Your Local Reproductive Care Clinic

There are many different types of birth control methods available to you today. To select the one that best suits your needs, your dedicated team at Gynecology Partners offers contraceptive counseling aimed at informing you of your birth control options and helping you determine the form of contraceptive that is the best fit for you.

Following are some of the contraceptive options available to you.

Birth Control Pills

Birth control pills are oral contraceptives that typically contain two hormones: estrogen and progestin, or progestin only. These pills are taken daily and work to prevent a woman’s ovaries from releasing eggs. They also thicken cervical mucus, which blocks sperm from fertilizing an egg. Birth control pills have been shown to be safe with only rare complications and are up to 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. There is a typical use failure rate of about 0.05%.

Intrauterine Device (IUD)

An IUD is a small, flexible T-Shaped device that we insert through the cervical canal into the uterus. In the office procedure, it can be done quickly with minimal discomfort. IUDs such as ParaGard are non-hormonal and feature tiny copper coils that make the environment unfriendly to sperm. Other IUDs such Mirena, Liletta, Kyleena, and Skyla deliver varying amounts of hormone directly to the uterus.

Hormonal IUDs thicken the cervical mucus, preventing sperm from entering the uterus to fertilize an egg. In the unlikely event that sperm is able to fertilize an egg, the IUD’s active ingredients (either the copper or the hormones) make the environment unfriendly to pregnancy implantation.

Many women prefer IUDs because they are 99% effective at preventing pregnancy and last for three years (Skyla) up to 10 years (Paragard). When you are ready to become pregnant, the IUD can easily be removed in the office. IUDs offer an easy set-it-and-forget-it method of contraception that fits well into many women's busy lifestyles. If you are interested in this form of birth control, talk to us about the different types of IUDs during a contraceptive counseling appointment or during your annual examination.

Contraceptive Implants: Nexplanon

Nexplanon is a contraceptive implant that is 99% effective and provides up to three years of continuous birth control. We place it discreetly under the skin of your upper, inner arm. We can remove it in the office when you want to become pregnant. Nexplanon works by delivering a steady, low dose hormone into your bloodstream. The hormone inhibits your ovaries from releasing eggs (ovulation), and also works to thicken the mucus lining of the cervix, making it harder for sperm to move up the cervical canal into the uterus.

Other Types of Contraceptives

There are many other forms of contraceptives including vaginal rings, injections, condoms, and spermicidal foam and gels.

We are here to help you choose the best method for you.

Contraceptive Counseling at Gynecology Partners

Contact us at Gynecology Partners in the Weston, MA area to learn more about your birth control options. Our highly trained and experienced team is here for you every step of the way. We look forward to caring for your every need! Call today to schedule your consultation.