Birth Control Specialist

What is birth control?

Simply put birth control is a method of preventing pregnancy. This can be done in a variety of ways ranging from condoms and diaphragms, pills, patches, injections, vaginal rings, and intrauterine devices(IUD) to complete sterilization.

What side effects can birth control cause?

Side effects during the use of birth control are common but will usually go away within a 1-3 months. Some common side effects are:

• Intermenstrual spotting
• Nausea
• Breast tenderness
• Headaches
• Mood change
• Missed periods
• Increased or decreased libido
• Vaginal discharge

What is the best form birth control for me?

Birth control can be split into 3 categories in terms of time: short term, long term, and permanent. Dr. Lingenfelter will discuss what method of birth control will be best for you based on your lifestyle and other health factors. The most common form of short-acting birth control is the pill. The pill is taken every to help regulate hormone and prevent the movement of eggs.

What are some forms of long-acting birth control?

Dr. Lingenfelter can help you decide which is birth control is right for you based on health factors, sexual activity, partners, and desire to become pregnant. Some long term options to consider are:

• Intrauterine Device (IUD) is an IUD is a small T-shaped device that’s placed inside the uterus. It’s one of the most popular forms of long-acting, reversible birth control. Even after a long period of time, normal function will return to the woman after removing an IUD.
• Nexplanon is a form of birth control that implements the implantation of a small tube-like device under the skin in the upper arm area. The device slowly releases the hormone progestogen which stops the release of an egg while also making the cervix form a mucus to prevent the entry of sperm. This method of birth control is effective for up to 4 years.
• Depo-Provera, administered via injection, Depo is effective for up to 3 months. Depo works in a similar manner to the pill by utilizing the hormone progestin to prevent ovulation. While not permanent, it can take up to 10 months after taking Depo to get pregnant.

I have no desire to have children, what are my options?

If you have no desire to have children, a couple forms of birth control to use are:

• Tubal ligation is a procedure by which the fallopian tubes, the pathway for eggs, are tied, cut or blocked. Tubal ligation is considered a permanent method of birth control due to the difficulty of reversing the procedure.
• Essure works by inserting a specially designed coil into the fallopian tubes. This coil causes the tissue to develop fibroids, or growths, that close the tubing blocking eggs from passing. Essure is sometimes preferred over tubal ligation as it can be performed without extensive surgery requiring incisions to the body.