an exam and ultrasound to ensure it is correctly positioned.

Please note that IUDs do not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Using condoms alongside your IUD provides extra protection!

If you are considering permanent sterilization, such as tubal ligation, schedule an appointment to explore your options with our physicians. Permanent sterilization is intended for women who are confident they do not want to have children in the future.

The procedure involves a minor surgery to cut, remove, burn, or block the fallopian tubes, effectively preventing pregnancy. Because these procedures are irreversible, they are not suitable for women who may want to have children later in life.

If you’re certain about your decision, contact us to discuss your options with a physician today!

Emergency contraception is a medication designed to help prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. One common form is the morning-after pill, often referred to as Plan B. This pill contains a dose of progesterone, a hormone that occurs naturally in the body, and works by delaying ovulation—the release of an egg from the ovary. Plan B is available over the counter at many pharmacies or with a prescription. When taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex, it is over 95% effective at preventing pregnancy. A pregnancy test is recommended two weeks after taking the pill, as there is still a small chance of becoming pregnant. It’s important to note that the morning-after pill is not the same as the abortion pill and will not work if you are already pregnant.

Common side effects include nausea, headaches, and irregular bleeding, and your next period may be delayed.

The morning-after pill is intended for occasional, emergency use and should not be used as a regular form of contraception. If you find yourself needing it more than once a month, consider making an appointment to explore other birth control options.

Another effective emergency contraception option is the copper IUD, such as Paragard. If inserted within five days of unprotected sex, it is over 98% effective at preventing pregnancy. This is a great choice for those who desire long-term birth control.

If you’ve had unprotected sex or experienced a condom failure, call us to schedule an appointment and discuss your options!

A diaphragm is a flexible, soft rubber cap that is inserted into the vagina to cover the cervix before sexual activity, creating a barrier that prevents sperm from reaching the uterus. To increase its effectiveness, a spermicidal jelly is applied to the diaphragm before use.

A proper fit is essential, so a physician must measure and fit the diaphragm to ensure it completely covers the cervix and provides reliable protection against pregnancy.