Contraception

What is contraception?

Contraception, or birth control, involves methods of preventing unwanted or unplanned pregnancies. There are many different forms. The right type depends on your lifestyle and preferences. 

Contraception can dramatically reduce the risk of getting pregnant when used correctly. Bayard Street Obstetrics & Gynecology offers an array of solutions to match your personalized needs.

How does contraception work?

Birth control helps you avoid becoming pregnant by preventing sperm from reaching your eggs, preventing your ovaries from releasing eggs, or damaging sperm so it can’t reach the eggs. Some forms of contraception thicken cervical mucus, preventing sperm from swimming through it, while others alter the thickness of your uterine lining to prevent egg implantation. 

What are the different types of contraception?

The Bayard Street Obstetrics & Gynecology team may suggest one or more of the following forms of contraception:

Barrier methods

Male and female condoms, diaphragms, sponges, and cervical caps help block sperm from reaching your uterus, thereby preventing pregnancy. 

Birth control implant

The birth control implant (Nexplanon®) is a hormonal device that is small and rod-shaped. Your provider places it underneath the skin in your upper arm to release hormones and prevent pregnancy. It must be replaced about every three years.

Intrauterine devices (IUDs)

IUDs contain copper or hormones. They are T-shaped devices that remain in your uterus to prevent pregnancy. Your provider can take an IUD out if you’d like to become pregnant.

Birth control pills

Birth control pills contain hormones that dramatically reduce your risk of becoming pregnant. However, you must take them exactly as instructed to maximize effectiveness. 

Patches

Hormone patches placed directly on your skin can prevent a pregnancy by altering your hormones. 

Vaginal rings

Placing a ring into the vagina releases hormones that help prevent pregnancy. You might leave it in for three weeks at a time, then take the ring out for a week and repeat the process. 

Birth control shot

Injecting hormones into your upper arm or thigh (birth control shot), such as Depo-Provera®, offers protection from pregnancy for about three months at a time.

Natural family planning

Natural family planning at Bayard Street Obstetrics & Gynecology educates you about the times of the month you’re most likely to become pregnant. It helps determine your most fertile days so you can avoid sexual intercourse during this time to try and prevent pregnancy. 

Abstinence

Abstaining from sexual intercourse is the only contraceptive method that is 100% effective during the childbearing years. 

Emergency contraception

Emergency contraception includes taking a morning-after pill or receiving an intrauterine device (IUD) within five days of having unprotected sexual intercourse to prevent pregnancy. 

Sterilization

Sterilization, a tubal ligation in women, is a form of permanent birth control. 

To determine which form of contraception is best for you, schedule an evaluation at Bayard Street Obstetrics & Gynecology by phone or request one online today.