W

{Birth Control}

 

 

Birth control options provided at W Gynecology include the following:

 

• Oral Contraceptive Pills

• Nuvaring

• Depo-Provera

• Nexplanon

• Mirena IUD

• Paragard IUD

• Barrier Methods

• Sterilization (Including Essure)

 

We will be happy to discuss numerous birth control options with you at your visit.   We will provide information about each option to help you make an informed decision about which contraceptive method will work best for you.  Hormonal contraception is available in different forms, including a pill, mini-pill, patch, vaginal ring, injection, and implantable rod. The birth control pill, patch, and ring contain two hormones, estrogen and progesterone.  The injection, rod, and mini-pill contain only progesterone.

 

Oral Contraceptive Pills

The birth control pill is taken daily and depending on the pill used, your period may occur monthly, once every three months, or can be skipped completely. There are many different brands of birth control pills, including less expensive generic alternatives.

 

NuvaRing

NuvaRing delivers the same hormones as the birth control pill through the vaginal skin and is left in place three consecutive weeks, then taken out the fourth week for your period to begin.  After the fourth week, a new ring is inserted.  For additional information, visit www.nuvaring.com.

 

Depo-Provera

DepoProvera is an injection that is given every 3 months. 

 

Nexplanon

Nexplanon is a single rod that is placed under the skin of the upper arm. It provides birth control for 3 years.  For additional information, visit www.nexplanon.com.

 

Mini Pill

The Mini-pill is similar to the birth control pill except that it doesn’t contain estrogen. It can be given to breastfeeding mothers and those who cannot take estrogen.

 

Mirena IUD

The Mirena Intrauterine Device (IUD) is available through our office. This IUD is plastic and has the hormone progesterone embedded within it, which creates shorter, lighter, and sometimes absent periods. The IUD is inserted into the uterus in the office and once placed, the Mirena IUD is effective for up to five years. For additional information, visit www.mirena.com.

 

Paragard IUD

The Paragard Intrauterine Device (IUD) is available through our office. This IUD is copper and is a non-hormonal form of birth control. The IUD is inserted into the uterus in the office and once placed, the Paragard IUD is effective for up to ten years. For additional information, visit www.paragard.com.

 

Barrier Methods

Barrier methods block sperm from reaching the uterus decreasing the risk of pregnancy. Types of barriers are the diaphragm, cervical cap, contraceptive sponge, male condom, and female condom. The addition of spermicide helps to prevent pregnancy by killing the sperm. Barrier methods are the best defense against sexually transmitted infections, the male condom being the most effective. For additional information, visit www.plannedparenthood.org.

 

Sterilization

Permanent sterilization includes tubal ligation, tubal occlusion, and vasectomy. We commonly call this "having your tubes tied". These methods are for women that are certain they do not want any more children. W Gynecology offers sterilization for women including laparoscopic tubal ligation, post-partum tubal ligation, and Essure tubal occlusion.

 

• A laparoscopic tubal ligation is done in the operating room under anesthesia. The tubes are blocked by bands placed through small incisions in your abdomen. This is typically a same-day surgery.

 

• A Postpartum tubal ligation is typically done the day after a regular delivery through an incision beneath the belly button. This is done under spinal anesthesia. Tubes can also be tied during a Cesarean section.

 

• An Essure tubal occlusion is done in the operating room under anesthesia. It is done without incisions by placing a camera through the cervical opening and blocking each tube with a coil. This procedure requires follow up 3 months later with an x-ray procedure to confirm that the tubes are blocked. Essure tubal occlusions are typically same-day surgeries. For additional information, visit www.essure.com.

 

• We are happy to provide referrals for male partners who are interested in having a vasectomy. For additional information, visit www.vasectomy.com.

 

Each of these forms of birth control have different risks and benefits. It is important to choose a birth control based on your medical history. Please contact your provider to discuss if any of these options are right for you. Additional information on birth control methods can be found at www.plannedparenthood.org.