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Birth Control

Choosing a contraceptive method is an important decision. It is best to keep in mind the wishes, fears, and preferences of you and your partner. Though there are several forms of reliable birth control, none of these methods are perfect. It is important to practice safe sex and realize that any of these family planning methods are prone to failure.

Listed below are different forms of both prescription-required and non-prescription required birth control options:

Methods Requiring a Prescription:

• "The Pill" / Oral Contraceptives: Hormones from the pill will prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg, while also thickening the cervical mucous to further prevent sperm from reaching it. It is a contraceptive taken daily.

• "The Shot" / Depo-Provera: This hormone-containing injection suppresses ovulation and thickens cervical mucous. It is a good option for those wishing to avoid using estrogen or taking a daily pill. For the best outcome, the shot should be received every 12 weeks.

• "The Ring" / NuvaRing: A small synthetic ring is inserted into the vagina, and remains in place for three weeks, followed by one week without it. Similarly, the ring uses hormones to prevent ovulation and thicken cervical mucous.

• "The Patch" / Ortho Evra: "The Patch" is a Band-Aid-sized hormone patch that is applied to a designated area of skin. It is changed once a week for three weeks, and followed by one week without. Like the above hormone contraceptives, it stops the ovary from releasing and egg, and also thickens cervical mucous.

• Diaphragm: A diaphragm is a rubber cap that holds spermicidal jelly or cream against the cervix. The diaphragm acts as a physical barrier to keep sperm out of the reproductive tract, while the spermicide acts as a chemical backup to kill any sperm that may have gotten around the rim of the diaphragm.

• "The Implant" / Nexplanon: An implant that is placed just under the skin in the arm to provide up to 3 years of continuous birth control.  Does not contain estrogen and works to prevent pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation and thickening cervical mucous.  The implant is inserted by a trained professional in the office.

• IUD / Skyla, Mirena or Paragard: Intrauterine devices can provide long-term reversible contraception anywhere from 3, 5 to 10 years.  These devices work to prevent pregnancy by inhibiting sperm from fertilizing the egg.  This contraceptive option also does not contain estrogen and Paragard does not contain any hormone (good option for those who cannot take hormone contraceptives).  IUD's are also inserted in the office by a trained professional.

Methods Not Requiring a Prescription:

• Male Condoms: Worn by the male, male condoms act as a physical barrier to keep sperm from entering the female reproductive organs. They can also work to protect against sexually transmitted infections.

• Female Condoms: Female condoms are inserted into the woman's vagina, and prevent sperm from entering the female reproductive organs. Like male condoms, female condoms can prevent sexually transmitted infections.