Birth Control Specialist
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Womens Health Care, PC
OB/GYN & Integrative Medicine located in Richmond Hill, NY & Elmhurst, NY
When it comes to effective birth control, you have many options. At Womens Health Care, PC, Rehana Sajjad, MD, FACOG, and her team of OB/GYN and integrative medicine providers help women of all ages in Richmond Hill and Elmhurst, New York, and the nearby areas, decide on the best type of birth control for their lifestyles. Whether you choose from long-acting birth control to prevent pregnancy or a more temporary option, the team at Womens Health Care, PC, educates you about the available options. Call to schedule a consultation or book an appointment online.
Birth Control Q & A
What types of birth control are available?
Women and men have several different options for birth control and most of them fall into one of the following categories:
- Barrier methods
- Hormonal ovulation prevention
- Egg implantation prevention
- Female sterilization (tubal ligation)
- Male sterilization (vasectomy)
Barrier methods are any type of birth control that prevents sperm from reaching an egg, including condoms and diaphragms. Birth control pills contain hormones that prevent ovulation, so your body doesn’t release an egg each month.
Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are small T-shaped devices that prevent pregnancy by making it hard for sperm to fertilize an egg and for an egg to implant itself into the uterine lining.
When used properly, many birth control methods are more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
Female and male sterilization are surgical birth control methods that you typically choose when you’re done having children.
How should I choose a birth control method?
Choosing a birth control method that works best for you and your partner is a personal decision. Your OB/GYN counsels you regarding options based on your lifestyle, overall health, and contraception goals. To help your doctor understand what’s important to you when it comes to birth control methods, consider the following:
- How often you have sex
- Potential side effects
- Your comfort level with each method
- Effectiveness of each method
It’s also important to think about if you’re planning a pregnancy in the near future or several years out. That may make a difference in whether or not an IUD is the best option at this time in your life.
How does an IUD prevent pregnancy?
If you know you don’t want to become pregnant for three years or longer, an IUD may be an ideal method of contraception. IUDs make it difficult for sperm to fertilize an egg in one of two ways, either with hormones or copper. IUDs that release the hormone progestin cause the cervical mucus to thicken, making it harder for sperm to fertilize an egg. The copper in a hormone-free IUD interferes with the sperm’s movement, also making it harder for them to reach an egg.
Most IUDs are effective for 3-10 years. Some of them may also help relieve painful and heavy periods and other menstrual symptoms.
The best way to learn which birth control method is right for you is to schedule a consultation at Womens Health Care, PC. Your doctor takes the time to answer all your questions and recommend birth control options that you’re comfortable using.
Call the office that’s most convenient to your home or office, or request an appointment online today.
