Birth Control Q & A

What is birth control?

Also called contraception, birth control is any medication, device, or method you use to prevent pregnancy. If you’re sexually active and don’t want to have a baby, you need to use birth control. There are many types of birth control available today, including:

Permanent birth control

Permanent birth control, or sterilization, is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy for the rest of your life. This method requires a surgical or medical procedure, such as tubal ligation or a vasectomy for males.

Long-acting reversible contraceptives

Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) include intrauterine devices (IUDs) like Mirena® and birth control implants such as Nexplanon®. After your doctor inserts one of these devices, they prevent pregnancy for 3-10 years without any further action from you. LARC methods are more than 99% effective.

Short-acting hormonal methods

These methods include the birth control pill, patch, and vaginal ring. You need to take a pill every day and change your ring or patch on a monthly basis. These methods are 91% effective at preventing pregnancy.

What is the birth control implant?

The team at Coeur OBGYN offers the Nexplanon birth control implant. This LARC method is extremely effective at preventing pregnancy and is one of the easiest forms of birth control to use. After your provider inserts the implant beneath the skin on your upper arm, you have continuous, reliable birth control for up to three years.

Nexplanon releases a steady, low dose of hormones that prevent your ovaries from releasing eggs. As one of the most effective forms of contraception available, Nexplanon offers the convenience of not having to worry about your birth control.

How can I tell what type of birth control is best for me?

The team at Coeur OBGYN offers birth control counseling to help you make an informed decision about birth control. The type that’s best for you depends on personal factors, such as whether or not you want to have children in the near or distant future.

Your provider at Coeur OBGYN explains the benefits and risks of each type of birth control so you can choose what you want to try. Keep in mind that condoms are the only form of birth control that prevents STDs. To protect yourself from STDs, you must use a latex condom every time you have sex.

To learn more about birth control, call Coeur OBGYN or book an appointment online today.