Contraception Methods & Options

Contraception Methods & Options

When you are in need of contraception advice, Advanced Women's Healthcare in Bloomington, IL has a team of medical professionals who can recommend and prescribe, when necessary, the contraception methods of your choice.

Hormonal Methods of Contraception

There are two types of hormonal contraception; short-acting and long-acting. Short-acting contraception includes birth control pills, patches, vaginal rings, and shots. Long-term hormonal reversible contraception includes IUDs and implants.

With short-acting hormonal contraception methods, you need to be actively involved. You need to remember to take your birth control pill every day, change your patch or ring every month and get your shot every three months. Long-term contraceptives are more of a set-it-and-forget-it. The IUD is implanted in the uterus and the implant in your arm, and they will continue to provide protection for 2-10 years and are 99% effective.

Not everyone is a good candidate for hormonal methods of contraception. Some health conditions make using this method the wrong choice. If that is the case, other options can be explored if you don't want to become pregnant.

Barrier Methods

Barrier methods are designed to keep the sperm from getting to the egg and there are a few options including, male condoms, female condoms, and OTC spermicide in the form of gel or foam. Barrier methods are not as effective as other methods available when used alone. When you combine the condom with the foam or gel, it increases its effectiveness. Condoms also offer protection from sexually transmitted diseases.

Permanent Birth Control

If you are certain that you will not want to become pregnant, there are permanent options that can be explored. For males, the option is a vasectomy. In this procedure, which is minimally invasive, the tubes that carry the sperm to the semen are cut or cauterized. This keeps sperm from flowing and is very effective. You must still use protection for a while so that any sperm that was already in the tube can pass. It may be possible to reverse this procedure, but it should be thought of as permanent.

For women, the fallopian tubes are cut or blocked to stop the eggs from getting out of the ovaries. This is a permanent solution, and if you have a change of mind, the chances of a successful reversal are not good.

Making a contraceptive choice is a very important decision and one you should discuss with your OB-GYN. Any health condition issues that you may have or risk factors need to be taken into consideration when choosing the best for you.

Contact Advanced Women's Healthcare in Bloomington, IL for contraception advice. You can make an appointment for a consultation by calling (309) 808-3068.